The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Oct. 31, 2022

SEVEN YEARS AGO
OCT. 22, 2015

Bolton throws for three TDs: Tenth-ranked Sparta Academy’s varsity football team dropped to 7-3 overall and to 4-2 in region play Friday night after a 26-16 loss to South Choctaw Academy in Toxey.
Sparta quarterback Hunter Bolton led Sparta’s offense with 11 pass completions for 228 yards and three touchdowns. Lanse Robbins led Sparta’s defense with 12 tackles, and Ethan Tyree followed with seven stops.
(Other top Sparta players in that game included Austin Cain, Tyler Davis, Darin Draper, Taylor Kendrick, Zane Lambert, Peyton McCraney, Stone Riley and Griffin Weaver.)

King throws for 383 yards: Hillcrest High School’s varsity football team dropped to 5-4 on the season Friday night with a 43-21 loss to Saraland High School in Saraland.
Jamichael King led Hillcrest with 20 pass completions for 383 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for a touchdown in the game.
Rajos Smith and Latreal McCreary led the defense with one quarterback sack each, and (Tyrell) Riley added an interception.
(Other top Hillcrest players in that game included Javorious Betts, Mikyle Dees and Dallarrish Richardson.)

Kenny Heath won this 308 Tika T3 rifle by Sako during a recent fundraiser held by the Evergreen Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and William C. Till of Georgiana won the drawing for a 65-quart Yeti cooler. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the NWTF Chapter’s “Jakes Day” event, which is scheduled for Nov. 14, NWTF spokeswoman Kaye Hall said.

33 YEARS AGO
OCT. 25, 1990

Freshman strong safety Russel Meeks, six-foot-one, 195 pounds, of Evergreen is a member of the East Central Community College football squad for the 1990 season. The Warriors are coached by A.J. Kilpatrick (head coach), Tony Triplett and Brad Bradshaw. East Central is located in Decatur, Miss.

Sparta Warriors beat Grove Hill: The Sparta Academy Warriors defeated the Grove Hill Academy Rebels, 20-13, Friday night here at Stuart-McGehee Field.
(Top Sparta players in that game included Jeff Brundage, Steven Gall, Mike Riley, Tim Salter and Mark Watts.)

Hillcrest wins over Atmore 16-13: The Hillcrest Jaguars, behind the powerful running of John Gulley, ran their record to 5-2 with a come from behind win, over the Atmore Blue Devils by the score of 15-13.
John Gulley proved to be the difference as he rushed for 158 yards on 35 carries to key the win.
(Other top Hillcrest players in that game included Marcus Rogers and Bryant Richardson.)

Cynthia Pugh reigned as Miss Football at homecoming activities at Hillcrest High School Friday.

57 YEARS AGO
OCT. 28, 1965

Whippets wallop Evergreen 19-0: Frisco City’s talented backfield led the Whippets to a 19-0 win over Evergreen, now 0-6 for the season.
Bubba Faulkner, who replaced injured Glenn Bolton, passed with precision but couldn’t find anyone who would hang onto the ball. Lavon Tolbert, a sophomore halfback, came through with some nifty running to keep the Aggie offense alive.
On defense, Tommy Hartley, Bob Tanner and Jack White all but handled the Whippets by themselves. Roger Waller, a newcomer to the ranks, added several fine plays to the defensive effort and being only in junior high, seems to be a bright prospect.

Repton defeated by McKenzie, 26-20: The Repton Bulldogs were defeated Friday night by the McKenzie 11 at Repton by the score of 26-20.
Halfback Barry Backwell started the scoring for the Bulldogs with a touchdown in the first quarter. Fullback Larry Baggett made the PAT. McKenzie made a touchdown in the first quarter also.
Halfback Terry Andrews made a touchdown in the second quarter for the Bulldogs. McKenzie made a touchdown in the second quarter and completed the PAT.
There was no scoring made in the third quarter. Halfback Terry Andrews made a touchdown in the fourth quarter with Frank Watson making the PAT for the Bulldogs. McKenzie made two touchdowns in the fourth quarter with one PAT.
Repton’s homecoming is Friday night when they play Dozier.

82 YEARS AGO

OCT. 31, 1940

Here Is One Fish Tale Not To Be Scoffed At: Fish tales may come and fish tales may go, but there will never be another fish tale like this one, in fact, it is a record.
C.N. Stallworth, John Goodwin, J.H. Robison and Dr. R.W. Stallworth, all of Evergreen, put out from Bear Point Fishing Lodge south of Foley Wednesday morning in a boat piloted by Rufus Walker. The party made for the Gulf and in four hours of fishing Mr. Stallworth said they landed a total of 60 redfish weighing 1,300 pounds.
To satisfy the dubious, the party brought the evidence home with them and stored it in the local ice house. It took a truck to transport the fish from Foley to Evergreen.
“And,” adds Mr. Cal, “that day was said to have been a bad day for fishing.”

Local Band To Play In Blue-Gray Classic: The 43-piece Evergreen High School Band has accepted an invitation to participate in the annual Blue-Gray parade and football classic to be held in Montgomery on Dec. 28. The band is under the direction of Mr. George Printz and has made remarkable progress since their organization a year ago. The band anticipates buying new uniforms before their departure to the Capitol city and will truly be a credit to their school and to their town when they strut before the throngs that are expected to attend the classic.
The City of Evergreen has been formally invited to attend the event, and the Rotary Club, along with other civic organizations, are working towards preparing a float to enter the parade in Montgomery on that day. The float will be constructed to depict Evergreen’s slogan, “Evergreen Decorates America.”

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

32 YEARS AGO
OCT. 25, 1990

ARN opens officially: Several thousand people went out to Alabama River Newsprint Co.’s mill at Claiborne last Thursday for speeches and congratulatory remarks, barbecue, music and mill tours.
Speakers at the noon grand-opening ceremony for the plant, which made its first newsprint July 6, included top officers of the two firms that went into partnership to build the mill: Linn Macdonald, executive vice president of Abitibi-Price, Inc., and George F. Landegger, chairman of the board of Parsons & Whittemore, Inc., which is also the parent company of Alabama River Pulp Co. and Alabama River Pine Pulp Co., now under construction.

Excel upends county rival Frisco City 33-0: Ten different running backs carried the football, and five different players scored touchdowns for Excel High School Friday in Frisco City when the Panthers pounded arch-rival Frisco City High School 33-0.
(Steve) Goodman was Excel’s leading rusher. He had 75 yards on eight totes. Kendall Dees led Excel’s defense with nine tackles, including four sacks.
Frisco’s freshman quarterback Tony Gibbs finished the contest with four completions for 94 yards. A.J. White was in on 18 tackles for Frisco City.
(Other top Excel players in that game included Chad Addison, Rodney Carroll, Michael Hanks, Steven Ledkins, Bryan Luker, Tony Maye, Chris McCall, Dennis Parker and Mack Ross. Other top Frisco players included Adrian Bullard, Jason Johnson, Bart McCrory, Shannon Richardson and Larry Shirley. Bo Bishop was Excel’s head coach, and Scott Fountain was Frisco’s head coach.)

57 YEARS AGO
OCT. 28, 1965

RECEIVES APPOINTMENT: Ralph Jones of Monroeville received notice Tuesday of his appointment as circuit solicitor of the newly created 35^th Judicial Circuit, composed of Monroe and Conecuh counties. The appointment, made by Gov. Wallace, was effective Monday. Mr. Jones, serving as state representative for Monroe County at the time of the appointment, was solicitor for three terms from 1935 to 1946 for a circuit composed of Baldwin, Escambia, Monroe and Conecuh counties. The vacancy to the House of Representatives will have to be filled by a general election and cannot be filled by appointment.

Grove Hill Scores Late To Tie Monroeville 7-7: The Grove Hill Bulldogs drove 61 yards to score with only 43 seconds remaining in the game and added the extra point to tie previously undefeated and untied Monroe County High 7 to 7 last Friday night.
(Monroe County’s only touchdown came on a one-yard run by Johnny Brannon in the third quarter, and Mike Segers added the extra point. Other top MCHS players in that game included Randy McDonald and Benny Ray Powell.)

Changing National Guard Unit To Quartermaster Corps Is Set: Revamping of the Monroeville National Guard unit was announced this week with the unit being changed from a combat military police group to a quartermaster unit. The change will become effective Nov. 1.
SFC George B. Singleton, administrator of the local outfit, said under the quartermaster command, the Monroeville unit will be responsible for maintaining petroleum pipeline stations for mechanized army units.

82 YEARS AGO
OCT. 31, 1940

Pecan Shelling Plant Open For Business: Mr. A.L. Shell announced Wednesday that the Monroeville Pecan Shelling Plant is now open for business. About 15 of the latest units in pecan shelling machinery are in operation and employment is being given to 12 to 15 people. This company will buy pecans from the growers in Monroe and adjoining counties and will pay market prices for pecans of all grades.

Several City Streets Are To Be Paved: More street paving is in prospect for Monroeville, according to Mayor Hendrix.
The first street to be paved will be the one leading from the Montgomery highway, beginning at the J.A. Lazenby residence, and connecting with the Camden highway.
Also, the street beginning at Mt. Pleasant Street running west from the W.H. Sellers Store to the next corner and north to connect with the Claiborne highway. The street will also be paved on the north and east sides of the High School building.
In the southern part of town, it is planned to pave all streets in the Monvil Park addition.
The present project has been extended to include a paved surface from the Manistee & Repton Railroad to the property line of the Ice Plant and Sheffield Repair Shop.

R.K. Thames Sells Monroeville Bus Lines: Mr. R.K. Thames has sold his bus lines and all equipment to Mr. H.K. Livingston of Montgomery, and Mr. Livingston has already taken charge of operations on the lines between Monroeville and Mobile, Montgomery and Selma, and between Atmore and Pensacola. Mr. Thames has operated bus service out of Monroeville for the past 10 years.

107 YEARS AGO
OCT. 28, 1915

HIGH SCHOOL NOTES: On account of the Monroe County Fair, the rules were suspended on Tuesday afternoon from three o’clock until six, and from one until six on Wednesday afternoon. The students gathered in a body and marched to the courthouse square and gave a yell for the Monroe County High School, after which they disbanded and enjoyed the afternoon with relatives on the fair grounds.

W.O.W. Monument Unveiled: There were nearly 300 people who witnessed the unveiling ceremonies Sunday afternoon by the Woodmen of the World of the monument erected by the order in honor of James H. Andrews, who it will be remembered, was killed in September 1914.
The special feature of the occasion was the splendid an impressive address by Dr. William A. Lovett of Tunnel Springs. Dr. Lovett is a Past Consul Commander of Magic City Camp No. 4, Birmingham, perhaps the largest camp in the state, having more than 1,000 members, and is also a Past Head Manager of the Head Camp of Alabama.
This is the first unveiling ceremony ever held by the local camp, and they acquitted themselves splendidly, carrying out every detail of the ritualistic work in an impressive manner.

Mr. Horace Ryland died at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ryland, near town, on Mon., Oct. 25, after a protracted illness, aged about 30 years. Deceased was an excellent young man and esteemed by all who knew him. The funeral took place on Tuesday at the Baptist cemetery with Masonic honors.

132 YEARS AGO
OCT. 31, 1890

Our sanctum was honored with the presence of Maj. Chas. L. Scott, ex-minister to Venezuela, and late of Mobile, but who, we are happy to know, is henceforth again to be a citizen of Monroe. By birth a Virginian, a Californian by residence and an Alabamian by adoption, Maj. Scott said that on his return from Venezuela he spent much time endeavoring to decide where he should locate, but after the grand Democratic victory achieved at the August election, all doubts were removed, and he determined to cast his lot with Old Monroe, and live, die and be buried in the grandest country he has found in all his travels.

Among the points selected for taking river observations in Alabama authorized by the Chief Signal Officer, General Greely, are, on the Alabama River at Montgomery, Selma and Claiborne Landing. Montgomery is the center at which the reports from these stations will be received. The service will begin as soon as river gauges are built and observers secured.

Messrs. D.J. Hatter & Son had the misfortune to have a small break in their mill dam on Sunday last, caused by defective construction by former workmen. They have gone to work with their characteristic energy, and in a few days the damage will be repaired, and they will again be ready to accommodate their patrons.

The Monroeville Academy is flourishing. If the attendance continues to increase, of which there is a strong probability, it will be necessary to employ another assistant. Parents and pupils seem to be satisfied with Prof. S.C. Jenkins and his accomplished assistant, Miss Imie Russell.

Singleton thinks back on old-timey farming methods of the 1930s

(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 “Smiling mule proves farming has changed” was originally published in the Feb. 19, 1976 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

When one looks back a few years and thinks about the many changes that have taken place in our methods of farming, he is amazed.

Our modern know-how and the latest methods of cultivation are a far cry from what farming was when I was growing up on a farm.

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to observe some of this modern farming first-hand. As I was traveling near Bermuda, I came upon a good friend of mine, Darryl Watson, who was breaking land.

He was preparing the land for the planting season, which will soon be upon us. As I stood there and marveled at the new farming machinery before me, thoughts filled my mind of the many changes that have taken place in the past 30 years.

Making a round

After admiring this new machinery, Darryl insisted that I make a round or two with this engineering marvel.

I climbed up and stepped into the air-conditioned compartment where the operator sat. As I sat down in the plush seat, with the cool air blowing on me and the stereo playing soft music that anyone would like to listen to, I thought of the long cotton rows that I remembered as a boy.

As I headed the huge tractor toward the other side of the field, I thought of that tough-mouthed mule and his contrariness that tested my patience to the limits of my soul.

I thought of the long, hot days that never seem to end as I guided the huge machine with one finger. I thought of the aches and pain that were present when the day was finished after a day in the field.

Humor and laughter

I thought also of the humor and laughter that was associated with the plowing of a stubborn, flop-eared mule.

Just a short distance from where I grew up, there lived a man who was unique by all standards when it came to plowing a mule.

Many times I have been scolded and on occasion, spanked, for slipping and hiding in the fence row and listening to the language that would put a seasoned seafaring man to shame. His vocabulary was one that would almost scorch the hair on the back of that mule that he was plowing.

Not only was his language original, but he was a stubborn as the animal he was lecturing to.

One day as the old gentleman was laying by some corn that was near a favorite hiding place of mine, I observed the following drama that took place in the all corn before me.

No muzzle

In those days it was customary to put a muzzle on a mule when you plowed one around anything that was tall enough for the mule to bite.

But not this fellow. Each time his mule took a bite of the tall corn, he would let loose with a volley of his original cuss words. He would then slap the mule viciously across the back with the plow line.

As he was making his turn at the end of the last row, the old mule reached out and bit a large stalk of corn.

This time the old man didn’t say a word. He stopped, and with great care rolled up his shirt sleeve. He calmly walked around in front of the mule and hit him square in the mouth as hard as he could.

Smiling mule

The language that came forth was beyond belief. While he jumped up and down and slung his hurt fingers, he got even madder. All at once, he raced around to the left side of the mule and gave him a sound kick up near the shoulder.

As the old man’s foot came down, his shoe heel caught behind the trace chain. There he hung, with one foot high in the air and the other lodged in the harness.

The mule turned and looked directly at the old man hanging there. And if there is such a thing as a gray mule smiling, this one did.

Yes, sir, farming surely has changed.

(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.)

Should you stay away from Nancy Mountain on Halloween?

Halloween will come to pass on Monday, and all week I’ve been asking myself one question: What’s the “spookiest” place in all of Monroe County?

If I had to pin it down to just once place, I’d say its Nancy Mountain. Located near the Davis Ferry at Haines Island, just off County Road 17 at Franklin, it’s not just creepy, it’s also the home to one of the county’s most enduring ghost stories, the story of “Crazy Nancy.”

Variations of this ghost story exist, but the most common version says that the ghost of a woman, “Crazy Nancy” or “Aunt Nancy” or “Nancy Haines,” can be seen walking up and down the hill to Davis Ferry in hopes of meeting her son and husband who were killed in the War Between the States, never to return. Witnesses say that this female phantom is seen walking with a lantern (or long walking stick) in one hand and with a bucket of water in the other.

According to paranormal investigator George B. Singleton’s book, “Of Foxfire and Phantom Soldiers,” you’ll know this spirit by her long, gingham dress, her old bonnet and the long, white hair that hangs out the back of her bonnet and all the way down to her waist. In addition to his book, Singleton wrote about Nancy Mountain numerous times over the years in his popular weekly Monroe Journal column, “Somewhere in Time.” Many readers will remember Singleton, who lived in Monroeville and passed away in 2007.

A little over six years ago, my son James and I spent an entire night on Nancy Mountain. We camped out in a simple tent and turned in after a hot meal cooked over a small campfire. For the record, we never saw “Crazy Nancy,” but it was a memorable trip.

The most memorable thing that I took away from that long night is that Nancy Mountain is the darkest place that I have ever been in my life. We pitched our tent in the woods, about 75 yards from the road, and it was an overcast, moonless night. Around 3 a.m., a noise – probably an armadillo – woke me up, and without turning on my flashlight, I unzipped the tent.

I peered out of the tent and down the trail in the direction of my truck, but I couldn’t see anything. It was pitch black dark, so dark that I literally could not see my hand in front of my face. It was like my eyes were closed. It was like being blind.

I honestly did not know that anywhere outdoors could be so absolutely devoid of all light. Take my word for it when I say that when it gets dark on Nancy Mountain, it gets dark with a capital “D.”

In the end, it would be interesting to hear from any readers who have had their own unusual experiences on Nancy Mountain. No doubt many of you have been there late at night, and some of you may have seen something out of the ordinary. With that said, if I could give you any words of friendly advice, it would be to think long and hard about staying away from Nancy Mountain on Halloween.

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

Coy Railroad Crossing

This coming Monday is Halloween and in the spirit of that creepy holiday, I present to you my seventh annual list of the “Spookiest Places in Wilcox County.”

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

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

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

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

4. Coy Railroad Crossing: Located on County Road 13, stories about the haunted railroad crossing at Coy vary, but sources say that a group of children died in a tragic bus accident there in the 1950s. Now, the story goes, if you visit the crossing late at night, you can hear the sounds of children playing and laughing on the tracks. Others say that if you visit the crossing late at night or early in the morning, you can actually see the ghosts of children playing there.

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

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

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

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

Wilcox County, Alabama News Flashback for Oct. 26, 2022

81 YEARS AGO

Hank Williams and the Drifting Cowboys

OCT. 23, 1941

Hank Williams Cowboys: Hank Williams and his cowboys will present a program of cowboy hillbilly music and song at the Camden school auditorium Friday night, Oct. 31. The program is sponsored by the PTA. The public is invited to attend, enjoy a good program and help the PTA.

Cotton Ginning Report For Wilcox County: Census report shows that 4,994 bales of cotton were ginned in Wilcox County from the crop of 1941 prior to Oct. 1 as compared with 3,213 bales for the crop of 1940. – W.H. Spier, Special Agent.

Football News: Camden defeated Pine Hill Friday, Oct. 10, 46-0. The success of the game can be determined from the score.
Camden was defeated by Jackson, 56-7. From the standpoint of the score the game wasn’t so good, but the boys played magnificently. We must keep in mind that Jackson has a much larger school than we have so naturally they would have a stronger football team. Their men out-weighed ours from 15 to 25 pounds.

Halloween Party: There will be a Halloween party at McWilliams Schoolhouse Thursday night, Oct. 23. Time 7:30 o’clock. Everybody is invited to come and join the fun.

Byron B. Williamson Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. B.B. Williamson of Pine Apple, was selected by the Alabama chapter of Alpha Zeta to represent the chapter at the Youth section of American Country Life Association to be held in Nashville, Tenn. Oct. 22-25.

91 YEARS AGO
OCT. 22, 1931

Football: Camden ran into too much opposition last Friday and lost the football game with Evergreen by a score of 54-0. The Evergreen farmers were too much for Camden players especially in their aerial attack. Not a great deal of ground was gained on the Camden team by running players. Camden journeys to Hayneville next Friday to engage the Hayneville High School football team in a tussle. The Hayneville team has played four games this season without a defeat. Camden proposes to make their score in games four-one after next Friday. All supporters are urged to make the trip with the boys and carry players.

GINNERS REPORT: There were 5,517 bales of cotton, counting round as half bales, ginned in Wilcox County from the crop of 1931 prior to Oct. 1, 1931 as compared with 7,004 bales ginned to Oct. 1, 1930. – M.C. Jones, Agent.

Be sure to come to the American Legion Auxiliary Halloween party Friday. Where? Don’t you know? At the Masonic Hall.

Wilcox County Fair: The Wilcox County Fair, held Oct. 15-18, has just closed with success. Twenty-three club exhibits, five schools, two added features were eight pens of two breeds of hogs, and a “one horse farmers booth fighting the high cost of living.” There were 35 different agricultural products canned and grown on the farm, represented in this booth. There were eight breeds, 10 varieties of chickens represented and 48 pens, two breeds of turkeys and 16 pens.

100 YEARS AGO
OCT. 26, 1922

The County Board of Education at its session Tuesday appropriated the school funds for the current scholastic year to the various schools in the county.

A large number of the high school children are confined to their homes with Dengue fever this week.

Sheriff-elect J.M. Watson has moved to the Kilpatrick place on Bridgeport road.

Miss Lou Cochran killed a large owl in her chicken house on Wednesday morning. The bird measured more than three feet from tip to tip of its wings.

Effective November 1, the railway mail clerk on the Camden branch railroad will be taken off. This will be a great inconvenience and injury, and we can see no reason for this action, as it will not save the U.S. Government one cent. A clerk will take charge of the mail at Nadawah and run to Selma and back, stopping at Nadawah. Letters are being written to our congressman to see if he cannot prevent this injustice.

There will be a dedication service at the Carstarphen Memorial M.E. Church, South, at Coy, Alabama on next Sabbath, Oct. 29, to which the public is cordially invited and urged to attend. Rev. F.L. Aldridge of the Methodist Orphanage at Selma will deliver the sermon.

110 YEARS AGO
OCT. 24, 1912

Mr. W.B. Rogers, an aged Veteran of about 75 years, passed away Sunday night, Oct. 6, at seven o’clock, surrounded by a host of relatives and friends. He was one who was loved by all who knew him, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in distress in any way. So generous and kind, he won the hearts of all who knew him. His remains were interred at the Fatama Cemetery Monday at one o’clock, Rev. A.P. Majors conducting the funeral service.

The tax collector and tax assessor are now on their rounds in the county.

The Gypsy camp is now located in the Boltz pasture, across the town branch.

Last Friday was an all-day rain. Pursley and Pine Barren creeks were out and much damage was done to field crops, especially ungathered corn and cotton. The rainfall was about three and one-half inches.

Mr. Fred Savage received the sad news last Thursday that Hon. Lanty S. Beck, a former resident and ex-mayor of Camden, had died at Ocala, Fla. The deceased was about 60 years of age and was born and reared here.

Mr. Walter D. Boyd had the misfortune to lose by fire last Tuesday night his barn, together with all of his corn, hay and many other stable effects. The fire occurred while Mr. Boyd was in Selma and his loss is about $600. The cause of the fire is unknown.

It is with regret we learned of the death on Tuesday night, Oct. 22, of Clarence Edgar Primm, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Primm of Asahel, Ala. He was in the prime of young manhood, being 30 years of age. By his kindheartedness and amiable disposition, he won many friends.

120 YEARS AGO
OCT. 30, 1902

Lawrence Caldwell, who was so foully murdered in Camden on the night of 25^th inst., was born and reared at (Allenton), and had lived here nearly all his life. It is to be hoped that the murderer or murderers will be caught and summary justice meted out to them.

Mr. S.L. Long, while loading timber at Pine Apple depot, got too hot for his coat and pulled it off, and hung it on a limb, and when he went to get it at night, it was gone. In the coat was a pistol, will and other papers of importance and value.

The citizens of (McWilliams) met last week and decided to extend the corporate limits to one mile each way. The council has elected Mr. Dave Youngblood as Marshall, and Mr. R.F. Chappell will soon assume the duties of Mayor. Although McWilliams is considered a growing town, there is not a church building nearer than three miles of us, and we have no preaching nor Sunday school in the place.

A much-needed thing in Camden is a street lamp. We believe we’ll have one or more than one in a year or two.

TOM GORDON CAUGHT: Sheriff Albritton received a telegram yesterday morning from Deputy Sheriff Sheldon of Mobile County, stating they had caught Tom Gordon, who is charged with the murder of Lawrence Caldwell, and he left immediately for his prisoner. – We understand Tom states the killing was done in self defense and that he will have little difficulty in proving it.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Oct. 25, 2022

15 YEARS AGO
OCT. 25, 2007

Evergreen weather observer Harry Ellis reported 1.10 inches on Oct. 9. He reported a high of 89 degrees on Oct. 9 and lows of 47 on Oct. 12 and Oct. 13.

Train derails near Castleberry – again: For the second time in less than a year, a train has derailed near the Town of Castleberry.
Early on Friday morning, eight cars loaded with coal left the Louisville & Nashville Railroad tracks about two miles south of Castleberry, according to Castleberry Fire Chief Paul Calloway.
Friday’s derailment is the second train derailment to have taken place near Castleberry within the past year, officials said.
According to Heather Walton, County Emergency Management Director, none of the cars involved in Friday’s derailment were carrying hazardous materials and while one of the cars did spill its load of coal, none of the coal spilled into any nearby creeks or streams.

Conecuh Relay ranked No. 9 in state: Conecuh County’s 2007 Relay For Life event was recognized for its No. 9 ranking during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life Reunion Conference on Oct. 12-13 in Birmingham.
Conecuh County’s 2007 Relay, which was held in June and raised $68,000 for cancer research, ranked ninth in the state in the category of funds raised per capita.
Monroe County’s 2007 Relay finished first in the state per capita and second in the nation based on population.

40 YEARS AGO
OCT. 28, 1982

A freak accident ended with this big North American Van tractor and trailer rig blocking the Rural Street-West Front Street intersection in downtown Evergreen for several hours Monday afternoon. A sliding tandem on the rear of the trailer broke loose, dumping the back end of the trailer on the street. The rig was heading south when the tandem broke loose. Evergreen police did an excellent job of directing traffic while folks from Knud Nielsen Co. unloaded the 30,000-pound cargo onto a flatbed trailer from Poole Truck Line, and Conway Diesel Co. got the trailer up, the tandem back under and the truck able to move. It all created a good bit of excitement on an otherwise dull Monday afternoon.

Heritage Festival is Nov. 6: Artists and craftsmen are registered for the arts and crafts division of the Conecuh Heritage Festival to be held in downtown Evergreen on Sat., Nov. 6.
Exhibits of historic interest will go on display in downtown show windows on Mon., Nov. 1, and remain throughout the week. In addition to the Arts and Crafts Fair and the historic exhibits, the festival will include a mini-county fair in the historic Evergreen Depot.

An air show will be staged Sunday afternoon from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Evergreen’s Middleton Field Municipal Airport on Highway 84 West. The gates will open at 12 noon for the big show which is sponsored by the Conecuh County Rescue Squad.

65 YEARS AGO
OCT. 24, 1957

Grace Serves Aboard Carrier In Far East: Joe L. Grace, seaman apprentice, U.S. Navy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rinnie A. Grace of Belleville, Ala., is serving aboard the attack aircraft carrier, USS Kearsarge with the U.S. Seventh Fleet in the Far East. The Kearsarge arrived in Yokosuka, Japan Sept. 21, following visits to Guam, M.I. and Hawaii.

From “As A Man Thinketh” by R.G. Bozeman – This issue of The Courant is reaching you readers a day later than usual. This is all due to the illness of our very capable linotype operator who spent the past week in the local hospital nursing an ailing leg. Bob is a pretty fair linotype operator and had it not been for him I guess you might have missed this issue altogether. In addition to being a day late, we also had to curtail news and advertising coverage. Glad to tell you that Herbert Harpe is out of the hospital and we hope we can do a better job next week.
The Courant has a new employee these days – Arthur Pendleton, who came to us from Milton, Fla. Arthur is a printer and had considerable experience in this work in the shops at Milton.

Mrs. John Law Robinson, Jim and John of Brundidge are visiting Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Northcutt and Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Robinson. Mr. Robinson will join them here for the weekend.

Marti Mart Says – It’s Always Movie Time At The PIX – Saturday – Oct. 26 - HORROR BEYOND HUMAN BELIEF! The Beast of Hollow Mountain – CinemaScope – Guy Madison, Patricia Medina – One day after a million years it came out of hiding to – Kill – Kill – Kill!

90 YEARS AGO
OCT. 27, 1932

ROTC Appointments Given Two Conecuh Boys: Auburn, Ala., Oct. 27 – Of the 162 cadet officers appointed in the ROTC at the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, two are from Conecuh County. They are J.T. Millsap, Evergreen, and E.A. Price, Castleberry.
These appointments come at the beginning of the fourth year of study in the department of military science and tactics, under the direction of a staff of army officers stationed at Auburn. Next spring, prior to graduation, these young men will be awarded commissions in the Reserve Army.

HALLOWEEN PARTY: A Halloween Party given at Lyeffion High School Friday night, Oct. 28, for the benefit of the school. Lots of fun and refreshments for all. Come, bring your money and your friends.

Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Deal and two children who have been residing in Thomasville, arrived today to make their home in Evergreen, and will operate “The Oaks,” which has been under the management of Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Riley.

Evergreen Theatre – Program – Friday and Saturday – Oct. 28-29 – “HUCKLEBERRY FINN” – with Jackie Coogan, Mitzi Green, Junior Durkin and Jackie Searl – Also, “I Ain’t Got Nobody” and “Mystery Trooper” No. 5.

Mayor J.L. Kelly, Sheriff J.G. Moore, J.E. Jones, County Solicitor, and W.S. Dreaden, Circuit Clerk, spent several days this week in Montgomery on business.

107 YEARS AGO
OCT. 20, 1915

The Pythia Banquet: Armor Lodge No. 31, Knights of Pythias, gave a banquet on Tuesday night last, 15^th inst., to the members, their families and friends. It was held in the armory of the Conecuh Guards and was a great success. Hon. C.R. Bricken, past chancellor of the grand lodge of Alabama, was present and made an exceedingly thrilling speech, captivating his hearers with his eloquence and well-rounded sentences.
Armor Lodge is one among the oldest in the state, and it is a matter of gratification to its members that it was never in a more flourishing conditions, its growth for the past year having been phenomenal.

There will be a large number of the old veterans of the Confederate service in Montgomery on Nov. 13-14, when the state reunion is to be held. The committees are busy with the work in hand and are arranging to give the old war horses the greatest time they ever had. Col. Harvey Jones, adjutant general and chief of staff to General Harrison, is anticipating a happy time.

The residence of J.M. Butler, near Gravella, was destroyed by fire one day last week together with nearly all of its contents. His many friends sympathize with him in his misfortune.

Greening Lodge No. 53, AF&AM, meets third Saturday in each month. – F.J. Dean, Secretary.

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Oct. 24, 2022

Wendell Hart

32 YEARS AGO
OCT. 25, 1990

Freshman strong safety Russell Meeks, 6-1, 195, of Evergreen is a member of the East Central Community College football squad for the 1990 season. The Warriors are coached by A.J. Kilpatrick, head, Tony Triplett and Brad Bradshaw. East Central is located in Decatur, Miss.

The Hillcrest Jaguars, behind the powerful running of John Gulley, ran their record to 5-2 with a come from behind win, over the Atmore Blue Devils by a score of 16-13.
Gulley scored on a four-yard run with 4:24 in the second quarter and also scored the two-point conversion. Marcus Rogers scored on a one-yard run with 3:18 left in the game. Bryant Richardson scored the two-point conversion.

The Sparta Academy Warriors defeated the Grove Hill Academy Rebels, 20-13, Friday night here at Stuart-McGehee Field.
Steven Gall hauled in a 61-yard pass from Mark Watts for Sparta’s first touchdown. Tim Salter ran 49 yards for a touchdown. Salter sprinted 65 yards for the final touchdown. Salter passed to Gall for the two extra points.
(Other standout Sparta players in that game included Jeff Brundage and Mike Riley.)

Cynthia Pugh reigned as Miss Football at homecoming activities at Hillcrest High School Friday.

47 YEARS AGO
OCT. 23, 1975

The Sparta Academy Warriors took an easy, 56-20 victory over the Chickasaw Academy Chiefs at Stuart-McGehee Field to highlight homecoming activities Friday night.
Joe Andrews passed to Jerry Peacock for 31 yards and the first score, then tossed to Andy Skipper for 29 and the second touchdown. Walker Scott rammed over from the two and then raced 78 yards for two more scores to make it 26-0 at the end of the first quarter. Ronnie McKenzie scored a two-pointer.
(Other standout Sparta players in that game included Ronnie Pugh, Bobby Johnson, Woody Register, Tom Nielsen, Jimmy Pierce, Jimmy Reeves, Andy Skipper, Tony Baggett, Steve Dubose, Jamie McKenzie and Hugh Bradford.)

The T.R. Miller High Tigers of Brewton downed the Evergreen Aggies, 22-8, here Friday night at Brooks Stadium.
Philyaw drove in from the one and then ran in the two-pointer to close the gap to 16-8 in the fourth, but Miller bounced back and put it away on Randal Mallard’s 46-yard scamper for the final score.

The Conecuh County High Blue Devils of Castleberry lost to Frisco City, 36-0, Friday night in Castleberry.
Outstanding in defeat for the Devils were Dennis Jackson, Dennis Darby, Bob Barnes, Stan Pate, Ricky Reeves, Billie Baker, Phillip Etheridge and Billy Sanders.

62 YEARS AGO

OCT. 27, 1960

Mr. and Mrs. T.W. Persons attended the homecoming at Mississippi Southern College, Hattiesburg, Miss. Saturday. They also visited his sister, Mrs. Wilkerson, in Hazelhurst, Miss.

The Evergreen Aggies made their homecoming a success with a 21-14 victory over the Frisco City Whippets. Wing-footed scatback Duncan Roberts and end Leon Stinson were the offensive and defensive stars for the victors, respectively.
Roberts lugged the leather on 14 different occasions, including a 57-yard scoring run for 124 yards and an 8.9 yard per carry average. Stinson latched on to two touchdown passes and made 15 tackles and assisted on 11 others.
(Other standout Evergreen players in that game included Billy Melton, James Reeves and Johnny Ivey.)

The Evergreen Aggies play their last home game of the season tomorrow night when they meet Red Level at Brooks Stadium. Game time is set for 7:30.
Coaches Wendell Hart and John Robinson report the Aggies in the best physical condition of the year and expect to field a much improved ball club. Billy Melton is almost fully recovered from a broken wrist. Bobby Potts has overcome a broken nose, and Billy Bateman is expected to be able to go full steam after being out last week with a shoulder injury.

77 YEARS AGO

OCT. 25, 1945

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Davis, Misses Edna Earl Stinson and Faye Black are among those who will attend the Auburn-Georgia Tech football game in Atlanta, Ga. Saturday, being weekend guests of Lt. (j.g.) and Mrs. Willis A. Middleton.

92 YEARS AGO

OCT. 23, 1930

A ball game between Castleberry and Repton was played at Repton Friday evening. The score was 25-0 in favor of Repton.

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

20 YEARS AGO
OCT. 24, 2002

Windham signs “Encounters” book: Jane Ellen Cason, an employee with the Monroe County Heritage Museums in Monroeville, watches Katherine Tucker Windham, storyteller, author and journalist, autograph her book “Encounters” last week during a reception at the Old Monroe County Courthouse. Tucker’s book is filled with numerous photographs she’s taken during her career.

Frisco pounds Shields: Frisco City High School improved to 4-4 on the season and to 4-2 in region play Friday night in Beatrice, beating region rival J.F. Shields 60-6.
In Friday night’s win over Shields, Frisco senior Travoris Hill led the Whippets with two touchdowns and 169 yards rushing on 21 carries. Tony Williams led the Whippet defense with 15 tackles.
(Other top Frisco players in that game included Willie Calhoun, Warren Davison, Norman Lee, Eric McCants, Lequentin Robinson, Antonio Sanders and Jeff Williams. Top Shields players were Delarrian Broadhead, Jeremy Chatman, Donte Lefall, Richard Lett and Joseph Manuel, Scott Blackmon was Frisco’s head coach, and Philip Griffin was Shields’ head coach.)

Ron Oudenaarden, 40, of Monroeville became a U.S. citizen during a ceremony Sept. 24 at the federal courthouse in Atlanta. Oudenaarden, a native of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, took the Oath of Allegiance along with 85 other candidates. Oudenaarden, the information technology manager at Alabama River Pulp, has lived in Monroeville for 10 years with his wife, Montez, and their two children, Andrew and Laura.

45 YEARS AGO
OCT. 27, 1977

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently completed dredging operations on the Alabama River, which widened four channels from which boats are launched, according to Charles Reese, assistant resource manager. The project included work at Issac Creek at the Claiborne Lock & Dam site, Silver Creek, McDuffie’s Landing and Bell’s Landing, Reese said. The corps also removed stumps and logs from the channels and put reflective markers on stumps which could not be removed.

The Monroe Academy Volunteers remained one of four undefeated teams in the Alabama Private School Association 3A division by defeating Escambia Academy of Canoe, 29-6, Friday night in Volunteer Stadium. In a big offensive show, Monroe had two backs to gain over 100 yards rushing in the game. Frank Carter was the leading rusher with 150 yards in 19 carries and Randall Norris added 135 yards in 15 carries.
(Other top MA players in that game included Tommy Bowden, Sammy Carter, Larry Gaston, Mitch Jones, Jim Masingil, Kevin Norris, Ken Robinson, Trip Stallworth and Mike Stanton. Vance McCrory was MA’s head coach.)

Monroeville First Baptist Church conducted a groundbreaking ceremony Sunday, marking the start of construction on a $600,000 Christian life building and expanded parking facility. Pictured at the ceremony, held at the conclusion of the morning worship service, are Dr. Robert Jackson, pastor; George Thomas Jones, Karl Mims Lazenby, Joe Hyde, G.M. McNider, George Heard and Stan Bentley, all of the First Baptist Church.

70 YEARS AGO
OCT. 23, 1952

Is it a bird… is it a beast… is it Superman? No, it’s just a few of the local candidates of the South Alabama Shrine Club, who were paraded through the crowded downtown streets of Monroeville prior to recent initiation ceremonies holding a long rope. Shown are Bill Joe Falkenberry of Monroeville, Reo Kirkland, Escambia County Probate Judge-elect of Brewton, Charlie Floyd of Peterman and Joel Hardee of Monroeville. Following the entourage on the extreme right are two unidentified members of the degree team from the Abba Temple, Mobile.

The Beatrice High Eagles racked up their first win of the season Friday night in their third home game by edging the Excel High Panthers, 13-12. The Eagles began their scoring parade on the receipt of the kickoff by marching in a drive from their own 20-yard stripe. Fullback Glenn Brown carried the pigskin over to pay dirt from 18 yards out. The second marker was tallied in the third period when right end Vernon Anderson went around end from the Excel 35 to tally again. The single conversion for the Eagles was made by Max Miller, quarterback, on a keep play when he plunged through the middle. The Panthers’ left halfback Jack Sawyer racked up both tallies for the Excel eleven, both in the second quarter and both by line plunges.

Drilling operations on Monroe County’s 11^th oil test well, located near Megargel, were scheduled to get under way some time Wednesday night. The test, which is located on the property of J.F. Dusenbury, 2-1/2 miles west of Megargel, is the fourth to be made in the county during 1952.

95 YEARS AGO
OCT. 27, 1927

ANOTHER FISH STORY: Mr. E.T. Clapp relates this incident as having occurred on a recent fishing excursion: Mr. Clapp was having excellent luck landing bream of good size when he observed a submerged limb of a treetop overhanging Hollow Creek, violently agitated. Believing the disturbance occasioned by a trout of large size, he fastened a bream of suitable size to his hook and made a cast. No sooner had the bait struck the water than it was vigorously seized. After some struggle with the object attached, he succeeded to his astonishment in drawing to land a full-grown mink whose pelt would have realized some $15. In detaching the hook, the animal got away. In disappointment, Mr. Clapp was forced to resume his quest for the finny tribe.

The work of surfacing the Monroeville-Franklin highway with gravel has reached a point within the corporate limits of the city and the work of surfacing the last link on two sides of the public square will probably be completed by the last of the week. The Toulmin Construction Co. has done very efficient work on this project and has been awarded the contract for similar treatment of the Monroeville-Belleville highway.

The Journal learns that Well No. 2 of the Jaggers Oil Co. has been located on lands of Mr. B.H. Stallworth upon the advice of Mr. J.E. Barnes, geologist, associated with the company. The derrick is now being erected and drilling will probably begin during the coming week.

120 YEARS AGO
OCT. 23, 1902

Circuit court adjourned Saturday after a busy week and the Judge and Solicitor returned to their homes. The case exciting the greatest interest tried during the term was that of the State vs. Jesse Pittman, charged with the murder of the late Sheriff John S. Harrengton. This case was called Wednesday morning and occupied all that and the following day, the State being represented by Solicitor Elmore and Messrs. Stallings and McCorvey, and the defense by Messrs. Hibbard, Miller, Wiggins, Hybart and Bayles. The case was argued with ability and at considerable length on each side, and went to the jury under the charge of the court about noon Friday. The jury shortly afterward returned a verdict of “not guilty.” Mr. Pittman was released on bond in other cases pending against him.

Attention, Veterans! There will be a meeting of Camp George W. Foster, United Confederate Veterans, Monroeville, Nov. 8. Election of delegates to State Reunion, Nov. 12-13, and other business of importance. Every member urgently requested to attend. – Thos. J. Emmons, Commander; F.M. Jones, Adjutant.

Mr. C.L. Hare of Auburn, who has been attending at the bedside of his brother, Mr. F.W. Hare, for several weeks, left Tuesday for Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he will take a special course in chemistry at the agricultural college of that state.

Monroeville will lose one first-class dentist in the removal of Dr. S.W. Yarbrough to Mobile, and gain another in the person of Dr. W.A. Lovett, late of Bessemer, who will open an office here on Nov. 1. Dr. Lovett has had eight or nine years successful experience and comes highly recommended both as a man and as a master of his profession. We take pleasure in commending him to any who may need his services.

Wilcox County, Alabama News Flashback for Oct. 19, 2022

80 YEARS AGO
OCT. 15, 1942

Roland Cooper attended the football game in Mobile last Saturday.

Cotton Ginning Report: Census report shows that 6,845 bales of cotton were ginned in Wilcox County from the crop of 1942 prior to Oct. 1 as compared with 4,994 bales for the crop of 1941. – M.C. Jones, Special Agent.

Lt. Edwin M. Dickson, recently graduated from Officers Training School, Fort Benning, Ga., has been the guest of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.N. Dickson of Arlington. He spent his first 13 weeks in the Army at Camp Wheeler, Ga., later going to Fort Bragg, N.C. He began Officers Training School in June, received his commission as 2^nd Lt. Sept. 14. He reported for duty the latter part of September at Camp Beale, Maryville, Calif.

Robert Newell Walker was at home last week on a two-week furlough. He is on a Submarine Chaser on the Gulf Coast.

The family of Mr. W.B. Shamburger are happy over a letter from Fountain Abbott, mailed in San Francisco, Sept. 10. At the time of writing he was at Gueada Canal. He is with the Marine Unit 755 Co. P.M. and says he is on guard every four nights.

Harry Mason attended the game between Alabama and Pensacola Naval Station at Mobile Saturday. He was the guest of his aunt, Miss Florence America.

Leonard Stewart, a private in the U.S. Army at Tucson, Arizona, reports army life as being swell.

90 YEARS AGO
OCT. 20, 1932

LARGE POTATO: Mr. Atwood Rogers of Fatama sent a potato to The Era office weighing six pounds. Boys if you have one larger, let us hear from you. Thank you, Mr. Rogers, for the two-day feast.

Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Moore and Mr. and Mrs. P.B. Burford and Miss Katherine Vaughn attended the Alabama-Tennessee football game in Birmingham Saturday.

VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE BUILDING AT PINE HILL TO BE WIRED: The work of wiring the building will be done by the Vocational students with the help of Mr. R.D. Stokes Jr. and Robert Byrnes who have had some experience along this line.
At the present time, the school has no money to invest in the project but with the aid of the State and County they will soon be able to have electric lights in the building.
Electric lights in the Vocational building will enable the FFA’s of Pine Hill to have better meetings at night and have socials of various kinds.

FOOTBALL: Camden defeated Beatrice Friday with a score of 6 to 0. Both teams fought hard and at the end of the first half the score seemed as if it would be 0 to 0. After a strong lecture by the coach between the halves, the Camden boys went back on the field determined to win. In the third quarter, Jim Jones made the only score of the game, which gave Camden a 6-0 victory. There is no game scheduled for Friday.

99 YEARS AGO
OCT. 18, 1923

SHINNY MAKERS TAKE WARNING: Sheriff Watson and Deputy Sheriff Tait captured three shinny stills of the lard can variety and of from 10 to 25 gallon capacity and poured out about 100 gallons of beer on the Jackson Highway between Lamison and Flatwoods on last Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. G.V. Strickland are receiving congratulations over the arrival of a seven-pound boy born Saturday.

The new brick stores are almost completed and before next issue of the paper, we hope to see them all occupied.

The baseball fans of Camden wish to thank Dr. J. Paul Jones for keeping them posted on the recent World Series games. Dr. Jones received the returns by radio and would phone the results down town.

Mrs. Charlie Rogers of Fatama is in Selma in an infirmary and is very sick, the result of a runaway. She was thrown from her buggy into a wire fence and both jaw bones broken, severe cuts were received on her throat and on her shoulders. She is resting easy and her friends hope for her a speedy recovery from this painful accident.

The Selma and Camden High School teams will meet in Camden Friday afternoon for a game of football. Can’t everybody come out and encourage the boys?

109 YEARS AGO
OCT. 16, 1913

There were 8,474 bales of cotton, counting round as half bales, ginned in Wilcox County from the crop of 1913 prior to Sept. 25 as compared with 5,197 bales ginned prior to Sept. 25, 1912. – C.S. Dale, Special Agent.

On Friday night, Oct. 31, there will be a Halloween Party at Stewartville Schoolhouse, the proceeds to go toward the school library.

Mr. and Mrs. J.Y. Kilpatrick Jr. are now domiciled at the home of Mrs. Joe Miller on Bridgeport Avenue.

Mr. W.A. Giddens, mayor of the coming town of Jones Mill, was at the Capitol Monday. Mr. Giddens reports usual activity in real estate transfers in his town.

Dr. and Mrs. Lamartine O. Hicks of Jackson, Ala. announce the engagement of their daughter Mittie Aileen to Dr. Richardson C. Kirk of Lower Peach Tree, Ala. Thurs., Nov. 20, 1913.

Rev. Powhatan James, pastor of First Baptist Church, Selma, was a very delightful and edifying visitor at the association here last week. He was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. S.E. Ellis at Mesdames Beck.

The marriage of Mr. Jno. Robt. Foster and Miss Irene Lambert take place today at the Hotel Albert, Selma. Only a very few friends and relatives are to be present. Among these from here are Mrs. C.E. Tait and Mr. Felix Tait and Mrs. Mary T. Beck.

McWilliams: Our school, which opened the 30^th of September, with a very good enrollment, is progressing nicely under the management of Miss Mary Donald and Miss Katie Belle Tait.

119 YEARS AGO
OCT. 15, 1903

Mr. Smyly Killed: Mr. Ernest Smyly was on a visit to his brother, Mr. C.W. Smyly of Catherine, and was killed at this place by a train on Tuesday morning, Oct. 6. We have heard none of the particulars of this sad accident, but extend to Mr. C.W. Smyly, brother of deceased, our sympathy, in this trying ordeal, brought about so unexpectedly.

Mr. W.B. Dale, our assistant postmaster, has returned home from Oak Hill whither he was again called on account of the serious illness and death of his little sister, Katie Miller.

Lt. Neil Spier of Snow Hill came to town on Saturday to attend a called meeting of the Wilcox Mounted Rifles. He is a prosperous farmer from the eastern end of the county, and has many friends here, who are always glad to see him.

Little Katie M. Dale Dead: Little Katie Miller Dale, youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. C.S. Dale of Oak Hill, died on Monday last, aged 10 years. She took ill of like malady to her mother’s last illness one day after her mother was buried and battled three weeks with the disease. She was a lovely child and her death adds great weight to the already heavy sorrows of the family to whom we extend our sincere sympathy.

Attention Troop B: The Troop will have business meeting at the Armory at three o’clock on Sat., Oct. 24, and all members are expected to attend. Those not doing so will be dropped from the roll. – Jas. D. Jenkins, Capt.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Oct. 18, 2022

Wendell L. Willkie

SEVEN YEARS AGO
OCT. 15, 2015

Just in time for this year’s Southeast Regional Fly-In, Evergreen city officials unveiled the brand new sign at the Evergreen Regional Airport Tuesday afternoon at the entrance to the airport off of U.S. Highway 84. Pictured at the unveiling are City Projects Manager Jeff Sullivan, Airport Assistant Manager Terri Webb, Evergreen City Councilman Luther Upton and Evergreen Mayor Pete Wolff.

Mary Lou Padgett, the wife of Flat Rock Fire Chief Aubrey Padgett, was named Miss Flat Rock on Sat., Oct. 3, during Flat Rock Day, which organizers called a “huge success.” Also on that day, Cheryl McNaughton was selected as the winner of the special quilt that was raffled away as part of a fundraiser for the Flat Rock Volunteer Fire Department.

Sausage Festival Saturday 9 to 4: Big crowds are expected for the 13^th Annual Evergreen Sausage Festival, which will be held this coming Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Evergreen.
Crowds are expected to be so big that Evergreen-Conecuh County Chamber of Commerce officials announced on Monday that the City of Evergreen will be closing some streets in downtown Evergreen, starting tomorrow (Friday) at 5:30 p.m. to allow arts and crafts and food vendors time to safely set up their individual booths.
This year’s Sausage Festival will also include the 4^th Annual BBQ Cook-Off, a competition between local barbecue cooks for bragging rights and prizes.

32 YEARS AGO
OCT. 18, 1990

Evergreen weather observer Harry Ellis reported no rain between Oct. 8 and Oct. 14. He reported a high of 92 degrees on Oct. 8 and a low of 45 on Oct. 13.

To commemorate the official adoption of OLF Evergreen and NAS Whiting Field of Evergreen City School on Oct. 10, Michael Sciacca, an official of the U.S. Navy, presented a plaque to school officials. Present for the occasion were Steve Coker, Superintendent of the Conecuh County Board of Education; Preston Fluker, Principal of Evergreen City School; Mr. Sciacca and Rita Lisabelle, President of the PTO.

Richard Brown of Evergreen was the featured speaker at the Conecuh County Economic Development Council’s annual steak dinner held last Thursday night at Hillcrest High School.

Johnson CEO prexy resigns Poole, Inc., joins Hunt Transport: W.D. “Bill” Johnson, former president and CEO of Poole Truck Line, is joining J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. of Lowell, Ark. to start up and manage a new flatbed division. J.B. Hunt is the largest truckload carrier in the U.S. but has operated a van only fleet up until the present.

Grand Jury returns 55 true bills: The Grand Jury for the Fall Term of Circuit Court, that was empaneled Monday morning by Circuit Judge Samuel H. Welch Jr., completed its deliberations and returned its findings in open court Wednesday morning.

57 YEARS AGO
OCT. 21, 1965

Mr. Fitzhugh Ellington has resigned as minister of the Evergreen Church of Christ, South Main Street, where he was in his 14^th year of service. Mr. Ellington is moving his family to Camden this week where he will serve the Church of Christ. During his more than 34 years in the ministry, he has served churches at Casey, Ramer, Andalusia, Opp, Moulton and Evergreen.

Conecuh County Junior Miss Contest – Evergreen City School – 7:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 23 – Admission: Adults, 75 cents; children (under 12) only 25 cents – Sponsored by the Evergreen Jaycees – Don’t Miss It!

Spooks, sprites plan meeting here Oct. 30: The annual meeting of the spooks, imps, ghosts, witches, hobgoblins, etc. of Evergreen will be held on Saturday evening, Oct. 30, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Evergreen City School.
Once again this charitable organization has chosen as beneficiary of its gathering the PTA. This organization of parents and teachers plans to use any funds realized to make needed improvements at the school – such improvements being items for which no other funds are available.

Three building permits, two of them for new residences, were approved by the Evergreen City Council at its meeting Tuesday night.
Council also instructed the mayor to inform Evergreen Gin Co. that due to a number of complaints from the neighborhood that some type of spray system to control lint and dust should be installed immediately. Such a system was promised by the ginners last year.

82 YEARS AGO
OCT. 17, 1940

“Caravan Of Democracy” Appearing Here Today: The “Caravan of Democracy,” appearing in Evergreen today at 4 p.m. on behalf of Wendell L. Willkie, Republican candidate for President, expects to cover 10,000 miles in its tour of the state – 4,000 miles having been traveled to date.
The Caravan is under the management of Fred Rucker, Montgomery newspaper man, who handled the “Pass the Biscuits” O’Daniel campaign in Texas, and is supported entirely by Alabama Democrats.
Appearing with the Caravan, according to the advertisement appearing elsewhere in this issue, will be Miss Dorothy Orton, singer, and four majorettes who will help pass out literature.

NOTICE: There will be a square dance at Belleville School House Wednesday night, Oct. 23. Admission 10 cents for spectators and 25 cents for dancers.

J.A. Hainje Dies After Long Illness: J.A. Hainje, 55, prominent Brewton businessman and leader, died at Montgomery hospital Thursday night, Oct. 10, following an illness of nearly one year.
Mr. Hainje was owner of a chain of furniture stores located in Brewton, Greenville and Pensacola, Fla. Salesmen operating out of these centers covered virtually all of South Alabama and East Florida. Therefore through his business connections and dealings, he was widely known and much beloved and respected.

107 YEARS AGO
OCT. 20, 1915

Come see Robert Warwick Friday at the Arcade Theatre. Admission 10 cents and 20 cents. On Saturday, will have Charlie Chaplan. Admission five cents and 10 cents.

Prof. Blasingame removed to Auburn with his family last week to take up his new work. Many friends regret to give him up. No one has been chosen to take his place as president of the Agricultural school.

H.A. Shields reached home on Sunday morning after having spent three weeks in the work of repairing the damage to the railroad between Mobile and New Orleans, as a result of the recent storm.

County Fair Unqualified Success – Thousands Brave Rain and Slush to See Conecuh’s First Fair: Conecuh County’s first fair is now history.
It was a pronounced success. In truth, the showing made far surpassed the expectation of the most hopeful and sanguine worker for it. The townspeople were as much surprised as those from the country districts were delighted at our first attempt at a fair.

League Social: Epworth League social will be given at the Mineral Spring on Friday night. All leaguers are requested to assemble at the church at five o’clock in the afternoon with lunches.

Conecuh County Educational Association: CCEA will have its initial meeting for the year 1915-16 on Sat., Nov. 6, in Evergreen.
The purpose of this organization is, that through study, planning and efficient work, we, all teachers, trustees and patrons, may create a real professional spirit and ideal.

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Oct. 17, 2022

21 YEARS AGO
OCT. 18, 2001

The Hillcrest Jaguars made it two in a row with a 25-6 win over the Monroe County Tigers last Friday night in Evergreen.
Kelvin Fluker raced 52 yards for a score on the fifth day of the game, and Dominique Etheridge’s kick gave the Jags a 7-0 lead with 9:13 left in the first quarter.”
Chenson Griffin’s 72-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter made is 13-0 Hillcrest.
Fluker scored again on a 24-yard fumble return early in the third quarter giving Hillcrest a 19-0 lead.
Maurice Bradley’s long fourth-quarter punt return to the Monroe five set up the game’s final score, a one-yard sneak by Griffin, his second touchdown of the night.

The Sparta Academy Warriors lost to the Clarke Prep Gators 54-12 on Fri., Oct. 12, in Grove Hill.
Rusty Salter scored the first TD for the Warriors on a 22-yard run. Perry Castleberry scored the other TD for the Warriors on a 71-yard run.
Salter carried the ball 17 times for 84 yards and one TD. Castleberry had 82 yards on nine carries and one TD. McGinitie had 45 yards on 10 carries and Wiley Cobb had –5 yards on four carries.

The Sparta Academy JV Warrior lost 40-8 to the Greenville Academy JV ‘Nadoes on Mon., Oct. 15, in Evergreen.
Patrick Pate scored the only touchdown for the JV Warriors on a five-yard run.

36 YEARS AGO
OCT. 16, 1986

Friday night the Repton Bulldogs tamed the Tigers of McKenzie by a score of 42-0, giving the homecoming crowd another awesome display of both defense and offense.
Offensively, junior Carl Stanton led the team with 266 yards in 15 tries. He scored three touchdowns.
Senior John Thompson gained 162 yards in 18 carries. Russell Royster gained 22 yards in seven attempts. Keith Baggett carried for 28 yards in four carries.
Eddie Waters, senior QB, threw to Allen Nettles for 68 yards on one TD.
Linebacker Greg Rudolph led the charge with five solo tackles and six assists.
(Other standout Repton players in that game included Spencer Day, Chris Dukes, Ken Harter, Greg Mayo, James Montgomery and David Welch. Hugh Wilson was Repton’s head coach.)

The Sparta Academy Warriors blanked Crenshaw Academy 21-0 in Luverne Friday night.
Tim Wilson scored all three Sparta touchdowns, two on runs and one on a pass from Jeff Walker.
Wilson picked up 85 yards on 21 carries and scored twice. Lee Wild had 27 yards on nine carries, Jeff Carrier 24 on six, Kenny Bledsoe 16 on two, Robbie Bolton four and two and Walker three and four. Johnny Brock had two catches for 39 yards.
Lynn Ralls topped the tackle chart with seven solo hits and one assist.
(Other standout Sparta players in that game included Scott Adams, Jeff Brundage, Chris Davis, Shannon Kendall, Glynn Ralls and Chris Turner.)

51 YEARS AGO
OCT. 21, 1971

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

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

From “Front Page, Upper Left Corner” by Bob Bozeman: Maurice, Robert and I spent the weekend in Birmingham with Mary, Mary Margaret and Gene Owensby. I thought I was not going to be able to see the (Alabama-Tennessee) game, but my brother Pace came through with two in the end zone Friday night, and Maurice and I were part of that stadium-packing crowd. Man, was it a hot afternoon, but enjoyable. It’s always a pleasure to see the Tide rack up the Big Orange.

66 YEARS AGO
OCT. 18, 1956

The Tigers from Greenville tallied three times in the first half and were held to six points in the last half as they took a grueling game from the Evergreen Aggies, 25-6.
The lone Aggie score came in the last quarter, climaxing a 90-yard drive. The Aggies got the ball on the kickoff after a Greenie score and returned it to the 10. On the first play, Robert Ellington burst through the line for seven yards, and then Robbie Boykin and Billy Grace each added two for the first down. In the next series, it seemed the drive was halted after two drives at the line netted one yard, but Grace drifted back and passed beautifully to Mickey Joyner for eight yards, and on fourth down, with only inches to go, Grace pushed forward for the first down.
The drive seemed stalled again, at the Evergreen 48, and Wayne Frazier dropped back to kick. Instead of kicking, he ran, hard and fast, around right end for 30 yards to the Greenville 22 for the Aggies’ longest run of the night. Grace then passed to Joyner for the TD, from 22 yards out.
In the last half, the Aggies tightened down, and held the highly touted Tigers to only six points, standing off one Tiger drive that carried to the 12. Wayne Frazier was a giant on defense, as well as running for the best Aggie gain of the night. Frazier was ably assisted by Nelson, Deason, Cook and Bolton. On the offensive, quarterback Billy Grace showed some good passing form, hitting for 58 yards to Joyner and Cook. Ellington was leading ground gainer with 48 yards on 11 carries, with Boykin added 17, Grace six, Harper five and Bell three.

81 YEARS AGO
OCT. 16, 1941

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

The RIFLE Does the Rest: Successful hunting takes a combination of skill in the man and accuracy in his gun. Our guns are dependable because they are machine tested for accurate firing, each part of the mechanism is guaranteed, and in our complete stock you will find the exact gun to suit your individual needs. .22 Winchester Rifle - $6.25; .22 Steven’s Rifle - $5; 12-guage shells, Peters, Winchester, Remington or Western – box 90 cents; Wild Bros. Hardware Co., Evergreen, Ala.

Fabled giant alligator ‘Two-Toed Tom’ has his place in local folklore

World record Stokes Alligator in Wilcox County, Ala.

Harper Lee’s 2015 novel, “Go Set a Watchman,” is one of my favorite books. The novel, very much like “To Kill a Mockingbird,” is full of thinly-veiled references to numerous people and places in Monroe County. I read a little bit of each book every day and enjoy picking out the nods to real-life things that would be lost on the typical reader outside of our area.

One of my favorite scenes in “Go Set a Watchman” comes early in the book as 26-year-old Jean Louise “Scout” Finch and her childhood sweetheart Henry “Hank” Clinton are driving at night towards the Alabama River. They are about 10 miles from the river when Jean Louise says she can “feel the river already.” Henry, who is driving, picks at her, saying that she must be “half alligator.”

Jean Louis jokingly asks if “Two-Toed Tom” is still around, and Hank remarks that they “might see him tonight.”

As they motor along towards the river, Jean Louis remembers that “Two-Toed Tom lived wherever there was a river. He was a genius: he made tunnels beneath Maycomb and ate people’s chickens at night; he was once tracked from Demopolis to Tensas. He was as old as Maycomb County.”

For those of you unfamiliar with the legendary Two-Toed Tom, he was said to be a giant alligator that got into all sorts of misadventures in the rivers and swamps of Alabama and Florida. His name comes from a tale in which he lost all but two of his toes in a steel trap.

One of the best sources regarding Two-Toed Tom is Carl Carmer’s book, “Stars Fell on Alabama.” This book was published on June 26, 1934 – which was about two months before the fictional Scout, Jem and Dill almost get caught trying to sneak to the Radley place at night in a failed attempt to give a letter to Boo Radley. Carmer’s book details his travels throughout Alabama and includes details about local myths and legends like Two-Toed Tom.

In Carmer’s story about Two-Toed Tom, he describes this monster reptile as a “red-eyed, 14-foot alligator who would regularly eat farmers livestock as well as men and women. The story continues to tell of multiple failed attempts to kill the alligator, including an ex-military sharpshooter who spent over a week in a hunting blind, waiting for the creature, and another incident where the alligator was chased into a pond by farmer Pap Haines, into which 15 syrup buckets of dynamite were lit and thrown into, in an unsuccessful attempt to kill Two-Toe.”

If this description is to be taken at face value, it’s worth noting that there are larger alligators in the Alabama River. The world record Stokes Alligator, which was killed in August 2014 in Wilcox County, was 15 feet, nine inches long and weighed 1,011.5 pounds. More than likely over the years there have been other “monster” gators that were just as big – or almost just as big – as the Stokes Alligator and “Two-Toed Tom.”

Questions arise over the exact location of Dailey's Well

Where exactly was Dailey’s Well?

This is the question that ran through my mind recently when a friend showed me a copy of a book called the “Dailey’s Well Cookbook.” My friend, who has deep family roots in the Fatama and Chestnut communities, said he remembered seeing this old well site when he was a boy, but he couldn’t remember if it was in southern Wilcox County or just across the line in northern Monroe County.

This cookbook contained a “Dedication” page written by Gladys Mason. Her remarks were as follows: We dedicate this book to the David and Abigail Dailey Family of Dailey’s Well. To Dailey’s Well, I owe much for the many fond memories I have. During Spring planting time, I would make the trip from my house on my Big Wheel across Browns’ Bridge to Dailey’s Well to be there when Uncle Bob Dailey and Uncle Johnnie Dailey brought the mules in from the fields to get water. The water trough for the mules was a hollowed out pine rail.

While the mules were cooling off, Uncle Bob and Uncle Johnnie cracked pecans for me to eat. The pecans from Uncle Bob’s trees hung in a croaker sack from the top of the well. May Dailey’s Well always stand as “The Tie That Binds” all Dailey cousins together.

A close examination of the book’s cover also provides a clue to the well’s possible location. The cover features a drawing of the well, including the wooden shelter built over it. Beneath the well, in neat script, you’ll see the words “Dailey’s Well, Grampion Hills.”

Many readers will know that the Grampion - often spelled “Grampian” - Hills is a region of hills that runs between Camden and Beatrice. Sources say that the hills were named by early Scottish settlers, who were reminded of the foothills of the Grampian Mountains in Scotland.

While I found no mention of “Browns’ Bridge” in back issues of The Wilcox Progressive Era, I did find one mention of “Dailey’s Well” in the archives. The only mention of this location that I was able to find was in the Feb. 22, 1934 edition of The Progressive Era. That day’s paper included the following short item, under the headline “Thanks For Road Improvement.”

“The citizens of Mim’s Beat take this means of expressing our appreciation to Mr. L.Y. Sadler, CWA officials, and road overseer, Mr. L.J. Hays, for the improvement of our roads, especially the connecting roads from Dailey’s Well with Monroe County.”

From there, I turned to my collection of historical maps of Wilcox County. While I found no reference to Dailey’s Well, I did find a reference to a Dailey community that was located almost due south of Fatama. Sources say that the Dailey community had a post office that opened in 1913 but closed in 1914. Was this the site of Dailey’s Well?

In the end, where exactly was Dailey’s Well located? Do any old remnants of this well remain today? If anyone in the reading audience knows, please let me hear from you, so that we can answer this somewhat unusual local mystery.