100-year-old news highlights from May 1924 editions of The Wilcox Progressive-Era in Camden

Spright Dowell

Today marks the first Thursday of the month, so it’s time to take another trip back down memory lane for a look at some of the interesting things that happened in Wilcox County a century ago, way back in May 1924.

On the front page of the May 1, 1924 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era, editor Stanley Clifford Godbold reported that on “Sunday afternoon a beautiful Memorial service was held in memory of our Confederate dead, and in honor of those who wore the Grey. The speaker of the afternoon was presented to the large crowd present, by Mr. J.M. Bonner in a few appropriate words, as Mr. Hugh Ervin needed no formal introduction to his hometown. Wreaths of cedar that are made every year by the Daughters of the Confederacy were tenderly placed upon the graves of the Soldiers by the school children.”

Readers that week also learned that “Mr. H.A. Pharr, a former citizen of Wilcox County and for the past 14 years connected with the Peoples Bank of Mobile, was recently appointed assistant cashier and trust officer for the First National Bank of Mobile. This news will be gratifying to his many friends in Wilcox County, who wish him much success in this important position.”

In the May 8, 1924 edition of The Progressive Era, it was reported that “Mr. J.M. Bonner addressed the graduates of the Arlington Consolidated School on Tuesday night. Mr. Sam Cook is the efficient Principal of this school. Mr. O.C. Weaver was also present at the closing exercises of this school on Tuesday night.”

Readers that week also learned that “Mr. H. Winston Beltz has returned from Selma where he received the Sacrament of Confirmation from the hands of Right Rev. Edward P. Allen. The Bishop was assisted by Fathers Stagg and Wilkinson, S.J. of Selma, and impressive ceremonies were held in the Church of the Assumption.”

In the May 15, 1924 edition of the newspaper, it was reported that the “Camden Grammar School closed a very successful year on May 13. Twenty pupils from the seventh grade were promoted to the high school. The following teachers will compose the faculty next session, Miss Annie Brice Miller, Principal and seventh grade; Miss Carlotta Stewart of Jonesboro, Ga., sixth grade; Miss Kathleen Davidson of Brewton, fifth grade; Mrs. H.H. Dale, fourth grade; and Miss Elise Bonner and Francis Perryman, the first, second and third grades.”

Readers that week also learned that “Miss Ellen Moore of Vredenburgh has accepted a position as operator of the Camden Telephone Exchange. Miss Moore has filled this position before, and her friends are glad to have her back again.”

In the May 22, 1924 edition of the paper, readers saw the following public notice – “The Stockholders of the Camden Sweet Potato Association are notified to be present at the Court House at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at 2:30 p.m. Object of Meeting! To determine upon sale of warehouse. – C.W. Jones, President.”

Readers that week also saw the following advertisement – “GASOLINE FREE to every fortieth customer, we give free gasoline. Planters Hardware Co., Camden, Ala.”

In the May 29, 1924 edition of the newspaper, under the headline “GRADUATING EXERCISES,” it was reported that the “final services of the Wilcox County High School were held on Wednesday night, the baccalaureate address was made by Dr. Spright Dowell, President of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Auburn, Alabama. Those receiving diplomas were Mabel Bigger, Smithie Bodiford, Jessie lee Bonner, Chas. Cook Capell, Alvin Dunnam, Leo Hall, Gladys Hicks, Sam Jones, Virginius Jones, James Miller, Cecil Nall, Lula Rea Pharr, Willard Powe, Robert Riggs, Homer Springer, Verner Springer, Jack Strother, John Spurlin, Elizabeth Stanford, Philip Tate, Hope Tait, Edith Till, Mildred Watson and Douglas Watson.”

Readers that week also learned that the “young people of Camden enjoyed a dance in M. Danziger’s vacant store on Monday night. Mr. and Mrs. Everette Pritchett, Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Carlton and Mr. and Mrs. Danziger acted as chaperones. The music was furnished by a band from Selma.”

Well, I guess that’s all that space will allow for this month. On the first Thursday of next month, I plan to take a look at the events of June 1924 in Wilcox County. Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s past yourself, take advantage of the Alabama Department of Archives and History’s excellent selection of old newspapers on microfilm and other resources. Their friendly staff will be more than happy to get you started.