Daily Weather Observations from SW Alabama for Wed., July 9, 2014

Temp: 77.4 degrees F.

Rainfall (past 24 hours): 0.00 inches

Humidity: 81 percent (Humid)

Conditions: Partly Cloudy skies and sunny; birds audible and visible; light dew on the ground.

Barometric Pressure: 29.59 inHg. 

Week to Date Rainfall: 0.00 inches

Month to Date Rainfall: 0.35 inches

Summer to Date Rainfall: 0.55 inches

Year to Date Rainfall: 43.90  inches

NOTES: Today is the 190th day of 2014 and the 19th day of Summer. There are 175 days left in the year.

Readings taken at 0700 hrs Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily, just west of the Monroe-Conecuh County line, near Excel, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.42834°N Lon 87.30131°W. Elevation: 400 feet above sea level. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-4, Station Name: Excel 2.5 ESE. 

Locus Magazine announces winners of the 2014 Locus Awards

Locus Magazine, the “Magazine of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Field,” recently announced the winners of the 2014 Locus Awards Saturday in Seattle.

This year’s slate of winners were as follows:

Best Science Fiction Novel – “Abaddon’s Gate” by James S.A. Corey

Best Fantasy Novel – “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman

Best First Novel – “Ancillary Justice” by Ann Leckie

Best Young Adult Book – “The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two” by Catherynne M. Valente

Best Anthology – “Old Mars,” edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, eds.

Best Collection – “The Best of Connie Willis” by Connie Willis

Best Non-fiction – “Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction” by Jeff VanderMeer

Best Art Book – “Spectrum 20: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art,” edited by Cathy Fenner and Arnie Fenner

Best Magazine – Asimov’s

Other winners this year included:

Best Novella – “Six-Gun Snow White” by Catherynne M. Valente

Best Novelette – “The Sleeper and the Spindle” by Neil Gaiman

Best Short Story – “The Road of Needles” by Caitlín R. Kiernan

Best Publisher – Tor

Best Editor – Ellen Datlow

Best Artist – Michael Whelan

Established in 1971, the Locus Awards are presented to the winners of the magazine’s annual readers’ poll. Since 1971, the Locus Awards have become more prestigious and now draws more voters than the prestigious Hugo and Nebula awards combined. In 1980 the Locus Award for Best Novel was split into two awards, one for Best Science Fiction Novel and another for Best Fantasy Novel. The all-time winners are as follows:

Locus Award for Best Novel
1971 – Ringworld by Larry Niven
1972 – The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
1973 – The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov
1974 – Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke
1975 – The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
1976 – The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
1977 – Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang by Kate Wilhelm
1978 – Gateway by Frederik Pohl
1979 – Dreamsnake by Vonda N. McINtyre

Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel:
1980 – Titan by John Varley
1981 – The Snow Queen by Joan D. Vinge
1982 – The Many Colored Land by Julian May
1983 – Foundation’s Edge by Isaac Asimov
1984 – Startide Rising by David Brin
1985 – The Integral Trees by Larry Niven
1986 – The Postman by David Brin
1987 – Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card
1988 – The Uplift War by David Brin
1989 – Cyteen by C.J. Cherryh
1990 – Hyperion by Dan Simmons
1991 – The Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons
1992 – Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold
1993 – Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
1994 – Green Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
1995 – Mirror Dance by Lois McMaster Bujold
1996 – The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson
1997 – Blue Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
1998 – The Rise of Endymion by Dan Simmons
1999 – To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis
2000 – Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson
2001 – The Telling by Ursula K. Le Guin
2002 – Passage by Connie Willis
2003 – The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson
2004 – Ilium by Dan Simmons
2005 – The Baroque Cycle (i.e. Quicksilver, The Confusion, The System of the World) by Neal Stephenson
2006 – Accelerando by Charles Stross
2007 – Rainbows End by Vernor Vinge
2008 – The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon
2009 – Anathem by Neal Stephenson
2010 – Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
2011 – Blackout/All Clear by Connie Willis

2012 – Embassytown by China Mieville

2013 – Redshirts by John Scalzi

2014 - “Abaddon’s Gate” by James S.A. Corey

Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel:
1978 – The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkein
1979 – No Award
1980 – Harpist in the Wind by Patricia A. McKillip
1981 – Lord Valentine’s Castle by Robert Silverberg
1982 – The Claw of the Conciliator by Gene Wolfe
1983 – The Sword of the Lictor by Gene Wolfe
1984 – The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
1985 – Job: A Comedy of Justice by Robert A. Heinlein
1986 – Trumps of Doom by Roger Zelazny
1987 – Soldier of the Mist by Gene Wolfe
1988 – Seventh Son by Orson Scott Card
1989 – Red Prophet by Orson Scott Card
1990 – Prentice Alvin by Orson Scott Card
1991 – Tehanu: The Last Book of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
1992 – Beauty by Sheri S. Tepper
1993 – Last Call by Tim Powers
1994 – The Innkeeper’s Song by Peter S. Beagle
1995 – Brittle Innings by Michael Bishop
1996 – Alvin Journeyman by Orson Scott Card
1997 – A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
1998 – Earthquake Weather by Tim Powers
1999 – A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
2000 – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
2001 – A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
2002 – American Gods by Neil Gaiman
2003 – The Scar by China Mieville
2004 – Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold
2005 – Iron Council by China Mieville
2006 – Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
2007 – The Privilege of the Sword by Ellen Kushner
2008 – Making Money by Terry Pratchett
2009 – Lavinia by Ursula K. Le Guin
2010 – The City & the City by China Mieville
2011 – Kraken by China Mieville

2012 – A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin

2013 – The Apocalypse Codex by Charles Stross

2014 - “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman

While I’m at it, I might as well post a list of the all-time Best First Novel winners. That award was first given out in 1981. The all-time winners are as follows:

Locus Award for Best First Novel:
1981 – Dragon’s Egg by Robert L. Forward
1982 – Starship & Haiku by Somtow Sucharitkul
1983 – Courtship Rite by Donald Kingsbury
1984 – Tea with the Black Dragon by R.A. MacAvoy
1985 – The Wild Shore by Kim Stanley Robinson
1986 – Contact by Carl Sagan
1987 – The Hercules Text by Jack McDevitt
1988 – War for the Oaks by Emma Bull
1989 – Desolation Road by Ian McDonald
1990 – Orbital Decay by Allen Steele
1991 – In the Country of the Blind by Michael F. Flynn
1992 – The Cipher by Kathe Koja
1993 – China Mountain Zhang by Maureen F. McHugh
1994 – Cold Allies by Patricia Anthony
1995 – Gun, With Occasional Music by Jonathan Lethem
1996 – The Bohr Maker by Linda Nagata
1997 (tie) – Without by Sage Walker and Reclamation by Sarah Zettel
1998 – The Great Wheel by Ian R. MacLeod
1999 – Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson
2000 – The Silk Code by Paul Levinson
2001 – Mars Crossing by Geoffrey A. Landis
2002 – Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey
2003 – A Scattering of Jades by Alexander C. Irvine
2004 – Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Cory Doctorow
2005 – Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
2006 – Hammered/Scardown/Worldwired by Elizabeth Bear
2007 – Temeraire: His Majesty’s Dragon/Throne of Jade/Black Powder War by Naomi Novik
2008 – Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
2009 – Singularity’s Ring by Paul Melko
2010 – The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
2011 – The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin

2012 – The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

2013 – Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed

2014 - “Ancillary Justice” by Ann Leckie

In the end, how many of the books mentioned above have you had a chance to read? Which did you like or dislike? Which would you recommend and why? Let us know in the comments section below.

Daily Weather Observations from SW Alabama for Tues., July 8, 2014

Temp: 76.1 degrees F.

Rainfall (past 24 hours): 0.00 inches

Humidity: 80 percent (Humid)

Conditions: Clear skies and sunny; birds audible and visible; cows audible; flying insects visible; light dew on the ground.

Barometric Pressure: 29.60 inHg. 

Week to Date Rainfall: 0.00 inches

Month to Date Rainfall: 0.35 inches

Summer to Date Rainfall: 0.55 inches

Year to Date Rainfall: 43.90  inches

NOTES: Today is the 189th day of 2014 and the 18th day of Summer. There are 176 days left in the year.

Readings taken at 0700 hrs Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily, just west of the Monroe-Conecuh County line, near Excel, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.42834°N Lon 87.30131°W. Elevation: 400 feet above sea level. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-4, Station Name: Excel 2.5 ESE. 

BUCKET LIST UPDATE No. 159: Swim in one of the Great Lakes

Lake Ontario swimming area at Wilson-Tuscarora State Park.

Several years ago, I read a book called “The Great Lakes Triangle” by Jay Gourley. Published in 1977, this book detailed the numerous, unexplained disappearances of planes and boats over the Great Lakes over the past century. This book made the Great Lakes seem so fascinating that I put “Swim in one of the Great Lakes” on my “bucket list.”

For those of you unfamiliar with the Great Lakes, they are a series of five connected freshwater lakes on the border between the United States and Canada. The Great Lakes include Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario and Lake Superior. Together they are so large that you can see them from outer space. In fact, they are so large that they more strongly resemble inland seas than they do lakes due to their deep waters, strong currents, rolling waves and high winds.

Having lived most of my life in South Alabama, getting to actually swim in one of the Great Lakes seemed about as likely as getting to walk on the moon. They’re over 1,000 miles from my hometown, and I’d never ever had a good reason to be in that part of the country aside from catching a connecting flight in Chicago once.

That all changed last week when my family took a short trip to Niagara Falls, New York to see that city’s famous water falls. While there, my wife and I seized the opportunity to take our kids to one of the Great Lakes, so they could at least say that they’d been there. From our hotel room, we did a little research online and discovered that there was a public swimming area at Wilson-Tuscarora State Park, which was less than 25 miles from our hotel, on the south shore of Lake Ontario.

We arrived just a few minutes before the public swimming area opened at 11 a.m., and I was surprised to see that the park had several lifeguards on duty. We swam for almost two hours and spent more than a few minutes comparing the “beach” there to the more familiar beaches of Gulf Shores, Ala. The biggest difference to me was that the shores of Lake Ontario are covered with cobblestones of all sizes, while the Gulf Shores beaches are known for their sugary white sands.

Reading up on Lake Ontario later, I learned that “Ontario” means “Lake of Shining Waters,” and Lake Ontario is the only Great Lake that doesn’t share at least some portion of its shoreline with the state of Michigan. Lake Ontario covers an area of over 7,300-square miles and is over 800 feet deep in some places. It’s the 14th largest lake in the world and is 53 miles across at its widest point. From our vantage point on the New York side, we could not see the Canadian shore.

In the end, how many of you have ever swam in one of the Great Lakes? Where and when did you do so? What did you think about it? Let us know in the comments section below. 

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for July 7, 2014

SIX YEARS AGO

JULY 10, 2008

“Conecuh County suffered its third and fourth traffic fatalities of 2008 on Friday when a one-vehicle accident on Interstate 65 claimed the lives of two Houston, Texas residents.”

“Castleberry Mayor J.B. Jackson announced Monday that he has qualified to seek re-election as Castleberry’s mayor.”

“Luther Upton, 61, of Evergreen announced Tuesday that he has qualified to run for the District 3 seat on the Evergreen City Council during municipal elections on Aug. 26.”

“Bill Ferguson, Conecuh County’s veterans’ service officer, was named to the highest office in the state American Legion at the 90th state convention June 27 in Huntsville.”

“Grant Chaney has joined the staff of Coastal Gateway Economic Development Authority as Vice President of Existing Industry.”

“Homer E. Chavers has announced his bid for re-election to the Evergreen City Council’s District 1 seat.”

“Jennifer ‘Toni’ Rabb announced this week that she will run for the Evergreen City Council District 4 seat during the city’s municipal election on Aug. 26.”

“Conecuh County Engineer Winston Foshee told the county commission yesterday morning that the closed bridge on County Road 6 could re-open next week.”

21 YEARS AGO

JULY 8, 1993

“It may not have been enough, but growers appreciated the 1.91 inches of rain that fell on Conecuh County during the month of June.”

“Joan Baggett, the Repton native who was appointed assistant to the White House political affairs director under Bill Clinton’s administration, has been named to succeed her boss in a shake up in the nation’s capitol hoped to restore order to the administration.”

“Two lawsuits have been filed in Conecuh County Circuit Court by the families of the two people killed in the May 19, 1993 tragic accident on Interstate 65 in which the County Road 22 overpass collapsed and fell across the southbound lane of the interstate.”

“The Evergreen City Council put the ball back in the court of Natural Decorations Inc. Tuesday night by agreeing to make an offer to the owner of the Semcor property if NDI will agree to purchase the vacated McGehee Street property for an agreed upon amount.”

“Local officials joined officers and members of the Evergreen-Conecuh County Chamber of Commerce and business leaders at Roadway Express Inc. last Thursday for ‘Business After Hours.’ The company located on U.S. Highway 84 west of Evergreen, served refreshments for those attending. Pictured at Roadway are Mayor Lomax Cassady, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rosalyn Skipper, Roadway Manager Mike Fordham, State Representative Jimmy Warren and Chamber of Commerce President Marc Williams.”

36 YEARS AGO

JULY 12, 1978

“Ole Earl thinks he is a poet: Maybe the heat got to him, or it just might be a result of ‘dog days,’ but, whatever, Ole Earl Windham turned in this bit with this weather report this week: ‘Dear Ole Bob: You had cool weather, cold weather, warm weather, hot weather and rain. What you need is a cold glass of lemonade. Hickory, Dickory, Dock, the Mouse ran up the Clock. Ha!’

“The weatherman reports 1.07 inches of rain on July 3, .08 on the 5th, .49 on the 6th, and .05 on the 9th.”

“Woodrow W. Robinson of Paul qualified last week as a candidate for Member of the Conecuh County Commission, District 2, Place 3 in the Democratic Primary Elections of Sept. 5 and 26.

“A native and lifelong resident of Paul, Robinson is a disabled veteran of World War II. He is a member and deacon of the New Providence Baptist Church and a Master Mason, Dean Lodge at Brooklyn.”

“Stanley Mitchell of Route C, Evergreen, has qualified as a candidate for State Representative, House District No. 93, in the Democratic Primary Election of Sept. 5.”

“John Elvin Burch, Route 2, Castleberry qualified last Thursday as a candidate for the Conecuh County Commission, District 2, Place 3, in the Democratic Primary Elections of Sept. 5 and 26.”

51 YEARS AGO

JULY 11, 1963

“Daring robber hits Repton bank for $34,070 Tuesday: Law enforcement officers over a wide area of South Alabama and Northwest Florida are on the lookout for a middle-aged white man who robbed the Union Bank of Repton of $34,070 at noon Tuesday.
“(Bank cashier Carl W.) Ryals was alone in the bank when the bandit walked in about 12:22 p.m. Two women employees were out for lunch, and the bank president, A.E. (Bill) Kelly, had stepped next door.”

“Eddie Rankin, age six, of Route F, Evergreen, was killed Monday afternoon when he dashed into the path of a 1962 Ford, driven by Mrs. Velma Worlds of Route 1, Castleberry. Trooper Cargile said that it was impossible for Mrs. World’s to avoid hitting the child.”

“Over $6,800 in vacation pay was issued to Evergreen Textiles Inc. employees June 28. This vacation pay was shared by some 74 percent of the 184 people employed by this company in Evergreen.

“The Fourth of July is one of the five paid holidays observed by this company. Pay for this day amounted to approximately $1,800.”

“It will be ‘open house’ at the Conecuh County Hospital Sunday afternoon from two to five o’clock. The public is invited to come at that time and see the results of the renovation program recently completed.

“Hospital Administrator Jack Hethcox said that the project included the modernization of the heating system, painting of the entire hospital both inside and outside, remodeling of the business office, new draperies in every room, new furniture for the waiting room, admitting office and the administrator’s office.”

66 YEARS AGO

JULY 8, 1948

“Wiley Thomas, age 57, well known resident of the Herbert Community, fell dead at the old Convict Camp near Evergreen about noon Tuesday.”

“Hale and hearty and still going strong, Evergreen’s oldest citizen, Mr. John Cunningham observed his 99th birthday on Wed., July 7, by driving down to Evergreen Club and partaking of a birthday dinner planned and given for him by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

“Although Mr. Cunningham was born in 1849, 12 years before the War Between the States and in the same year gold was discovered in California, he is still in very good health.”

“Funeral services for S-Sgt. Donald E. Oliver, who was killed in France on July 25, 1944, will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at London Church with Rev. C.L. Weekly officiating, Cope Funeral Home directing.”

“Funeral services will be held for Lt. Winton D. McIntyre at Memorial Cemetery, Mobile, Wed., July 14, at 1 p.m. with full military honors.

“Lt. McIntyre, son of Mr. and Mrs. O.R. McIntyre, former residents of this county, but now of Prichard, Ala., was killed in New Guinea April 9, 1944, during the recent war.

“Lt. McIntyre was well known in Evergreen, where he finished high school in 1940.”

Daily Weather Observations from SW Alabama for Mon., July 7, 2014

Temp: 74.1 degrees F.

Rainfall (past 24 hours): 0.00 inches

Humidity: 79 percent (Humid)

Conditions: Partly Cloudy skies; birds audible and visible; cows and dogs audible; light dew on the ground.

Barometric Pressure: 29.54 inHg. 

Week to Date Rainfall: 0.00 inches

Month to Date Rainfall: 0.35 inches

Summer to Date Rainfall: 0.55 inches

Year to Date Rainfall: 43.90  inches

NOTES: Today is the 188th day of 2014 and the 17th day of Summer. There are 177 days left in the year.

Readings taken at 0700 hrs Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily, just west of the Monroe-Conecuh County line, near Excel, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.42834°N Lon 87.30131°W. Elevation: 400 feet above sea level. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-4, Station Name: Excel 2.5 ESE. 

More news highlights from The Evergreen Courant from July 1914

Conecuh County has changed a lot during the past century, and you can really see what I mean if you ever look through the old editions of The Evergreen Courant that were published 100 years ago this month. What follows is a collection of news highlights from the five editions of The Courant that were published in July 1914.

JULY 1, 1914

County Masonic Conference: Conecuh County Masonic conference, A.F.&A.M., will be held with Sepulga Lodge No. 233 July 29, 30 and 31. Dr. Witherington, the district lecturer, will conduct the conference. T.A. Jones.

Hugh M. King: Again the grim reaper has garnered to himself one of our number, when Brother Hugh M. King was called from labor to refreshment June 5th, 1914.

Brother King was born near Madison, Morgan County, Georgia, May 28th, 1832. He graduated with distinction at the State University at Athens in 1853, was a classmate and lifelong personal friend of General John B. Gordon. He was admitted to the bar in 1854 and opened an office in the city of Columbus.

In 1859, he removed to Bainbridge, Ga., where he continued the practice of law and became the owner and editor of the “Bainbridge Argus.” He was elected mayor of the city in 1860. The war coming on, he enlisted and organized the “Hardee Rifles” and was elected captain. This company became Co. H of the Fifth Georgia Regiment and was mustered into the Confederate Army at Pensacola, Fla., May 12th, 1861.

Brother King served as special aide to General R.H. Anderson and was complimented for gallantry in the attack on Santa Rosa Island; was promoted to major in the Staff Department C.S.A., served as Brigade Adjutant under General Anderson, also served under Generals Kirby Smith and Braxton Bragg. He was ordered to collect several unattached companies of cavalry, form a regiment, take command and report to General Wheeler. Colonel King served throughout the war, taking part in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Ky., Murfreesboro, Chicamauga, Dalton, Atlanta and Bentonville, also did his part gallantly in 85 smaller conflicts and was wounded three times.

He would not surrender but left the Army with a companion the day before the surrender and came home.

Colonel King came to Evergreen, Ala. about 1889, practicing his profession as a lawyer, also associated with the late W.D. Atkinson in the publication of the “Conecuh Star.” He served three times as mayor of Evergreen with ability and honor. He became a member of Greening Lodge No. 53, A.F.&A.M., Oct. 15th, 1904. Brother King was a ripe scholar and deep thinker, his judgement on all questions commanding and deserving respect.

Therefore, be it resolved, that in the death of Brother King, the town has sustained the loss of a good citizen, his associates a kind and considerate friend and brother.

Be it further resolved that these resolutions be spread on the minutes of the lodge, a copy sent to the family, and that they be published in The Evergreen Courant; also that the altar and furniture of the lodge be draped in mourning for a period of 30 days.

Respectfully submitted,

H.A. Shields, Jos. A. Smith, S.L. Tisdale, Committee

Go to Moyes Barber Shop and get your hair cut for the 4th, finest place in town, second door from post office.

Remember the picnic by the China ladies for the benefit of the church, at Lassiter Bridge on Murder Creek July 4th. All are cordially invited.

Jno. L. Jones of Paul was here yesterday. Asked if he had boll weevils in his farm, Mr. Jones replied very positively that he did not. The secret of it is he did not plant any cotton.

On Saturday, July 4th, there will be a public barbecue and basket dinner at the Mineral Spring. One of the features of the day will be a baseball game in the afternoon between Evergreen and Montgomery.

Last Friday was the hottest day known in Evergreen for many years, the thermometer registering 106. The temperature for four days previous ranged from 102 to 105. The weather bureau states it a fact that this has been the hottest June since 1881.

J.F. Irwin, state transfer agent, captured a negro Paul Jones, alias Lee, who about five years ago burglarized the store of Chas. Price at Castleberry, and who later escaped from the jail here, by the use of a pick. Mr. Irwin captured the negro in Mobile and took him to River Falls.

The picture show will open on the 4th of July at 4 p.m. That will give out-of-town people plenty of time to see the show before they go home. We are going to put on a special picture for the day at the regular price. The show is kept cool with electric fans. So don’t fail to see this Special Feature picture. Admission five cents and 10 cents.

It is announced that State Highway Engineer, W.S. Keller, will during this month make an automobile trip from Montgomery to Mobile for the purpose of locating a state road between the two cities. Mr. Keller’s itinerary includes Evergreen and citizens of the town are enthusiastic over the prospects of having this place on the line of the proposed highway.

JULY 8, 1914

Young Man Drowned In El Pond: Thos. Reid was drowned in the El Pond on Saturday afternoon.

Quite a number of young people were in the lake bathing and young Reid had been cautioned not to venture in the water and had agreed not to do so because of his inability to swim. He got in a boat with a small boy, however, and without warning leaped into the water and sank. His body came to the surface once, but the boy in the boat was unable to rescue him and he sank to the bottom. His body was recovered about an hour later.

The tragic affair cast a gloom over the assemblage of a jolly crowd of pleasure seekers.

Young Reid was a son of Geo. Reid, residing about five miles from Castleberry, in Escambia County. He was about 21 years old.

COL. HUGH M. KING: Col. Hugh M. King was born near Madison, Morgan County, Ga., May 28, 1832. He was brought up under religious parents, members of the Methodist church.

He graduated with distinction at the State University at Athens in 1853; in 1854 was admitted to the bar; in 1859 he moved to Bainbridge, Ga., where he continued the practice of law. In 1860, he was elected mayor of the city. In May 1861, he organized a volunteer company, “The Hardee Rifles,” and was elected captain of Co. H of the Fifth Georgia Regiment and was then ordered to Pensacola, Fla. and there mustered into the Confederate army May 12, 1861.

He was in the battle of Santa Rosa Island, after which he was special aide to General R.H. Anderson, complimented for gallantry in General Anderson’s report; shortly afterwards were promoted to major on the Staff Department, C.S.A., and served a short term as Brigadier under General Patten Anderson of Florida, after which he received orders to report to General Kirby Smith at Knoxville, Tenn. On arriving there, received orders from the war department to report to General Bragg at Corinth, Miss. On Sat., April 5, 1862, was wounded in the battle at Corinth, Miss. After 40 day’s furlough, he returned to his command for duty, though still lame. He then served through the Kentucky campaign on staff duty at headquarters. In 1863, was ordered to report to General Wheeler with rank of colonel. He remained on staff duty with General Wheeler until the close of the war.

During the war, he was in the following battles: Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Murphreesboro, Chicamauga, Dalton, Atlanta and Bentonville; besides these was in 85 smaller conflicts, was wounded three times, had two horses killed under him and at one time wounded and captured two Yankees and killed four. Good record.

Therefore, be it resolved, that in the death of Col. Hugh M. King, our camp mourns the loss of one of our most worthy members, the community a good, useful and worth citizen, the family an affectionate husband and father.

Be it further resolved, that these resolutions be spread on the minutes of our camp, a copy sent to his family and that they be published in the Evergreen Courant.

“D.J. Wright, Chairman Committee.”

J.C. JOHNSON: Death, the common enemy of man, has invaded our camp and taken another of our comrades, Mr. J.C. Johnson, who was born March 11, 1847 and departed this life April 10, 1914.

He was a man of strong integrity, lived an honest and upright life, and all who knew him spoke well of him. He was an affectionate husband, loving father, good neighbor, good citizen, a true and faithful soldier.

He enlisted as a private soldier in the Confederate army Feb. 1, 1863, belonged to Co. B, 3rd Alabama Cavalry. He was wounded in the battle at Kennesaw mountain. He was once captured but was recaptured and brought back to his command. His life as a citizen and soldier is worthy of emulation.

Therefore, be it resolved, that in the death of our comrade, our Camp Lee has sustained the loss of a brave and faithful comrade, his family a loving husband and father.

Resolved second, that these resolutions be spread on the minutes of Camp Lee, a copy sent to his family and that they be published in The Evergreen Courant.

“D.J. Wright, Chairman of Committee.”

Joe Johns, who resides five miles east of Brewton on the Brooklyn road, killed a large rattler on his place one day last week. His snakeship measured about seven feet in length, and strange to relate had only two rattles and the customary button. Mr. Johns skinned the reptile, shipping the hide to New Orleans.

Mayor Ivey has been confined to his room with sickness since Thursday. His many friends sincerely hope he may be soon restored to his accustomed good health.

Wm. Ellis exhibited a piece of broken earthenware here recently which he says he found 30 feet under the surface of the earth while boring a well on his premises. How it came there is unexplainable.

W.E. Harper, son of former superintendent of education, G.M. Harper of Herbert, was here with his father yesterday. Mr. Harper recently graduated in the law department of the State University.

The finishing touches are being placed on E.A. Beaven’s new home on Belleville Street, and in a few more days it will be ready for occupancy.

The fourth was generally observed in Evergreen notwithstanding the fact that it came on Saturday, usually one of the best days for trade for merchants. Numbers of people attended picnics at various places in the country, but it appears that a large percentage spent the day quietly at home. In the afternoon, a large crowd enjoyed a baseball game between Evergreen and Montgomery. Evergreen, as usual, captured both games of the doubleheader.

JULY 15, 1914

We appreciate the favor if you will telephone news items to The Courant. Call No. 138 or 203.

New Train on L&N: July 26 is the date set for the inauguration of a new train service by the L&N Railroad , when a new train will be placed in operation running between Georgiana and Flomaton, where it will connect with local trains for Mobile and Pensacola. The train will leave Georgiana about six o’clock a.m. Returning it will leave Mobile and Pensacola about four o’clock in the afternoon thus enabling patrons along the line to transact business in either city or at any point along the line and return home the same day. It will prove a great convenience to the traveling public.

A farmer named Rogers residing in Covington County near the Conecuh line had the misfortune last week to lose three valuable mules when his barn was blown down by a windstorm. Three others were severely injured.

Evergreen baseball lovers enjoyed the first real treat of the season on Monday afternoon when the first of a series of games with Gantt was pulled off, Evergreen winning the game in the 10th inning by the close score of 2 to 1. It was a pitcher’s battle between Arant for Evergreen and Manning Smith for Gantt. The feature of the game was the running catch and long throw from deeper center to first by Johnson of Evergreen. In the tenth inning, three hits scored the winning run.

In yesterday’s game, Evergreen was an easy winner the score being 13 to 1. This game was featureless and interesting. The third of the series will occur this afternoon unless rain interferes.

JULY 22, 1914

Ball Game With Real Indians: The greatest athletic novelty in the world is the Nebraska Indian baseball team which has created so much comment by its brilliant playing and wonderful success it has achieved during its 17 years of travel throughout the United States and Canada. It is a rare and novel sight to see a team of ball players all of whom are marvelously expert and also who are genuine Indians. When they come to the field with scowling faces and savage warhoops some of the timid people in the grandstand grow nervous but the Indians are only showing their irrepressible spirits and never have trouble with anyone. It will be a great treat to see them play the Evergreen team at the ball park on Fri., July 24.

Writing in the Atmore Record, J.L. Crawford of the county, suggests the formation of a new county out of portions of Baldwin, Escambia, Conecuh and Monroe. He does not suggest a name for the proposed new county, but Henderson county would be appropriate.

H.A. Shields has returned from a tour of inspection of the St. Louis division of the L&N Railroad. He said while he was in Evansville, the thermometer registered 118 degrees, and that he was reminded of what he had often said that we live in the greatest country on the earth. He said when he reached home, he had to put his coat on to be comfortable.

Brewton defeated Evergreen in an interesting an exciting game of ball on the local diamond yesterday afternoon, the score being 4 to 2. Several errors on the part of Evergreen lost the game to the visiting team. It was one of the best games played here this season and was enjoyed by a large crowd of interested spectators including a number of Brewton citizens.

J.F.B. Lowery of Burnt Corn is greatly interested and enthused over the scheme to have the proposed trunk road from Montgomery to Mobile to follow the old federal road – more commonly known as the old stage road. State Highway Engineer Keller will today accompany a party of gentlemen over this road traversing the route from Fort Deposit to a point in Baldwin County. On August 3rd, Mr. Keller and party will begin a tour of the route by Greenville, Evergreen, Brewton and Bay Minette.

Belleville by “Summer”: Boll weevils and baseball is about all you hear the men talking, and with the ladies, “How shall I make my new dress?”

Mrs. Sarah Cunningham, relict of the late Dr. William Cunningham, died on Sunday morning last. Deceased was one of the oldest inhabitants of this county, having celebrated her 91st birthday in March last.

Crocket Janes Dead: Died at his son’s home Thursday, July 9, Crocket Janes. While his exact age is not known, he was about 100 years old. He enlisted in the army in 1861 at the age of 46, was wounded three times, but served the whole four years. After the war he moved from Georgia to Alabama, where he spent the rest of his days.

JULY 29, 1914

Evergreen Beats Indians: The largest crowd that ever witnessed a game here was at the game between the Nebraska Indians and the locals, the latter winning 7 to 6. The features of the game were the sensational fielding and hitting of Randolph Moorer for Evergreen, who made two of the most thrilling catches and registering three singles, one double and one triple out of five trips to the plate; the home run of Arant for Evergreen.

Batteries – Evergreen, Arant and Lindsey; Nebraska Indians, Cleghorm, Wourkeegreen and Bataga.

Install Masonic Officers at Belleville: Belleville, Ala., July 24 – The officers of the lodge of A.F.&A Masons were installed yesterday by Past Master Dr. Percy B. Skinner as follows: Claude T. Livingston, W.M.; Alvin L. Riggs, S.W.; Dr. Henry S. Skinner, Treasurer; Richard H. Riggs Sr., Secretary; Perry H. Hayman, S.D.; J. Isaac Andrews, J.D.; Frederick P. Hines, Tyler; John E. Baggett and Levi Lee, Stewards; R. Earl Ivey, Marshal.

Scouting Party Traverses Old Stage Road: Quite a number of Conecuh citizens joined the scouting party over the old stage road route on last Wednesday. There were about 25 automobiles in the party, which included State Highway Engineer Keller, prominent men from Lowndes, Butler and Monroe as well as Conecuh.

The party reached Burnt Corn about noon where a splendid dinner was served by the citizens of that community, after which the trip was continued through Baldwin County. It was an enthusiastic crowd and demonstrated the keen interest that the people are taking in the proposed trunk highway between Montgomery and Mobile.

Engineer Keller is quoted as saying that a very good road can be constructed along this old route. It is claimed that it is a considerably shorter route than either of the others proposed.

Engineer Keller and his party with leave Montgomery on next Monday Aug. 3 for a tour over the route by Greenville, Evergreen, Brewton and Bay Minette, following closely along the railroad. Upon completing the trip to Mobile it is said Mr. Keller will make the return trip via Jackson, Thomasville and Selma.

W.K. Horton a few days ago exhibited here an open boll of cotton from a stalk which he says has borne four successive crops. He says the stalk is about four inches in diameter at the base, 10 feet high, with wide spreading branches and has more than a thousand bolls on it. He saw the unusual sight in Pensacola. The tree has probably been protected from the cold during the winters.

C.F. Archer, the photographer, has returned to Evergreen and will be permanently located in the Salter Building.