Wilcox County's Arlington community grew up around old Mobile & B'ham Railroad station

The old Arlington Mercantile store.

Last Friday afternoon, I found myself out riding around in western Wilcox County, doing a little exploring and enjoying the sunny weather. My travels took me north up State Highway 5 through Pine Hill and points beyond. Between Kimbrough and Lamison, I came to the County Road 32 crossroads, where I turned west towards the Arlington community.

Those of you familiar with Arlington will know that it’s one of the most unique communities in all of Wilcox County. According to “Place Names in Alabama” by Virginia O. Foscue, the community grew up around a Mobile & Birmingham Railroad station. A post office was established there in 1887, and the community was named for the Virginia home of Robert E. Lee, commanding general of the Confederate army during the War Between the States.

Some of you may remember that back in September I wrote about an old Masonic lodge that was once located at Arlington. That lodge was originally located in the Clifton community but was moved to Arlington in 1893, when it changed its name to Arlington Lodge No. 272. That lodge closed in 1903 and on Friday I wanted to see if anything remained of the old lodge building.

On my way down County Road 32, I pulled over at the Arlington United Methodist Church, a church that I’ve heard much about over the years but had never seen in person. Sources say that this beautiful old church was built in 1887 by George Lynch, who owned a lumber mill at Kimbrough. The church’s belfry, Sunday school rooms, fellowship hall and stained-glass windows were added at various different times over the years.

While there, I spent a few minutes exploring the cemetery located adjacent to the church. Just eye-balling it, I’d say this cemetery contains between 150 and 200 graves. The oldest grave that I saw belonged to Mary Ellen Rikard Nettles, who died at the age of 29 in 1879.

I eventually got back in my truck and continued deeper into Arlington. Not far down the road, I pulled into the parking lot of the community’s post office, which traces its roots to 1887. I actually had a bill to mail, so I killed two birds with one stone by going inside and dropping it down the outgoing mail shoot.

A little farther down the road, I came to the T-junction where County Road 11 runs into County Road 32. Most maps show this as being “downtown” Arlington, so I pulled over for a closer look at the old buildings in this area. One building in particular stood out – the old Arlington Mercantile store – which still bears a rusty, old sign advertising “Cold Beverages-Snacks-Groceries.” This old store appears to have been closed for some time, so one is left to wonder just how long it’s been out of operation.

My map showed that if I continued west on County Road 32, I would enter Marengo County just a few miles down the road. With that in mind, I turned around and headed east back towards State Highway 5. On my way out of Arlington, I took my time and tried to imagine what this bustling railroad town must have looked like in its heyday.

In the end, I was unable to find the old Masonic lodge building, so chances are it was torn down years ago. If anyone in the reading audience knows where it was located, please let me know. Someone in the reading audience may even have a photo of the old lodge.

Also, let me hear from you if you know anything more about the history of the Arlington community. I’m especially interested in any old ghost stories, local legends and Indian lore from this area. Please pass along what you know, so that we can document this information for the generations to come.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Nov. 10, 2020

Sparta students lay wreath at Veterans monument.

SIX YEARS AGO
NOV. 14, 2014

Weather reporter Betty Ellis reported 0.01 inches of rain on Nov. 6. She reported a high of 76 on Nov. 5 and a low of 37 on Nov. 9.

The Conecuh County Board of Education approved the retirement of one of the school system’s longest tenured employees last week when they voted to accept the retirement of Repton Junior High School principal, John Ward.
During a board meeting last Thursday afternoon at the Conecuh County Resource Center in Evergreen, Ward described his 44 years in public education as a “long ride, a good ride.”
Ward’s retirement will officially begin on Dec. 1.

Sparta Academy’s Ambassadors placed a memorial wreath at the Conecuh County Veterans Monument Tuesday afternoon in honor of Veterans Day. Pictured at the wreath laying are Ambassadors Sponsor Alicia Williams, Brooke House, Emily Rodgers, Charlie Conway, Taylor Chavers, Noah Pettis, Liz Skipper, Jayden McKeough, Sparta Headmaster Wayne Hammonds and Alex Etheridge. Not pictured is Stone Riley. The wreath was donated by Cherrie’s Blossoms & Blooms in Evergreen.

The Conecuh County Branch NAACP will host its 38^th Annual Freedom Fund dinner on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Hillcrest High School in Evergreen, according to NAACP President Adam J. Boykin.

31 YEARS AGO
NOV. 9, 1989

Weather reporter Harris Ellis reported highs of 76 on Oct. 30 and Nov. 5 and lows of 34 on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4. Total rainfall for the month of October 1989 was 1.49 inches.

Sgt. Hall retires from State Troopers: Sgt. Thomas W. (Tom) Hall of Skinnerton Road, Evergreen, ended a long career with the Alabama State Troopers when he retired Oct. 1. Sgt. Hall, who was Post Commander at Grove Hill when he retired, had over 25 years service with the Troopers.
A native of Atmore, Sgt. Hall joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1957 after graduating from Escambia County High School in Atmore and served until 1960.
Sgt. Hall joined the State Troopers in July 1964 and his first assignment was in Demopolis. He was assigned to the Evergreen Post in 1965 and served here until 1970 when he was promoted to corporal and transferred to Abbeville.
Sgt. Hall returned to Evergreen in 1971 and served as assistant post commander until 1979 when he was promoted to sergeant and transferred to Grove Hill as post commander. He served as commander of the Grove Hill Post for 10 years until his retirement, but maintained his home in Evergreen.

Gov. Guy Hunt spoke briefly here Friday morning at the historic L&N Depot. Gov. Hunt came to a announce a grant of $32,253 to the Conecuh-Monroe Community Action Agency to weatherize 12 homes in Conecuh and 13 in Monroe to prepare for severe weather. The governor also presented a grant of $1,000 to the Conecuh Heritage Festival Committee of the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce to help fund Heritage Day.

56 YEARS AGO
NOV. 12, 1964

Hyde is named platoon leader: Cadet 2^nd Lt. David Hyde Jr., son of Mr. D.T. Hyde of 101 South Main St., Evergreen, was appointed Platoon Leader in Co. A by Col. John W. Paddock, Professor of Military Science at the University of Alabama’s Army ROTC Cadet Brigade. The Brigade has a strength of over 1,000 cadets.
Cadet Hyde is a major in Law.
In addition to his activities in the Cadet Brigade, Cadet Hyde was a member of the ROTC Rifle Team 1962-64.
Cadet Hyde is a graduate of Evergreen High School, Evergreen. Upon graduation, he will receive a commission as a second lieutenant in the Army.

Final rites held for Shelton Dunn: James Shelton Dunn, age 61, prominent Evergreen businessman, died unexpectedly at his home on Bruner Avenue Sunday afternoon, Nov. 8. He was widely known throughout this area.
Mr. Dunn was a native of Grove Hill, but had resided in this city for many years. He was a pharmacist and had owned and operated the Conecuh Drug Co. for many years. He also had other business interests and was a director of The Conecuh County Bank.

John Emmett Worlund, former teacher and postal employee in Conecuh County, died at his home near Huntsville on Nov. 6. He was born at Pollard and was a graduate of Graceland College, a veteran of World War I and retired as manager of Alabama Employment Service in Madison County after 20 years service.

81 YEARS AGO
NOV. 9, 1939

Wilkerson Billed 1^st Degree Murder: Alvin Wilkerson, young white man of Lenox community, was indicted by the grand jury this week on a charge of first-degree murder. Wilkerson is accused of killing his mother-in-law, Mrs. Josephine Zellers, the killing having taken place several months ago. The case has been set for trial Friday of next week.

The Boy Scouts of Troop 40 met Monday night for their regular weekly meeting. After playing games, all boys gave the “Scout Oath.” A period for passing tests was given in order that scouts could try to advance in rank. All boys are urged to pay their monthly dues on time. The “Court of Review” was postponed until our next meeting. The meeting was closed with “Taps.”

Store Entered By Burglar Sat. Night: An unknown burglar or burglars broke into the store of Cannon Clothing Co. late Saturday night or early Sunday morning and stole a quantity of merchandise and cash estimated at from eight to 10 dollars. The burglar entered by prying off the lock of the front door. The cash register was broken open and damaged badly.
A portion of the merchandise was recovered late Sunday afternoon. Limus Stallworth, operator of a café, discovered the clothing under the porch floor at his café and reported it to the officers. It is thought by officers that the burglar hid the clothing there, expecting to return and get it later after things quieted down.

Arkadelphia community traces its roots to before the Civil War

Arkadelphia Baptist Church in Conecuh County.

Last Thursday morning on a wild hair, I struck off west down Rural Street with an eye towards seeing what kind of damage had been left behind by Hurricane Zeta. I went through the Wild Avenue intersection and eventually crossed Murder Creek on my way out of town. Somewhere in this area – I’m not exactly sure where – Rural Street turns into the Loree Road.

A little over seven miles from downtown Evergreen, I found myself in the old Arkadelphia community, where I pulled over in front of the Arkadelphia Baptist Church. It was cloudy and threatening rain, but I got out anyway for a closer look at this stately old church. I’d passed by this church on the Loree Road many times, but as far as I can remember, I’d never set foot on the ground here before.

I spent a minute or two looking for an old cornerstone that might say more about the building’s history, but finding none, I eventually headed back to my truck. In passing, I noticed the modern sign out by the road. “Do You Spend Your Time With God’s Book Or Facebook?” it asked in big black plastic letters.

The sign also noted that the church was established in 1845, which likely makes this church one of the oldest in the county. It says a lot about the people of this small community that they have kept this small church going since before the Civil War. In 25 years, this church will turn 100 years old. I wonder if I will be around to see it?

I eventually left the church and drove the short distance back down the Loree Road to the old Arkadelphia Cemetery. I got out on this day after the hurricane and could hear the sound of a generator running at a house somewhere nearby. A few seconds later, I stepped inside the chain-link gate and spent a few minutes walking among the headstones.

Just eyeballing it, I’d say this spacious cemetery contains between 250 and 300 graves. This cemetery contains many old graves, but the oldest that I saw belonged to Luvicey Kyser, who died at the age of 26 in 1863. According to her headstone, she was born in 1836 and was the wife of W.M. Kyser.

I could not help but wonder if Luvicey was the wife of the William Kyser, who is buried at the Belleville Baptist Church. He was born in 1831 and was somewhat of a famous solider. During the Civil War, he served as First Sergeant of Co. F, 23^rd Battery, of the Alabama Sharpshooters. He died an old man in 1911.

After a while, I left the cemetery, shut the gate behind me and climbed back in my truck. The old Arkadelphia community seemed to have weathered Hurricane Zeta fairly well, no doubt much like she has weathered many storms in the past. Thankfully, the old church there suffered no apparent damage, almost as if a hand of protection had watched over it during the storm.

In the end, as I made my way back to Evergreen, I could not help but wonder about all of the people who once called Arkadelphia home. No doubt many of their descendants still live in Conecuh County today. If you happen to know more about the history of this area, please let me hear from you. I’m especially interested in any old ghost stories, local legends or Indian lore about this area, so if you know of anything along these lines, please let me know.

Family believes something strange lives near their home at Millers Ferry

Tina Young and her family believe that something strange lives in the woods near their home at Millers Ferry.

Tina and her husband, Steve, have lived near the end of Beach Road, northeast of the Millers Ferry Campground, for the past eight years. Their home is located a stone’s throw from the Alabama River, in “a quaint area surrounded by woods and at the back end of a slough,” Tina said. Over the years, they’ve had encounters with all sorts of wildlife, including deer, alligators and wildcats.

They’ve also heard sounds that they cannot explain. “We have something strange here in our woods,” Tina said. “We hear lots of animal sounds from gators to wildcats. We also hear some sounds from something else.”

Starting about six years ago, they began hearing a wide variety of screams, growls, whoops, loud moans, groans and “wood knocks,” she said. On one occasion, late one evening about six years ago, they heard something knocking on a tree in the woods across the slough. When Tina’s nine-year-old niece knocked in response, whatever it was in the woods amazingly replied with more knocks, Tina said.

Over time, this strange activity has increased. Earlier this year, in March, Tina’s 31-year-old son, who works out of town, was home on a break. Late that night, he was awoken by the sound of something hitting the side of their home. The son woke his parents and told them what happened, and they decided at the time that it was probably not a good idea to go outside to investigate.

About two months ago, Tina’s mother was spending the night at their residence and reported hearing a loud sound outside her bedroom window. The family’s truck was parked outside the mother’s bedroom window, and she said the noise sounded like a heavy piece of metal being thrown into the back of the truck and making a screeching sound as if being dragged across the truck bed.

About a month ago, Tina and Steve arrived home around 8:30 p.m. and as they stepped out of their truck, they heard a strange scream. “We both just looked at each other like ‘Wow! Did you hear that?’,” Tina said. On two other occasions, something inexplicably slapped the side of their house while they were inside watching television at night, she said.

Over time, they have also found “tree breaks” in the woods that line their driveway. Are these “tree breaks” the sign of something strange living in the area, possibly marking its territory? Is something out there breaking tree limbs as a sign of aggression?

Tina’s husband and son are both hunters, and the family believes that, while they have never actually seen what’s out there, they feel that more than one lives in the woods near their home. Tina noted that they have cats and a small dog named “Lulu,” and when all of this unusual activity takes place, their pets will hide and remain silent.

Tina also noted that they’ve never found any unusual tracks or clumps of hair on their property. She also said that they don’t have any game cameras around their house, so they’ve never caught anything strange on camera. However, during these periods of unusual activity, they have detected a “nasty smell that comes and goes,” and that the strange odor reminds her of garbage or something similar.

With all of that said, Tina said that she and her family have never felt threatened by the unknown creature or creatures. She said that she has never felt like she was in any danger, but that she does get the creeps sometimes when she walks outside to her car in the dark.

In the end, I’d like to hear from any readers, especially experienced outdoorsmen, who might know what type of animal could be causing this strange activity near Millers Ferry. Also, I’d like to hear from anyone in the reading audience who has seen or heard anything unusual around their homes or in the woods of Wilcox County. More than likely, the Youngs aren’t the only people who have seen or heard something they can’t explain.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Nov. 4, 2020

General George Patton

FIVE YEARS AGO
NOV. 5, 2015

Weather reporter Betty Ellis reported 1.48 inches of rain on Oct. 26, 1.02 inches on Oct. 27, 0.82 inches on Oct. 31 and 1.00 inches on Nov. 1. She reported a high of 82 inches on Oct. 29 and lows of 54 degrees on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30. Total rainfall for the month of October 2015 was 3.62 inches.

Gary Eugene Bowens, age 52, of Evergreen, died Fri., Oct. 16, 2015.
He was from early childhood a member of First Baptist Church, Evergreen, Rev. Kenneth Kidd, pastor. After completing Evergreen High School, he joined the United States Navy where he sailed to many places.
He was employed with the TENAX Corp. at the time of his tragic death. Gary didn’t meet strangers. He would probably say, “Stranger, what stranger,” while looking left to right.

The Evergreen-Conecuh County Chamber of Commerce presented Guyoung Tech with the Chamber’s Business of the Month Award for the month of October Wednesday of last week in Castleberry. Pictured at the award presentation are Chamber board members Ronnie Johnson and Jeremy Anderson; Guyoung Tech representatives Moo Chan Lee, Leigh Ross, Song Hong Joung and Jong Myung Lee; Chamber President Jeremy Wolff and Chamber board member Debbie Jacobs; Guyoung Tech’s S.B. Kim; Chamber board member Kathy Daniels; and Guyoung Tech’s Jeff Han.

30 YEARS AGO
NOV. 1, 1990

Weather reporter Harris Ellis reported 0.30 inches of rain on Oct. 22. He reported a high of 73 degrees on Oct. 28 and a low of 36 degrees on Oct. 26.

Final rites are held for Pete Wolff Jr. – Pete Anton Wolff Jr., 71, of 121 South Main St., Evergreen, and a native of Butler County, died Sun., Oct. 28, at a Brewton hospital, after a long illness.
Mr. Wolff was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Pete Wolff Sr. of Georgiana. Mr. Pete Wolff Jr. has been a resident of Evergreen and a successful businessman for 38 years in Evergreen and Conecuh County. He owned a Western Auto Store here until his retirement and had other business interests.
He was a member of the Evergreen United Methodist Church and served with the U.S. Army during World War II in the European theatre under General George Patton.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Emerald Valley Manor, owned by Morrow Companies of Tuscaloosa, were held Monday morning. Take part in the ceremonies were Marjorie Brown of the Retiree Committee, Carla Foreman of SWAT, Evelyn Stephens of The Morrow Companies, City Clerk Laurice Baggett, Mary Greene of The Morrow Companies, Chamber of Commerce Secretary Doris Mitchell, City Councilman Bobby Pitts, Chamber of Commerce Board Member Veronica Lambert, Lula Palmer of the Retiree Committee, City Councilman T.L. Sims, Mayor Lee F. Smith, Probate Judge Rogene Booker, County Commissioners Jerold Dean and Hugh Barrow and Tax Assessor Terry Sullivan.

55 YEARS AGO
NOV. 4, 1965

Cub Pack holds first meeting: Cub Pack No. 40 of Troop No. 40, Gulf Coast Council, otherwise known as the Cub Scouts of Evergreen, held their first pack meeting at the City School in Evergreen on Oct. 28.
Cub Master Howard Fore was Master of Ceremonies. Seven Dens of Cub Scouts with their Den Mothers and parents, one Den Chief, the Rev. Frank Scott and the pack committee from the Evergreen Methodist Men were also present at the meeting.

Fire hits cotton here Tuesday; 97 bales damaged: Fire of undetermined origin broke out around 6:40 Tuesday night in a stack of cotton bales at Evergreen Manufacturing Co. Evergreen Volunteer Firemen brought the blaze under control before it spread to nearby buildings from the open area where it had been piled. However, the cotton was still burning Wednesday afternoon.
A total of 97 bales were involved in the fire, some close to complete loss and some of salvage value.

County offices close Nov. 11: Offices in the Conecuh County Courthouse will be closed all day on Thurs., Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day (formerly Armistice Day), a national holiday.
Judge of Probate, Frank T. Salter said today that the offices of county officials will follow the custom of years and years in taking the holiday which pays homage to veterans of all wars in which the U.S. has been involved.
As usual, someone will be on duty in Sheriff James Brock’s office in case of emergency.

80 YEARS AGO
NOV. 7, 1940

Mrs. Dunn defeats Jones by 334 votes: A complete, but unofficial, tabulation of votes cast for Probate Judge in Conecuh County in the general election held Tuesday shows that Mrs. Edna N. Dunn defeated Robt. H. Jones by a margin of 334 votes. Of the 2,448 votes cast in the election, Mrs. Dunn received 1,411 and Mr. Jones 1,077. This was an unusually heavy vote for a general election.

Armistice Program To Be Sponsored By Boy Scouts: An Armistice program, sponsored by Troop 40, Evergreen Boy Scouts, assisted by the school band, will be given Monday evening at 7:30 o’clock at the Evergreen City School. The Legionnaires and parents of scouts will be special guests, and all who are interested are asked to come.
The band and scouts will give an appropriate Armistice program, followed by a Court of Honor, at which time badges will be awarded to scouts who have qualified for these badges. All members of the Boy Scout Troop Committee are urged to be present.

William H. Stuckey, 44, a World War veteran, died suddenly Friday evening at the home of his sister, Mrs. C.E. Robinson, in Castleberry.
Mr. Stuckey moved to Castleberry from Tunnel Springs when a young man, and for a number of years was connected with the A.S.J. Nettles Mercantile Co. He was a member of the Castleberry Baptist Church. For the past eight years he served as automobile salesman for Evergreen Motor Car Co., and through his business connections had made innumerable friends throughout the county.

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Nov. 3, 2020

FIVE YEARS AGO
NOV. 5, 2015

Jaguars head to playoffs: Hillcrest High School dropped to 5-5 on the season Friday night after a 34-6 loss to Greenville High School at Brooks Memorial Stadium in Evergreen.
Greenville entered the game unbeaten and ranked No. 4 in Class 5A.
Hillcrest looks to bounce back tomorrow (Friday) night when they travel to McLemore Field in Montgomery to take on Montgomery Academy in the opening round of the Class 3A playoffs.
Tomorrow night’s game will be the first ever between Hillcrest and Montgomery Academy in football.
Montgomery Academy enters tomorrow night’s game with a 9-1 overall record and as the top team in the Class 3A Region standings.

Sparta begins playoff run: Based just on wins alone, Sparta Academy wrapped up their best regular season in 18 years Friday night when they improved to 8-3 overall by beating Wilcox Academy in Camden.
The last time Sparta Academy finished a season with more than eight wins was in 1997 when the Warriors went 10-3 overall on their way to the Class A state title game and finished as state runner-up
(Top Sparta players in the Wilcox Academy game included Tanner Bledsoe, Hunter Bolton, Austin Cain, Tyler Davis, Darin Draper, Sean Kelly, Zane Lambert, Peyton McCraney, Lanse Robbins, Ethan Tyree and Griffin Weaver. Justin Chandler was Sparta’s head coach.)

30 YEARS AGO
NOV. 1, 1990

First Alabama Bank is again the proud sponsor of 1,000 refreshment cups given to Hillcrest High School’s Athletic Department for its use in the 1990-91 season. Jim Raines, Executive Vice President of First Alabama Bank, is shown making the presentation to Head Coach H.L. Watson of Hillcrest High School.

T.R. Miller claws Jaguars 27-0: The T.R. Miller Tigers scored on their first three offensive possessions to set the tone as they defeated the Hillcrest Jaguars by the score of 27-0.
The Tigers keep their unbeaten record intact while the Jaguars fall to 5-3 on the season.
Hillcrest will hit the road once again this week as they travel to Camden to take on Wilcox County High School in a big area game. Kickoff for tomorrow night’s game will be at 7:30 p.m.

Tornados rip Warriors 28-0: The powerful Greenville Academy Tornados shut out the Sparta Academy Warriors 28-0 Friday night at Stuart-McGehee Field in Evergreen.
Jeff Brundage had 13 carries for 75 yards and Mike Riley five on three. Mark Watts lost 10 yards on one carry and Tim Salter lost 31 yards on nine carries.
Salter attempted 25 passes and had 12 completions for 176 yards. Watts and Steven Gall each attempted one pass and each had an interception. Gall caught six passes for 83 yards; Watts, two for 52; Jason Williams, two for 37; and Brundage, two for four.

55 YEARS AGO
NOV. 4, 1965

Jackets jet by Coffeeville 39-0: Lyeffion High’s streaking Yellow Jackets raced past Coffeeville High 39 to 0 Friday night to completely spoil the Clarke County school’s homecoming.
Quarterback Homer Chaver found the end zone four times to pace the Jacket scoring.
Don Jones took long distance honors with a terrific 88-yard ramble from scrimmage to TD-land. Stanley Wilson bulled and ran 75 yards to set up a score. Laymon Booker moved the ball 40 yards to set up another which Ronnie Booker took in. Bo O’Gwyn racked up several runs of 35 and 40 yards although he didn’t get in on the scoring.
As for Coffeeville, they found the swarming Jacket defense much, much more than they could cope with. The entire squad played well on defense and if named, just say that Harold Brown, Don Jones, Bo O’Gwyn, Don Salter and Jerry New looked mighty, mighty good.

Red Level hands Aggies seventh loss: Jimmy Davis and Johnny Sellers combined for Red Level to hand Evergreen its seventh straight loss of the season, with a 19-6 score.
Bubba Faulkner, Aggie safety and signal caller, picked off a Red Level pass to put Evergreen in business on their own 47-yard stripe. Faulkner tossed to John Brown, Evergreen’s speed merchant to set up a score. On fourth and one for a first down and three for TD, Faulkner flipped a jump pass to Jack White for the touchdown. A bad snap from center foiled the extra point attempt.

Bubba Faulkner has been selected by the Evergreen Jaycees as the Most Outstanding Player in the Evergreen-Frisco City football game. Faulkner, a junior back, has shown steady improvement during the season, and came into his own in the Frisco City game.

80 YEARS AGO
NOV. 7, 1940

Mr. and Mrs. R.G. Kendall and Mr. and Mrs. R.G. Kendall Jr. spent the weekend in New Orleans and attended the Tulane-Clemson football game.

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

USS John S. McCain

30 YEARS AGO
NOV. 1, 1990

Courthouse dome contract is awarded: The dome of the old Monroe County Courthouse could soon be gleaming in the afternoon sun, and the clock chimes could be heard once again across town.
A Saraland company was the apparent low bidder when bids were opened on the dome renovation Oct. 23 by the Monroe County Commission. Delta Sun Contracting Inc. bid $80,000 to restore the exterior of the dome, including replacing or repairing windows, painting, upgrading the dome structurally, and adding a balustrade like the one built originally in 1903. The clock work will be done separately by someone else, but at the same time.

Volunteers upend Meadowview 21-6: Monroe Academy inched a little closer to recording a perfect season Friday night when the Volunteers routed Meadowview Christian School 21-6, a battle of unbeaten private-school football teams.
Senior Jerrod Thompson put the Volunteers on the scoreboard first when he picked a fumble out of the air and raced 91 yards for a touchdown midway through the first quarter. Chris Hare kicked the all-important extra point, which, as it turned out, was enough to defeat the Trojans.
(Other top Monroe players in that game included John Abernathy, Dallas Gamble, Josh Mixon, Todd Salter and Shane Stafford.)

Dean Silcox of Wildfork and his son, Jeremy, killed this six-foot rattlesnake Sunday near Coleman Assembly of God Church at Wildfork. Silcox, who stands 6-foot-4, said the snake was coiled up beside the road. The snake had 10 rattles and a button.

55 YEARS AGO
NOV. 4, 1965

Landmark Coming Down: Another old landmark in Monroeville will be coming down in the near future when builders make room for a rental apartment project on West Claiborne Street. This house, known as the old Steve Hixon Home, is the only structure that has to be removed on the four acres obtained by the company which plans to build the units.

Back In Action: Louie Hayles of Monroeville is expected to be back in action Sat., Nov. 6, when the Marion Institute Cadets host Gordom Military College in the Cadets’ homecoming game. Louie started the season as starting halfback for the Cadets but was injured in an early season game and has been out for about four weeks.

Seaman Joe Lloyd Aboard Flagship: Ship’s Serviceman Second Class Joe C. Lloyd, U.S. Navy, son of Mrs. Addie R. Lloyd of Route 1, Drewry, is serving aboard the flagship of Destroyer Squadron 25, the frigate USS John S. McCain. McCain is presently deployed in the Western Pacific as a unit of the U.S. Seventh Fleet.

A special election Jan. 4 has been called by Gov. George C. Wallace to fill the unexpired term of State Rep. Ralph Jones of Monroeville, who resigned last week.
The vacancy was created when Mr. Jones accepted an appointment as circuit solicitor to the newly created 35^th judicial circuit composed of Monroe and Conecuh counties.
The naming of a representative from Monroe County will be the only office to be filled in this countywide election.

80 YEARS AGO
NOV. 7, 1940

Roosevelt Gets Third Term: In the presidential election on Tuesday, Monroe County polled a heavy vote. The two boxes in Monroeville polled 659 votes of which seven were Republicans. It is reported that two Communist votes were cast in the Perdue Hill box. Over the nation, last reports showed Roosevelt leading in 35 states and Willkie was leading in only nine states.

Monroeville Hi Still Seeking First Win: The Monroe High School football team is still seeking its first win of the season as they go to Georgiana next Friday night to take on the Butler County team.
In the game two weeks ago, the local team held the Frisco City eleven to a scoreless tie, which is the only team that has failed to run up a large score on them so far this season.
Last Friday night, Hayneville were their opponents here, and the visitors showed a well-balanced and smooth running team which easily defeated our boys, 27-0.

Mr. Edwin Lee, student at A.P.I., Auburn, spent the weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Lee.

EXCEL SPONSORS POPULARITY CONTEST: The Athletic Association of the Excel community is sponsoring a popularity contest. For the ugliest man, Bonnie Feaster is in the lead, his opponent being Mr. Wigginton. For the prettiest lady, Miss Boutwell is in the lead, her opponent being Miss Jane Crosby.

County Medical Society Meets: At a recent meeting of the Monroe County Medical Society held in Monroeville, the following officers were elected – President, Dr. T.E. Dennis; Vice-President, Dr. W.W. Eddins; Sec.-Tres., Dr. Pennington; Censor for long term, Dr. S.B. McMillan.

105 YEARS AGO
NOV. 4, 1915

Sheriff L.M. Sawyer has purchased the handsome Maxwell home on College Avenue, which he is occupying with his family.

The Baptist protracted meeting began at the courthouse on Monday night and will continue throughout the week. Services at 10 a.m. and 7:15 p.m. Dr. L.L. Gwaltney is an instructive and pleasing speaker and the congregations grow with each service.

The Halloween Party at the Grammar School building on Friday night realized $15.70 to the School Improvement Association. Of this amount, $12.70 was paid to Barnett & Jackson for supplies, $1 to the janitor and $2 represented expenses, as per statement furnished by the treasurer with the request that the same be printed.

Messrs. M.M. Fountain of Monroeville and W.J. Nettles of Tunnel Springs motored to Marion last week on a brief visit to their daughters who are students at the Judson.

Those who attended the Gulf Coast Fair at Mobile say that the exhibit from Monroe showed up in very favorable comparison with the exhibits of other counties. They observed numerous blue and red ribbons attached to various parts of the exhibit.

Mr. M.R. Sowell will shortly erect a cozy bungalow on the lot adjoining his home, which will be occupied by Mr. E.R. Morrissette Jr. and family. Mr. J.M. Daniel is the contractor.

130 YEARS AGO
NOV. 14, 1890

The next regular county drill of the Monroe Corps will take place at Perdue Hill on Thurs., Nov. 27. The occasion will be made pleasant and interesting by the hospitable and generous people of the Hill. A prize will be awarded the best drilled private and also the best drilled four from any section of the company without previous military experience. A sponsor and maids of honor will probably be elected, and a grand ball will conclude the evening’s entertainment.

A very enjoyable musical entertainment was given at the courthouse Thursday night under the excellent management of Mrs. Seymour.

This week is court week and, as usual, a large number of people have been in town.

Chancery court was in session last week, Chancellor Taylor presiding. A large amount of business was disposed of.

Capt. Kemp, Monroe’s able representative in the legislature, left for the Capital City Sunday to be present at the organization of that body. He was accompanied by Mrs. Kemp who went to attend the Southern Exposition.

Mr. James L. Sowell returned last week to continue his medical studies at Tulane University.

Rev. S.P. Lindsay passed through Monroeville on his return from attending the Baptist State Convention at Mobile Wednesday and preached a very forcible and impressive sermon at the Methodist church Wednesday night.

A gin house containing six bales of cotton and a quantity of cotton seed, belonging to Richard Broughton and Henry Frye was burned near Axle on the 12^th. The fire was of accidental origin.