The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for June 6, 2021

Coach Wendell Hart

17 YEARS AGO
JUNE 7, 2004

Jason Ingram, son of Arthur and Carolyn Ingram of Evergreen, is this year’s recipient of the Wendell Hart Scholarship, administered by the Evergreen Rotary Club. This scholarship is dedicated to the memory of the late Coach Wendell Hart, who deeply cared for his students and desired that all deserving young men and women be able to advance their education. Jason is a 2004 graduate of Hillcrest High School and will be attending the University of Alabama and majoring in accounting. Shown with Jason are Tim Dantz, president of the Evergreen Rotary Club, and Todd Watson, vice president of the Rotary Club and chairman of the scholarship committee.

28 YEARS AGO
JUNE 3, 1993

The District III Alabama Independent School Association Athletic Banquet was held May 11, 1993 at Monroe Academy. Students from Sparta Academy named to All District Teams were Britt Ward, son of John and Becky Ward, District III Basketball Team; Bryant Robinson, son of Wayne and Kathy Robinson, District III Football Team; Steven Bledsoe, son of Mike and Becky Bledsoe, District III Football Team and District III Baseball Team; Terry Conway, son of Jimmy and Mildred Conway, District III Football Team and District III Basketball Team; Ronda Williams, daughter of Gwendol Bates and Ronnie Williams, District III Softball Team; and Kelly Booker, daughter of David and Juliette Booker, District III Girls Basketball Team.

The Conecuh County Board of Education has released all coaches at Hillcrest High School from their contracts and the search is on for a new head football coach and athletic director.
H.L. Watson has served as head football coach and athletic director for three years. Among other coaches released were Danny Covin. Covin led the Jaguar basketball team to a share of the area title last season. William Wall coached the Hillcrest baseball team to the state playoffs for the first time in the history of the school this year.

35 YEARS AGO
JUNE 5, 1986

There will be a free horse show at the Lyeffion Saddle Club on Sat., June 7, at 3:00 in the afternoon. There will be concessions on the ground, including Lyeffion’s famous Bar-B-Que. There will be pleasure events, roping events, timed events, racking events, and events for the children. Come on out and bring the whole family for a night of fun and enjoyment. Pictured is Second Hand Man, belonging to Eva Fialko. He can be seen at the show Saturday night, along with horses from all over the state.

EHS QB CLUB: The Evergreen High School Quarterback Club will meet Monday night at seven o’clock at the school. All supporters of the Aggie sports teams are urged to attend.

42 YEARS AGO
JUNE 7, 1979

Morris Purcell presents the ‘Purcell Most Dedicated Player Trophy’ to Dirk Bell at a recent awards banquet honoring athletes at Tallassee High School. Dirk is the son of Wayne Bell and the late Jean Bell, and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Brooks and Mr. and Mrs. Terrel Bell of Evergreen. Among his honors, Dirk was elected captain of the 1978 football team and 1978-79 basketball team, most valuable player in track, selected on The Montgomery Advertiser-Journal All-Metro Football team two years as a defensive back and on the All Elmore County Football Team for two years. He will attend the University of Alabama this Fall where he plans to go out for football as a ‘walk on’ candidate.

58 YEARS AGO
JUNE 6, 1963

Sr. League Opens Play Monday Nite; New Players Told: The Evergreen Senior Baseball League will open the season Monday night with a pair of games. The Tigers met the Pirates in the opener and in the nightcap it will be the Braves vs. the Indians.
New players for this season have been assigned to the four teams. The assignments are: Indians, Marvin Wilson, Bubba Mininger, Wayne Caylor, Ed Smith, Tim Stinson, Marvin Salter, Knud Nielsen and Bill Bailey; Braves, James Adams, George Stinson, Eddie Sasser and Brooks Dean; Pirates, John Thornley, Tommy Chapman, Harold Hamiter and Benton Harper; and Tigers, Ron Elliott, Ed Ellis, Daniel Kelly, Gary Faulkner, Miles Covin and Mike Covin.

Conecuh Amateur League: Standings of the Conecuh Amateur League including all games played through Sunday, May 26, are as follows: Mixonville, 4-1; Red Level, 3-2; McKenzie, 3-2; Damascus, 2-3; Paul, 2-3; Flat Rock, 1-4.

LIVE BAIT – Cook’s Gulf Service, Hiway 31 South.

Pool’s Open: The Evergreen Recreation Center swimming pool opens today at 2 p.m., according to Mayor Zell Murphy.
Johnny Hagood will be in charge of the pool this summer. Admission prices for swimming are as follows: elementary age children, 15 cents; high school age and adults, 25 cents. Season tickets for elementary, $6; and for high school and adults, $10.

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

The old Beatrice High School in the 1920-1930s.

21 YEARS AGO
JUNE 1, 2000

Fourteen to compete for Junior Miss title: Fourteen high school juniors will compete for the title of Monroe County’s Junior Miss for 2000 Saturday at 7 p.m. in Nettles Auditorium on the campus of Alabama Southern Community College.
Ardis Garrett, a former Monroe County Junior Miss, will be the mistress of ceremonies. Lindsey Leys of Excel, 1999 Monroe County Junior Miss, will perform during the program.
(The 14 contestants included Abby Michelle Bailey, Chastity Nicole Blanton, Jessica Holly Dewitt, Caroline Hardy Downing, Amy Elizabeth Galemore, Sara Jane Griffin, Jana Leigh Huggins-Rogers, Rebecca Linda Johnson, Ali Delano Kimberl, Cassidy Brooke Lofton, Julie Elizabeth Moye, Emily Sara Richeson, Ashley Camille Roberson and Sarah Sawyer.)

Uriah dominates South Monroe in Frisco City: Uriah continued to dominate the South Monroe Babe Ruth Baseball League with recent victories over Excel Gold and Frisco City Red at Julius Lambert Field in Frisco City.
J.B. Wilkins struck out 10 to key a 2-0 shutout over previously undefeated Excel Gold Saturday. Buckie Dawson and Brandon Peavy combined to strike out 10 on Monday in Uriah’s 13-8 win over Frisco City Red.
(Other top players for Uriah included James Akins, Chad Smith, Dusty Smith and Kyle Wiggins.)

New squad building: The Monroe County Rescue Squad recently completed its new building in Frisco City. “We thank all the people in the county for supporting our projects to help raise funds for the facility,” said James McKinley, squad member.

46 YEARS AGO
JUNE 5, 1975

Former Monroeville Police Chief James E. Maples has taken office as police chief of the town of Gulf Shores in Baldwin County.
Maples, who worked for Monroeville Telephone Co. after leaving the Monroeville Police Department in May 1974, was sworn in as Gulf Shores chief May 16.
He served for about three years as Monroeville chief and was on the Monroeville police force for several years prior to that.

MA Vols’ Harold King plays in all-star game: Harold King, a junior pitcher and infielder for the Monroe Academy Volunteers baseball team this past season, played in the North-South Alabama Private School Athletic Association All-Star game Saturday at Selma’s Brock Field.
The North and South split a doubleheader, with the South winning the opener 4-3 and the North winning the second, 2-1.
One of the South coaches was Coach Melvin Middleton of Monroe Academy.

Alice Lee elected delegate: Miss Alice Lee, Monroeville attorney and member of Monroeville United Methodist Church, has been elected as a delegate to the 1976 General Conference of United Methodists to be held in Portland, Oregon next May.
She was the first person elected as a lay delegate in balloting in Montgomery last week as the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference of United Methodists met on the Huntingdon College campus.
She will also serve as a representative to the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference of the church meeting at Lake Junaluska, N.C. in July 1976.

71 YEARS AGO
JUNE 1, 1950

Monroe County’s newest weekly paper – The Frisco City Sun – will begin publication next Wednesday when some 1,000 copies of the initial issue will be distributed to the residents of Central and South sections of the county and others who indicate a desire to receive the paper.
Editor of the new paper, which will be published by The Monroe Journal and will be the county’s second active weekly, will be John Hill, now assistant editor of The Journal, while Tom Gardner, Journal advertising manager, will serve as business manager.
Offices of the publication will be located in the building at Frisco City owned by Dr. W.A. Stallworth.

Uriah-Booneville Nine Withdraws From League: The Uriah-Booneville entry in the Dixie Amateur League this week announced that it was withdrawing from the League.
The team was forced to forfeit two games to Bay Minette last Thursday – one the playoff of a 11-11 tie game, the other a regularly scheduled contest – because of insufficient men available to play.
League officials announced that the five teams remaining in the League would finish out the season, with the team scheduled to play Uriah-Booneville taking an off day or scheduling an exhibition.

Thirteen Monroe County scouts – 11 from Monroeville and two from Frisco City – will attend the national Boy Scout camporee at Valley Forge, Pa., in early July, it was announced this week.
(Scouts going on the trip included Joseph Blass, Karl Mims Lazenby, Joe Lee Nettles, Jerry Pierson, Dickie Williams, Blanchard Stallworth, Tommy Moore, Albert Nettles Jr., Billy Morgan, John Finklea Jr., Gene McPhaul, Wiley Long Jr. and Joe Smith.

96 YEARS AGO
JUNE 4, 1925

The following Masonic officers of Monroe Chapter No. 122, Royal Arch Masons, for the ensuing year were elected at the annual meeting Monday evening: E.M. Salter, High Priest; J.M. Sowell, King; W.R. Blackwell, Scribe; G.L. Galloway, Captain of the Host; Q. Salter, Principal Sojourner; I.F. Simmons, Royal Arch Captain; E.A. Thompson, Master of the 1^st Veil; J.M. Holloway, Master of the 2^nd Veil; J.J. Hestle, Master of the 3^rd Veil; J.A. Lazenby, Secretary-Treasurer; and L.L. Hendrix, Sentinel.

GRADUATES AT BEATRICE: Graduation exercises of the Beatrice High School were held in the high school auditorium Thursday night. Diplomas were issued to the following graduates: Sallie Harrington, Eva Maxwell, Nell Nettles, Elizabeth Robbins, Margaret Sims, Leia Terry, Joe Black, David Booker, James Dailey, Waldon Daugett, Joseph McMillan Dan McPherson, Leon Nettles, Junious Spearman and Eli Terry.

Mr. J.U. Blacksher of Mobile was here Tuesday attending the regular directors meeting of the Monroe County Bank. Mr. Blacksher recently made an extended motor trip through the peach growing section of Georgia.

The Monroeville Ice and Power Co. is installing a new three-cylinder oil burning engine to meet the demand for increased output. The new unit will bring the total development up to 300 horse power and double the capacity of the ice plant. With the storage facilities recently provided the plant will be able to take care of its rapidly expanding trade.

121 YEARS AGO
JUNE 7, 1900

Commissioners court was in session this week for the examination of the Tax Assessor’s book of assessments.

Capt. G.H. Gray, Tax Assessor, was here Wednesday attending Commissioners court.

Miss Hortense Deer, who has been attending a leading conservatory of music for some months, has returned home.

Miss Madie Skinner, who has been teaching a prosperous music school at Flomaton, is at home to spend a few months vacation.

Messrs. T.J. Emmons and J.W. Morris have returned from the Confederate reunion at Louisville, which they report a most enjoyable occasion. Mr. Morris was accompanied by Mrs. Morris.

Messrs. J.P. Stallworth and S.A. McDuffie, census enumerators for this precinct, began the work of enumeration on Fri., June 1. This work was commenced simultaneously in every precinct not only in the county but throughout the Union, and must be completed within four weeks.

Dr. J.W. Rutherford, medical examiner, was here this week attending the meeting of the board of pension examiners.

A card from Dr. Henry Green announces his removal from Bolling to Dothan, Ala., where he expects to reside and practice his profession in future. The mill business at Bolling, constituting the industrial life of the place, has been discontinued on account of exhausted timber supply.

Singleton tells of how the mysterious moon affects all of our lives

George Singleton

(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 “Cycles of the mysterious moon affect us all here” was originally published in the May 25, 2000 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

During the past few days, during the time of the full moon, I had several telephone calls asking me just what I thought about the effect the moon has on the life of man on this planet, if any.

I suppose that there is more mystery about the moon affecting the human life within the universe than any others, other than the sun. True, we have landed man on the moon, but there are many mysteries about it that we yet do not understand.

Probably no other part of our universe has had more affect directly and indirectly on man and his behavior than the moon. Since man first began to look into the heavens, he has been fascinated by the mysteries of this silvery disc high in the heavens. Man has adjusted and patterned many of his life cycles to coincide with the moon and its path across the heavens.

He has built great monuments and temples to show his affection for this glowing round ball of the night. He has given much of his time and resources to try and walk on its surface. And he has spent lifetimes studying its effects on himself and his surroundings. Every 29-1/2 days, this silver orb revolves around our planet earth. During this time, many things happen within our lives that we do not understand and know absolutely nothing about.

During this period, the moon changes form. These periods are known to us as the time of the new moon, the half moon, the full moon and the old or dying moon. Each period, in its own way, has different effects on man’s day to day existence.

During the past ages, many wars have been started because some of the great leaders of the past looked to the moon for signs of guidance and direction.

Many of the early warlords of biblical times believed that during the time of the full moon, their armies were more bold and less fearful. They believed that man feared death less when the full glowing disc floated across the heavens. They also believed that their war horses could run faster and farther during this time period.

It was quiet common to plan major battles and invasions of enemy cities during the time of the full moon. Throughout the history of early man, those who practiced human sacrifices believed that those so-called ceremonies were to be held when the great silvery disc was at its fullest in the heavens.

Throughout the ages, the wandering tribes of early man believed that the signs of the moon were instrumental in their survival. Under certain signs, the time to fish or to hunt for the food they needed reaped greater harvests than at other times.

Those who looked to our mother earth knew that there was a time for planting and a time for gathering, depending on the signs of the moon. Until recent years, no country farmer would dare plant his crops unless the signs of the moon were right.

Today, with our so-called modern technology, many of our farmers have lost contact with the signs of the past and pay little or no heed to them. They don’t believe, as they sit in their air-conditioned tractors, that crops grow faster and produce more per acre if they are planted during the right stages of the moon.

Few of us today believe that the tides of the oceans are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon. Few give any thought to the fact that during certain signs of the moon more people pass from this life than during other times. More children are born during the time of the full moon, especially those who have waited to arrive beyond that certain time span.

That old moon has cured many cases of anxiety when that designated time of arrival had come and gone for that new baby. Then, a day or two later, a full moon appears in the heavens above and the one who is overdue appears within our mists.

When man is on the prowl for that perfect mate, he talks with more ease and assurance during the time when the moon is full. His boldness during this time is at its peak. His ability to whisper those sweet nothings comes with less effort when under the spell of that full moon high in the heavens above.

But then, there are some that say this time of the full moon has just the opposite effect. The effects of that silvery disc there in the heavens changes many of us in many different ways. I believe the secret to it all is to try and know all you can about our universe and the paths of planets around us.

Our experts tell us that the crime rate within our society is greater during the time when the moon is full. The homicide rate is almost twice that of other times during the period when our moon is the fullest.

Our police records tell us that during this time, many seem to throw all caution to the winds and run rampant through our communities and cities, committing serious crimes in greater numbers. Truly, the signs of that old full moon are buried in mystery.

Even though man has explored the old moon and has walked on its surface, it hasn’t lost any of its luster and none of its mystery. Even now, man still gazes in awe toward the heavens and wonders of the mysteries there and wonders of the things that are yet to appear on the horizons of the coming seasons.

As I wander around the countryside and from time to time view the full moon in all its glory, I feel the wonders that are yet to be discovered there. I know that silvery disc above my world is filled with mystery and happenings that are yet to come to us.

As I look to the heavens on those moonlight nights, I draw strength from that wonder that the Creator has placed there. The next time when the full moon is high and its silvery beams cause you to feel a little different – cause you to want to rush forth to that highest hill – go to it. Raise your arms to the heavens and give the call of the wild.

You will be surprised how much better it will make you feel and you will marvel at the ease with which you did it. I know. I have been there, more times than you could guess.

(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.)

100-year-old Wilcox County news highlights from June 1921

Camden Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

It’s that time of the month again, time to take a trip down memory lane and review some of the interesting things that took place in Wilcox County 100 years ago, way back in June 1921.

In the June 2, 1921 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era, publisher Stanley Clifford Godbold reported that the newspaper was “in receipt of a cotton bloom and boll from Mr. J.W. Curry of Fatama. The boll is well developed and so far seems to have ignored the boll weevil. The first bloom appeared on May 28 on Mr. Curry’s farm. This is unusually early for cotton in this section, and is the first bloom of the season to be reported.”

In a front-page story in the June 9, 1921 edition of The Progressive Era, under the headline “CAMDEN TRIMS BAY MINETTE,” readers learned that the “Camden Baseball Club maintained its past traditions on Monday afternoon last when they handed Bay Minette a stinging defeat to the tune of 9 to 4. Bay Minette came here with a string of victories to her credit but at least she lost one feather from her plume during the sojourn. A large crowd was present and followed the team with the keenest of interest.”

In the June 16, 1921 edition of the newspaper, it was reported that Dr. George I. Adams “of the Geological department of the University of Alabama is in Camden, conducting a survey of the vicinity. This survey is being made for the Tiger Creek Oil Co. and will determine the oil indications around Camden. If the indications are favorable, as is expected, it is thought that a well will be drilled in this neighborhood very soon.”

Readers that week also learned that the “lumber mill at Yellow Bluff, operated by Ball-Sims & Co., was totally destroyed by fire last week. It caught in a dry kiln. Three dry kilns with lumber and the saw mill machinery were burned. Loss five to six thousand dollars. There was no insurance.”

In the June 23, 1921 edition of the paper, under the headline “Big Day at McWilliams,” it was reported that the “citizens of McWilliams are making extensive preparations for a big celebration on Sat., July 2. The school grounds will be the center of the gathering. Two baseball games are scheduled for the day as an entertainment to the visitors, besides other features on the program that are calculated to furnish a pleasant time for all. Mr. J.A. Winters, who is chairman of the celebration, is expecting a large delegation from over the county and extends a most cordial invitation to everyone to join with them in their celebration of The Fourth.”

In the June 30, 1921 edition of the paper, readers learned that “one of the most notable events of Camden society was the marriage of Miss Mary Marcella Moore and Mr. Will Evans Nicholson, which was solemnized Wednesday evening, June 22, at 8 o’clock at the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Several hundred invitations were issued and the wedding was one of the largest and most brilliant ever witnessed in Camden. Rev. B.H. Grier performed the ring ceremony, and it was as impressive and eloquent as any that ever linked together the hearts and lives of two happy young people.”

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 July 1921 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 and courteous staff will be more than happy to get you started.

Theories abound over how Monroe County's Goodway community originally received its name

Sowell Old Field Cemetery in Goodway, Alabama.

One of the nicest communities in South Monroe County is the old Goodway community between Frisco City and Uriah.

I was out riding around the other day, found myself passing through Goodway and decided to take a few minutes to check out some of the community’s major landmarks. For those of you unfamiliar with this part of Monroe County, “downtown” Goodway is located along the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway at the intersection of Main Street and Turkey Hollow Road. Down the railroad tracks, Goodway is about seven miles south of Frisco City.

There is much debate over how Goodway got its name. According to “Place Names in Alabama” by Virginia O. Foscue, the name is “subjectively descriptive of the roads leading to its main buildings.” Others say that the community was named after a railroad official, but local historian Steve Stacey says that the name originates from a comment made by former Alabama Governor William D. Brandon, who while passing through the area said that “this is a good way to go to Mobile.”

Goodway hit a major growth spurt over a century ago when the railroad through the community was completed in the 1890s. A post office was established there in 1904 and remained in operation on into the 1980s. Over the years, the community has also supported a couple of stores, and a large school was also once located in Goodway.

Major landmarks in Goodway today include the Goodway Volunteer Fire Station, the Goodway Baptist Church, the Goodway Assembly of God and the Latter-Day Saints Church. Those who have been to Goodway before will know that this area is also surrounded by large farms, and it’s not uncommon to see large tractors and other machinery moving about the fields and along the roads in Goodway. Many times in the past, the first open cotton boll of the season in Monroe County has been reported out of the Goodway community.

While in Goodway, I also took a few minutes to check out the Sowell Old Field Cemetery, which is one of the largest cemeteries in this part of the county. Just eyeballing it, I’d say that there are around 400 graves in this large cemetery. Sources say that the name of the cemetery harkens back to a man named James Sowell, who purchased land in what would become Goodway in 1824, just five years after Alabama became a state.

The oldest headstone that I could find during my walk through the Sowell Old Field Cemetery was the grave of James Monroe Castillow. Sources say that he was born around 1830 and died in 1884. His headstone bears the following inscription: Father, Let Thy Grace Be Given That We May Meet In Heaven.

In the end, let me hear from you if you have any additional information about the history of Goodway. I’m especially interested in any old ghost stories, local legends or Indian tales from this area. My feeling is that longtime residents of this area will have much to share about the history of Goodway.

Wilcox County News Flashback for June 2, 2021

James Buchanan Lloyd

65 YEARS AGO
JUNE 7, 1956

Baseball Starts Friday Night: Camden opens the summer baseball season Friday night at 8 o’clock when they play host to Vredenburg at the local field. This game will be the initial contest for both clubs, who are members of the County League.
Representatives from Vredenburgh, Thomasville and Monroeville met in Camden last Wednesday night to work out plans for the County Baseball League. Managers and teams will be L.E. Prout, Peterman, who will head the Monroeville entry. Laurie Englett of Sunny South will direct the Thomasville nine. John Cook heads Vredenburgh, and the Camden manager will be named this week. Connie McKelvey of Camden was elected president of the loop and John Gates, secretary.

Services For I.J. (Jack) Hestle: Isaiah Jasper Hestle, 74, former mayor of Pine Hill, died at 3 a.m. Saturday at the residence at Pine Hill following a sudden illness.
A native of Wilcox County, he had spent his childhood in Hestle and Jackson, Ala. He was very active in civic affairs, was a member of the school board at one time and had served as mayor of Pine Hill for one term. He had been in the mercantile business for some 50 years. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Scouts Commended By Mississippian: Camden’s Boy Scouts made a good impression on their hosts in Mississippi last month. Scoutmaster John Gates received a letter following the troop’s return home, from Charles P. Hooker, Assistant Scout Executive for the Andrew Jackson Area Council of Boy Scouts at Jackson, Miss., which praised the local scouts highly.

90 YEARS AGO
JUNE 4, 1931

PINE HILL DEFEATS CAMDEN: In a ball game Tuesday afternoon, the Pine Hill team defeated Camden by the score of 10 to 6.
Pine Hill’s midget first baseman Lowry played a pretty game, getting them high, low and wide. Byrne in center field also made several beautiful catches of difficult fly balls. The two teams will play a return game in Pine Hill next Thursday.
Camden – Hall and Bigger, catchers; Albritton, Harris and Riggs, pitchers; Woodley, first base; Berry, second base; Curry, shortstop; Dickerson, third base; Riggs and Harris, left field; Riggs, center field; Albritton, right field.
Pine Hill – Megginson, catcher; Lowry, pitcher; Lowry, first base; Englett, second base; Shelton, shortstop; Megginson, third base; Byrne, left field; Byrne, center field; Weatherly, right field.

BARBECUE – Thurs., July 2 at River Bridge – Miller’s Ferry, Ala. – BASEBALL, DANCING, AIRPLANES – Come and Be With the Throngs – Sponsored by the American Legion Post, Camden, Ala.

Dr. K.A. Mayer and Mr. A.L. Slaughter of Lower Peach Tree were business visitors here on Monday.

Miss Lillian Jones is leaving Saturday for Auburn where she will teach summer school. She has been a member of the faculty there for the past several years.

115 YEARS AGO
JUNE 7, 1906

In our exchange list this week, we received the first copy of the Pine Apple News, a newsy, four-page, six-column paper devoted to the upbuilding of Pine Apple and the general welfare of her people, and a democratic organ of no uncertain order, its editor, Mr. J.B. Lloyd is one of the old guard, and always answered at roll call, and we hope all kinds of good things for him and that the Pine Apple News may live long and prosper.

Dale Lodge No. 25, Free & Accepted Masons, has elected the following officers, for the ensuing Masonic year: N.D. Godbold, Worshipful Master; J.C. Benson, Senior Warden; P.E. Jones, Junior Warden; D.B. Jones, Treasurer; S.D. Bloch, Secretary; E.H. Cook, Senior Deacon; A.D. Campbell, Junior Deacon; A.J. Chandler and C.C. Ray, Stewards; W.D. Sheffield, Tyler.

Death of Mr. J.W. Groom: James Wright Groom, an aged and highly respected citizen of Mobile, died at the family home, northeast corner of Dauphin way and Upham St., last night at 9:30 o’clock, after an illness lasting from early last Monday morning, when he was stricken with paralysis.
The deceased was born at Snow Hill, Wilcox County, April 8, 1832. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in the cavalry and later was transferred to the engineering department. At the close of the war, Mr. Groom removed to Mobile and engaged in the occupation of marine engineer and has since been connected with the river trade. He won high standing in this profession, and was one of the best known engineers on the river.

140 YEARS AGO
JUNE 3, 1881
WILCOX NEWS & PACIFICATOR

Capt. John Quill, the very polite commander, is on the Mary again.

Mr. Frank and William Dunn, who were confirmed opiate eaters, have been soundly cured by the treatment of Dr. J. Paul Jones.

On Tuesday night, the residence of Mrs. McIntosh was entered and the following amount extracted from the pockets of gentlemen boarding there: L. Moore of Snow Hill, $102; Hawkins of Mobile, $130; A.C. Luckey of Pine Apple, $18; A.E. Albriton of Snow Hill, $5; D. Gaston of Boiling Springs, 65 cents; and C. Tait of Camden, $1.75.
It was the custom of Jesse Smith to enter the room early in the morning and no one paid attention to the noise made about the servants usual time of entrance but was distinctly heard by several and as the boy was seen to finger the pockets of Mr. Kelly of Bethel last week he was promptly arrested and is now in charge of the Sheriff. He is a dignitary of the church!

We had a pleasant call from Mr. Perry Wright, who is canvassing for the “Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government” by Jefferson Davis. He has received a good many subscribers in Camden and we do hope he may get more. He is a native of Wilcox and has many friends who are always glad to see him.

We beg indulgence of our readers this week, the Editor is absent for a few days and on his departure, he let the Devil take charge of the office and money until his return.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for June 1, 2021

57 YEARS AGO
JUNE 4, 1964

Frank T. Salter of Evergreen won nomination to the office of Judge of Probate of Conecuh County over veteran Judge Lloyd G. Hart in Tuesday’s Democratic Primary Election. Nomination is tantamount to election in Conecuh.
Salter rolled past Hart by a complete, but unofficial count of 1,935 to 1,591. His margin of 344 votes came as a surprise to many political observers, although his victory had been predicted freely in the closing days of the runoff campaign.

Mr. and Mrs. D.T. Stuart and Miss Nell Stuart attended the graduation of D.T. Stuart III Wednesday from Auburn University.

Mr. and Mrs. W. Davis attended graduation of their son-in-law Charles Branum from Livingston State College Sunday.

Ellington Begins 13^th Year Here: Mr. Fitzhugh Ellington, minister of the Evergreen Church of Christ, this month begins the 13^th year of his ministry here. During the 12 years of his service, the church has made much progress in every way. Payment for the sanctuary has been completed, additional lots purchased and an educational building constructed and paid for, as well as heating and air conditioning the church plant. Mr. Ellington is a graduate of Alabama Christian College and served as a member of the College Board of Directors for five years.

79 YEARS AGO

JUNE 4, 1942

Lt. William A. Sims Killed In Crash: Lt. William A. Sims, 24, youngest son of T.M. Sims of this place, was instantly killed Wednesday night of last week when the plane which he was piloting crashed near Lakeland, Fla. Five members of the crew were also killed in the fatal accident.

Young Sims received his wings at Brooks Field, San Antonio, Texas, Dec. 12, 1942. He was shortly thereafter sent to Florida for further training and was only recently made senior pilot. No details of the cause of the accident have reached here.

His body was carried to his old home at Cement, Oklahoma where funeral services were held Monday. His mother, who before her marriage was Miss Sadie Croom, left here for Lakeland shortly after she received news of the tragedy.

Ashley Carter Missing In Action: Mrs. A.B. Carter was notified by telegram by the Coast Guard Monday afternoon that her son, Ashley Carter, was reported missing in action. Aside from this bare announcement no details were given in the message.

Mr. Carter, who has been a seaman with the Texas Company, working out of Port Arthur, Texas for the several years, was at home on a vacation several months ago. They knew that he sailed on a trip to a foreign port at about the time they last heard from him.

The report came as a great shock to his numerous friends and to the family, all of whom hope that a mistake has been made and that he will yet show up.

87 YEARS AGO

JUNE 7, 1934

Milledge Bonam Garvin, age 74, well known farmer and substantial citizen of this county, died at his home in the Horton community Tuesday afternoon at three o’clock. Mr. Garvin had been in failing health for a period of years but had only been confined to his bed for about two weeks.

Deceased was born in South Carolina but removed to this county when a boy and has lived in the community where he died, continuously since.

Voters of Conecuh County are standing by posed and ready to go to the polls next Tuesday to cast their ballots in the several runoff races for state and county offices. While it is hardly probable that the vote in this election will be as heavy as was cast on May 1, prospects are that there will only be a slightly fewer votes.

There are only three local contests to be decided in this runoff. For tax collector, J.R. Kelley, incumbent and John H. Tranum are pitted against each other. This race has been hard fought and the interest in it is high. For member of the Board of Revenue District One, A.O. Brantley, incumbent, A.E. Johnson, former member, are up for the final decision of the voters in that district. In District Two, E.B. Gafford, incumbent, and H.L. Kindig are fighting it out for member of the Board.

C.B. Wilson, Conecuh County manager for Bibb Graves, announces that Richard T. (Dick) Rives, prominent lawyer of the firm of Hill, Hill, Whiting, Thomas & Rives, Montgomery, will address the voters of Conecuh County at the courthouse Friday night at eight o’clock, speaking in the interest of the candidacy of Col. Bibb Graves for Governor.

95 YEARS AGO

JUNE 2, 1926

CASTLEBERRY HIGH SCHOOL CLOSES: The County High School came to a successful close Tuesday night, May 25.

Monday night, the seniors presented one of the best plays that has been staged here in quite a while. The appreciation of this school being expressed by the people who filled the auditorium far beyond seating capacity.

Graduating exercises Tuesday night were attended by equally as large an audience. The address of the occasion was delivered by Judge W.H. Thomas of Montgomery.

NEW HIGHWAY FOR CONECUH: The highway which is being constructed between Evergreen and McKenzie is rapidly nearing completion. Work on the grading has reached the intersection of Main Street. When this highway is complete, two units of the State Highway project in Conecuh County will have been completed. This road links up with the Georgiana-McKenzie stretch. In a comparatively short time, Conecuh County will have a completed highway to Montgomery.

Edwin C. Page, who is visiting here, has completed his academic course at the University and will begin the study of law there next fall.

NEW BAKERY OPENS WEDNESDAY: On another page The Courant is carrying announcement of the opening of The Electrik-Maid Bake Shop with Mr. J.O. Stapp as manager. Mr. Sletten, master baker from Electrick-Maid Co., St. Paul, Minn., will be in charge of the opening.

103 YEARS AGO

JUNE 6, 1918

The destructive boll weevil has made its appearance in Conecuh County. In some parts of the county, the pest has appeared in great numbers.

The young boys and girls of Evergreen paraded the streets Thursday evening for the purpose of creating an interest in the new organization known as the Red Star Animal Association. The object of the association is the better care of army horses.

A white boy was killed by the train at Sparta Monday night. His head was cut off and the body otherwise mangled.

Quite a number of young men registered Thurs., the 6th, thus complying with the law requiring all those who have attained the age of 21 years since the last general registration to thus qualify themselves, in this particular, for military service.

Joe Gibson was instantly killed by lightning and three brothers seriously injured while plowing a field near Greenville a few days ago.

From France: Mrs. Binion received following letter from her son, who is on the firing line in France:

Dear Mama:

They are making special preparations to get our Mothers Day letters across in a hurry, so maybe you will get this one a great deal sooner than the others.

I suppose you have gotten the letter by this time telling of my being wounded. I have been in the hospital now almost a month. Have been sitting up some for the past few days.

The bullet entered the right side of my back, just above the waist, came up through my left chest and out into my left arm. That was some trip wasn’t it? I had a real hard time for about a week, but since then have been doing nicely. I suppose it will not be long before I’m with the company again.

I got the family letter all right, but it was several days after it came before I read it. We have fine doctors and real American nurses.

(Signed) Eugene.

AN EARNEST APPEAL TO OUR PEOPLE: The church bell will be rung every morning at nine o’clock in the name of our Heavenly Father. We appeal to one and all to refrain from material things, bow in earnest prayer a few moments in behalf of our beloved soldier boys, our beloved President and that God will soon give us a universal peace.