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

20 YEARS AGO
JULY 12, 2001

Test run: Rocky Creek Lumber Co., Inc. at Mexboro took its first load of wood Monday afternoon. The timber will be used for a test run in the manufacture of specialty timbers. Jerry Middleton, procurement manager, and John McGowin, owner of McGowin Logging, prepare to test the equipment on the logs.

South Monroe wins Babe Ruth title: South Monroe’s 14-year-olds captured the Babe Ruth baseball District 7 championship Sunday, beating Atmore 4-3 in eight innings at Tom Byrne Park in Atmore.
(Players on the South Monroe team included Brian Barlow, Jason Black, Kurt Black, Neal Butler, Chris Butts, Kyle Dorriety, Oary Gaston, Pete Glass, Brian House, Seth Mack, Cory Nall, Michael Norris, Chad Smith, Blake White and Chris Wiggins. Bruce White was the team’s manager, and coaches included Chuck Black and Gary Gaston.)

Trees for the bypass: The City of Monroeville and the Monroeville Tree Board joined together to plant 25 Drake Elm trees along the Highway 21 Bypass last week. The trees were purchased through a grant obtained by the city. In the photo, city employee Michael Tuberville, Boy Scouts Cole Martin, Richard Martin and Adam Nicholas, city employee Connie Matthews and Alabama Southern Community College Forester Rick Dorrance plant the first tree. K.T. Owens, president of the Tree Board, said a total of 50 trees were purchased. She said another 25 could possibly be planted near the Monroe County Hospital in the future.

45 YEARS AGO
JULY 8, 1976

Two schools combined: The Monroe County Board of Education voted yesterday to consolidate Greer Elementary School at Tunnel Springs with Beatrice Elementary School in Beatrice.
Greer Elementary principal Leon Stallworth was named principal of Beatrice Elementary, replacing Charles McNeil who last week was appointed Frisco City High principal.
Schools Supt. James Allen said the decision to consolidate the two schools was made in an effort to provide a better quality education for the students at Greer Elementary – a library, gymnasium, a better lunchroom and more playground area are some of the facilities available at Beatrice Elementary.

South Monroe Babe Ruth champs: Frisco City took the South Monroe Babe Ruth title recently, ending their season with a 10-2 record. (Members of the team were Thomas Agee Jr., Bryan Baggett, Sammie Carter, Dennis Curry, Ron Eddins, Millford Hill, Mitch Jones, O’Neal Jordan, Bill King, Mathew McMean, Randall Norris, Frank Starr, Michael Stevens, Greg Tatum and Jeff Tatum. Julius Lambert was the team’s coach.)

Sawyer paintings exhibited at bank: Artwork by Miss Lillion Sawyer of Frisco City is the featured exhibit for the month of July at the First National Bank in downtown Monroeville.
Miss Sawyer, who is retired, says she “never painted or drew a straight line until 1975.” The former director of the Monroe County Pensions and Security Department has been taking oil painting lessons from Patrick Henry State Junior College community art instructor, Mrs. Joyce Wesley.

70 YEARS AGO
JULY 12, 1951

Major Edwin C. Lee, 31-year-old Monroeville resident, died suddenly early today (Thursday) in his quarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery.
Major Lee was a member of the Air Force Reserve, having only recently been called back into active duty. His body was discovered around nine o’clock this morning by officers who shared his quarters.
He was the son of Mr. A.C. Lee and the late Mrs. Lee of Monroeville. Other survivors include his widow, Mrs. Sara Anne Lee; one son, Edwin C. Jr.; one daughter, Molly McCall, all of Monroeville; and three sisters, Miss Alice Lee of Monroeville; Miss Nell Lee of New York City; and Mrs. Hershel Connor of Eufaula.

Seven Monroeville players were included in the lineup of the Florida-Alabama League all-star team which selected by League officials this week.
Tunney Cardwell, local southpaw, will be starting pitcher for the game, while Chandler, Monroeville catcher, will also be a starter for the all-stars. Glen Scott, righthander, has been chosen as an alternate pitcher. Other local players given positions on the team are Stevens, left field; Weaver, third base; Johnson, shortstop; and Riley, alternate infielder. Coaches will be Manager Hanks of Monroeville and Vickery of Atmore.

Funeral services for Pvt. Charles R. Hendrix, 19, 21^st U.S. Army Infantry, were held from the Shiloh Church, Frisco City, Monday afternoon with the Rev. W.J. Singleton of Pensacola officiating. Pvt. Hendrix, one of the first of Monroe County’s casualties in the Korean conflict, was killed in action July 5, 1950.

95 YEARS AGO
JULY 8, 1926

MASONIC CONFERENCE: The next session of the Monroe County Masonic Conference will be held with Beatrice Lodge, Beatrice, Ala. at 9:30 on Wednesday and Thursday, July 14-15, 1926. Mr. J.W. Thurmond of Castleberry will be the Lecturer. A public address on Masonry will be delivered on Thursday at 11 a.m. by some good speaker. Let every Lodge in the county be represented. – W.S. Nash.

Mr. Frank Boone and son were up from Uriah Tuesday. The peach harvest is now in progress at Uriah and everybody busy. From five to seven cars per day are being loaded.

Mr. G.W. Castillow, an esteemed subscriber at Goodway, was at the county capital Tuesday and reported crops flourishing in his neighborhood.

PUBLIC SPEAKING: Judge Leon McCord, campaign manager for Judge James J. Mayfield, candidate for the United States Senate, will address the citizens of Monroe County at the following times and places: Monroeville, Fri., July 9, 8 p.m.; Excel, Sat., July 10, 10 a.m.; and Jones Mill, Sat., July 10, 3 p.m.
Judge McCord is one of the ablest and most eloquent speakers in the state. Everybody, the ladies especially, are cordially invited.

Hon. Archie Carmichael delivered an address in Monroeville on Friday night, presenting his claims to the Democratic nomination for governor, speaking to a large and attentive audience.
The address was largely a review of his public life and activities and a discussion of the policies outlined in his announced platform.

120 YEARS AGO
JULY 11, 1901

D.L. NEVILLE SHOT: Last Saturday afternoon, D.L. Neville was shot and seriously wounded by Sheriff J.S. Harrengton.
Neville had been drinking heavily and appeared on the streets flourishing his pistol in a threatening manner and was otherwise disorderly. Friends tried vainly to quiet him and finally the sheriff was appealed to. Anticipating trouble with the young man who is unreasonable at times when under the influence of liquor, the sheriff armed himself and attempted to arrest him, commanding him repeatedly to put down his pistol. Neville ran into the livery stable office and shots were exchanged, the sheriff firing twice and Neville once. Neville’s shot passed through Mr. Harrengton’s hat brim, narrowly missing his head. The sheriff’s second shot took effect in Mr. Neville’s right hand and upper arm, his hand being raised to fire a second time.

Monroe Lodge No. 485 elected the following officers for the ensuing year: A.J. McKinley, Worshipful Master; A.P. Majors, Senior Warden; T.G. Reynolds, Junior Warden; M. Green, Treasurer; R. Perry, Secretary; J.D. McKinley, Senior Deacon; W.R. Black, Junior Deacon; Jackson McKinley, Tyler; I.S. Ridgeway, Chaplain; and J.F. Rowell and G.C. Nettles, Stewards.

Messrs. Jimmie and Robert Dennis of Tincie were here Tuesday and the former dropped in to pay his respects to The Journal. Mr. Dennis says his brother, T.E. Dennis Jr., recently appointed to teach in the Philippines, will leave about the 16^th inst. for San Francisco, whence he will sail for Manila. The voyage will occupy 30 days or more.

Old Brooks House at Lone Star was built in 1828 by Sawyer Brooks

(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 “Brooks house was built in 1828” was originally published in the July 24, 1975 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

If one could decide to try to locate the oldest house in Monroe County, I think the search would probably end in the Lone Star community. Here, nestled under several giant pecan trees, is the home of Mrs. S.M. Brooks.

Mrs. Brooks is 85 years old, but the house she lives in is 62 years her senior. Built in 1828, this house has watched four generations come and go.

“I was born right here in this house. I have lived here all my life,” states Mrs. Brooks. “I have never lived any place else.”

A place to cool

The afternoon was hot as we visited in the hallway. But the cool breeze that blew across the porch and down the hall gave testimony that when Sawyer Brooks built this house, he envisioned the hallway as a place to cool on a hot summer evening.

As I listened to Mrs. Brooks tell of past years at this place, I could see within the walls the peace and harmony that had dwelt here. I could tell from the smile on her face that love had been ever-present as the years came and went.

As I looked at the worn boards in the hall floor, I thought of the many footsteps that had journeyed this way. Some quick and light with joy and happiness, and others soft and slow with sadness that came with news of the passing of a loved one.

I saw the giant limestone chimneys like silent sentinels standing guard over this select place. I saw the well kept flower beds that filled the yard with their lovely blossoms and their soft sweet fragrance.

Yard swept clean

I noticed, too, the absence of grass in many parts of the old front yard, bearing testimony of a time when the yard was swept clean with a broom made from dogwood sprouts.

I marveled at the logs that made up the outer walls, and the long slender pegs that held them in place. I saw the overhead loft where the young children were placed in the early years, so wild animals couldn’t get to them and carry them off, when the grown-ups went to the fields to work or to the spring for water.

I thought of a wonderful night’s sleep that one could get on a rainy eve in one of the shed rooms at the end of the porch. I thought of the comfort and feeling of security one would get lying there in a big soft bed, with the gentle rain splashing on the low roof overhead.

A lot of living

As we said goodbye to this gracious lady and her son, I found myself reciting parts of an old poem that I had learned in school years ago:

Home ain’t the place that gold can buy
Or build up in a minute.
Afore it’s home,
There’s got to be a heap of living in it.

Within the walls, there’s got to be
Some babies born and then,
Right there you’ve got to bring them up,
To women good and men.

You’ve got to love each brick and stone,
From cellar to the dome,
It takes a lot of living to
Make a house a home.

Looking back over my shoulder as the old house disappeared from sight, I was sure this house had succeeded in being a home.

(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.)

How many old Wilcox County homes have unique, unusual features that harken back to days gone by?

Old 'cooling board' at Sullivan Cabin.

My daughter and I rode over to Chatom the other day to visit the 2021 Chatom Indian Artifact & Collector Show. This annual event features thousands of Indian artifacts, and if you have even the slightest interest in Alabama history, I highly recommend that you make plans to attend next year’s show. Admission is free.

On the way home, we stopped for a few minutes at the old Sullivan Cabin, a historic “dog trot” log cabin on State Highway 56 at Wagarville. This old cabin is one of the oldest existing homes in Washington County and features a spraddle roof and hand-hewn timbers that still show the original axe marks. This home, which was built by a man named Gibeon Sullivan, is currently owned by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

The Sullivan Cabin also has one of the most unusual and unique features of any old home that I’ve ever visited in Alabama. On the front porch of the house, you’ll find what’s known as a “cooling board.” This authentic cooling board harkens back to the days of early Alabama history when there were no modern funeral homes or undertakers, a time period when family and friends had to prepare their loved ones for burial.

According to a display at the cabin, “when a loved one died, a family member or neighbor fetched the cooling board from Gibeon Sullivan’s front porch and used it to transport the body back to the Sullivan Cabin, where Gibeon Sullivan prepared it for burial. The cooling board is notched to keep it from slipping from the horse drawn wagon. It is believed that the cooling board was also used for viewing the body. Food was prepared and neighbors sat in the house or stood in the yard, talking in hushed tones, remembering the departed and comforting the bereaved.”

A historical marker at the cabin also notes that the cooling board turned Sullivan’s “front porch into a place of central importance to the Wagarville community. As one of the few homes in Washington County with a cooling board, the Sullivan Cabin became a community gathering place where people came to grieve, pay respects and find comfort.”

On our way home, I could not help but wonder if any of Wilcox County’s old houses have a cooling board or some other similar unusual or unique feature. Wilcox County is blessed with many old homes, some that even predate the War Between the States, and I would not be surprised to learn that they contain features that we would consider unusual today. I have heard that some of these old homes feature “haint paint,” old buggy ways, carriage houses and unique staircases, porches, windows and balconies, but they no doubt also have other unusual features.

In the end, let me hear from you if you know of an old Wilcox County house that has a “cooling board” or some other type of unusual feature. We may come to find out that there are more than one of these old cooling boards in Wilcox County, or we might discover something else even more odd. Let’s make an effort to document these unique aspects of Wilcox County history for the generations yet to come.

One of Conecuh County, Alabama's most unique early settlers died 144 years ago today at Belleville

Grave of John Sampey Sr. at Belleville.

Today – July 8 – marks 144 years since the passing of one of Conecuh County’s most unique early settlers, John Sampey Sr.

Much of what is known about Sampey and his interesting life comes from the 1881 book, “The History of Conecuh County” by Benjamin Franklin Riley. Here’s what Riley had to say about Sampey in his book:

“Among the best and most useful of Conecuh’s earliest inhabitants was John Sampey Sr. His birthplace was Belfast, Ireland, where he first beheld the light on April 20, 1801. In September 1824, he sailed for America and reached New York some time during the following month.

“His tastes having led to the new regions of rapidly growing America, he came to the inviting State of Alabama, then just looming into prominence, and settled upon the soil of Conecuh. His attention was directed at once to stock raising, and he soon populated the grass grown districts of southern Conecuh with herds of stock cattle. The energy with which he addressed himself to his chosen vocation soon became proverbial.

“The ancestors of Mr. Sampey (Sampier) were French. They were driven by religious persecution from France during the 16^th Century and sought refuge in Ireland. The subject of this sketch was originally a devout member of the Church of England, in which he was reared; but upon removing to Conecuh, he became a member of the Methodist Church, in which he spent a devoted life.

“Mr. Sampey was remarkably quiet and unostentatious. His career was one of evenflowing uniformity. He was scrupulously exact in all his transactions, was careful never to allow a note to mature without being promptly met. His eyes were closed in death at his old home, near Belleville on July 8, 1877.”

Sampey was buried in the Belleville United Methodist Church Cemetery, which is located off U.S. Highway 84, just west of the Belleville Crossroads, about 10 miles from downtown Evergreen. I took a few minutes the other day to ride out to the old church to see if I could find Sampey’s grave. This old cemetery looks to contain about 150 graves, but it wasn’t hard to find Sampey’s grave, which is just a short walk from the parking lot.

Sampey’s grave has a long crack across the top, and it appears to have been repaired at some point in the past. A close look at Sampey’s grave will show you that it bears the following inscription:

In Memory of John Sampey

Born April 20^th, 1801

in Belfast, County Antrim,

IRELAND

Sailed for America, Sept. 12, 1824

Died July 8^th, 1877

aged 76 years, two months

and 18 days.

“Servant of God, well done!

Rest from thy loved, employ.

The battle fought, the victory won,

Enter thy Master’s joy.”

In the end, records reflect that Sampey had at least 11 children, so he likely has many descendants still living today. Let me hear from you if you have any additional information about Sampey and his interesting life. No doubt there is much more still to be learned about this immigrant settler from Ireland.

(Got a comment or question? E-mail Lee Peacock at courantnewsdesk@gmail.com.)

Wilcox County, Alabama News Flashback for July 7, 2021

Alabama Governor John Patterson

61 YEARS AGO
JULY 7, 1960

Camden Pool Is Popular Now: Camden’s Memorial swimming pool is enjoying a popular season this summer with the hot weather causing many persons to seek relief in a morning or afternoon dip. The pool is being operated again this year under the supervision of John Gates. Among those serving as life guards have been James Bodiford, Pick Gates and Joe Tate. Concession stand operation is in charge of John Gates with members of Scout Troop 94 and others assisting.
Swimming instruction for young beginners got underway last week with Mrs. Mary Anderson supervising five-to-nine-year-old learners.

Guard Unit Here Returns From Camp: Camden’s unit of the National Guard, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 111^th Ordnance Battalion (Ammo), has returned from its annual summer encampment.
The unit went to Fort McClellan on June 5, arriving about three in the afternoon and proceeding to set up camp. The next morning the unit went to the field for five days, where their mission was to furnish ammunition for the 203^rd Field Artillery Battalion. During the period, the unit handled 1,510 rounds of ammunition, a total weight of 12 tons.
Climaxing the first week was the Governor’s Day parade, when all National Guard troops at Ft. McClellan were reviewed by Alabama Governor John Patterson and General Walter Hanna.
The second week was spent in camp where men attended classes, fired the M-1 and carbine, and went through the gas chamber. The unit returned to Camden on June 19.

74 YEARS AGO
JULY 3, 1947

NATIONAL GUARD UNIT IN CAMDEN MAKING PROGRESS: Three new members joined the unit this week, according to Capt. E.H. Kelley, commanding officer. They are as follows: Charles E. Tait, Camden; Horace F. Martin, Camden; and L.J. McBride, Pine Apple. These three men have a total of 14 years army experience and will be valuable assets to the company.
Capt. Kelly states that equipment for the Camden Company is coming in regularly. Shipping orders have been received for tanks, tractors and small arms.

Miss Janet Liddell, a recent graduate of Agnes Scott College, is spending this week in Thomasville, Ga., as the guest of Miss Marianne Jefferies. Miss Liddell will serve as maid of honor at the marriage of her former roommate, Miss Betty Turner to Mr. William Marrow of Quanah, Texas on June 28.

Miss Betty Lou Andrews, Camden, is among the 293 new freshmen who have registered at Auburn for the Summer Quarter. Auburn’s current summer enrollment is approximately 4,600, a drop from 6,082 during the spring quarter.

Miss Corrie Beard, a retired school teacher (72), passed away at Stabler Infirmary, June 25, after being carved for there 24 days. The Hall home had been hers for 15 months. She was buried on the 26^th at the Beard Cemetery, near Pine Apple, with brief services by ministers of the Pine Apple Methodist Church and Awin Church of Christ.

87 YEARS AGO
JULY 5, 1934

LOWER PEACH TREE NEWS: Mrs. Sally Moore has returned to Summerfield after visiting her mother, Mrs. W.S. Irby. Her many friends sympathize with her in the loss of her home which was burned last week. Mrs. Florence Robertson and Mrs. Sam Irby accompanied her home Wednesday.

COY NEWS: Miss Mary Zurga and Mr. Authur McHenry were married Tuesday, June 26, in Camden. Mary is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tony Zurga of Coy. She graduated from Coy High School a few years ago. The bridge and groom are spending a few days with the bride’s parents. We wish them much happiness and success in life.

Supt. and Mrs. W.J. Jones left yesterday for New York City, where he will receive his degree from Columbia University.

Capt. Emmett Kilpatrick, who has the chair of Romance Language at the University of South Carolina at Columbia, is here for his vacation. We are always glad to welcome him to his old home.

McWilliams 1, Braggs 0 (12 innings): In a most interesting baseball game played at McWilliams July 4, McWilliams defeated Braggs by the score of 1 to 0 in 12 innings. Dean was the pitcher for Braggs and looked somewhat like old Dizzy himself, striking out 13 men. Joe Bonner worked for McWilliams and matched the good pitching of Dean by striking out 14 men and winning.

100 YEARS AGO
JULY 7, 1921

Camden was very quiet on the Fourth, many of its citizens visiting the ball game in Selma and the barbecue at Monroeville. There were a number of big dinners, fishing and swimming parties in and around town for the pleasure of the people.

Mr. Mark B. Grier left last week for his work in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He will be engaged there until September, when he leaves for Edinburgh, Scotland to continue his studies.

Wagon loads of melons are seen daily on the streets.

McWilliams School Building Completed: The final touches on the new school building at McWilliams is a credit to the section. It is the product of the unified action of McWilliams citizens and is classed as one of the most conveniently arranged buildings of its type in the county. Its total cost will approximate $6,000. Messrs. J.A. Winters, J.C. Sadler, M. Till and R.F. Chappell have had charge of the erection and have had the unqualified support of the citizens.

CAMDEN BALL CLUB: The Camden Baseball Club left Wednesday morning for Uniontown, where they play that strong aggregation Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday they will journey over to Demopolis and engage in battle royal. Camden has played 13 games this season. She has won 11 and lost two.

113 YEARS AGO
JULY 2, 1908

A Japanese Tea: A Japanese Tea will be given by the ladies of the Baptist Church Thursday evening, July 9, at the Masonic Hall. A short program of music will be rendered, after which light refreshments will be served by young ladies in Japanese costumes and candies and dolls and grab-bags will be in evidence for the children. Entrance fee, 25 cents for adults, 10 cents for children. Ice cream will be served on the grounds, from six o’clock in the afternoon.

The Wilcox Mounted Rifles will leave for Montgomery to go into annual encampment, the 14^th inst. The horses will not be taken with them this time, and the exercises will mainly consist on Infantry drills and target practice. We hope the boys will have a good time.

Rev. A.J. Gross, who has been filling the pulpit at the Camden Baptist Church, has been compelled to give up his charge on account of eye trouble and left last week for Los Angeles, California, where he will make his future home.

The Sun’s Eclipse: There was a general craning of necks Sunday by every one in Camden to see the Sun’s eclipse, which was pulled off on schedule time. With the use of smoked glass all had a fairly good opportunity for the observation of this most interesting phenomena of the heavenly bodies.
The eclipse was one of the subjects upon which all ages and classes met with a common interest. The eclipse being annular was not so generally attractive as the other kind.
The moon interposed itself between the earth and sun exactly according to astronomical schedule, appearing on the upper limb shortly after eight o’clock and retiring about three hours later. At the time of the greatest occultation, the sunlight assumed a peculiar weird color. Many were disappointed that total darkness failed to cover the earth. They evidently expected terrestrial objects to be wrapped in a mysterious pall of midday darkness as in the case of a total solar eclipse. The chickens did not go to roast and lanterns were not brought out.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for July 6, 2021

33 YEARS AGO
JULY 7, 1988

Evergreen weather reporter Harry Ellis reported 0.2 inches of rain on June 30, 1.33 on July 1, 0.9 on July 2, 0.83 on July 3 and 0.02 on July 4. He reported a high of 100 degrees on June 29 and a low of 67 on June 29.

Bill Johnson has been appointed President of Poole Truck Line, Inc. He was formerly Executive Vice President of the Evergreen based truckload carrier.
The appointment was announced by John Bowron, President of NEOAX’s I.U. International Truckload Group, Poole’s parent company.

The (Evergreen City) Council named Clayton Davis to serve as Superintendent of the Water Department. Davis, a veteran city employee, succeeds Franklin Williamson, who retired earlier this year.

Walter Poole, founder of Poole Truck Line, announced his retirement from the company, effective June 15, to participate in a business venture with his son, Pat.

Terry Lynn Parker, 23, of Rt. 1, Evergreen, was killed in a tragic accident Tuesday morning while working with a logging crew in the Mobley Creek area of Covington County, near Brooklyn.
Parker, who was employed by Bruce Salter Logging Co., was struck by a falling tree at 9 a.m. and pronounced dead at the scene at 11:25 a.m., according to Covington County Sheriff’s Investigator Max Hooks.

43 YEARS AGO
JULY 6, 1978

The current “heat wave” may have dropped some folks into the doldrums, but it got Ole Earl Windham to talking again. He wrote on his weekly weather report: “Dear Old Bob: Those hot days that I have owed you since last winter have been paid.”
Well, not even a country editor can argue with that statement. Please, Earl, will you let us have some rain and at least a few days when the mercury doesn’t hit 100 degrees or more?
(Windham reported no rainfall that week, but did report a high temperature of 100 degrees on June 20, 1978. He reported lows of 71 on June 27 and July 2.)

Dr. E.A. Price of Evergreen has qualified to seek re-election as County Coroner. He is seeking nomination in the Democratic Primary Elections of Sept. 5 and 26. He has served in this office for nearly 40 years.
He was appointed County Coroner in the late 1930s and has been re-elected each time the office came up for election since then, all but once without opposition.

Frank Chavers qualified last Thursday to seek re-election to the Conecuh County Board of Education, Place 2, in the Democratic Primary Elections of Sept. 5 and 26.

Harry Booker of Belleville has qualified as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Member of the Conecuh County Commission, District 1, Place 2.

58 YEARS AGO
JULY 4, 1963

The new postal code numbers (zip code) have been assigned to the post offices at Repton, Range and Lenox.
Mrs. Frances J. Davis, postmaster at Repton, lists her number as 36475. The number for Range, according to Mrs. Iva Lee Jackson, postmaster, is 36473, while Postmaster James Pierce says the number for Lenox is 36454.

Guard Will Leave Sunday For Camp: The local National Guard will leave from Fort Dave Lewis Sunday morning for two weeks annual summer camp at Fort McClellan, Anniston. A total of 46 men, 43 enlisted men and three officers, will take part in the camp.
The local unit is comprised of three platoons of the 131st Quartermaster Co. (Petroleum Distribution). The other units are located at Jackson.
1st. Lt. Elbert Williams is company commander. Other officers are 1st Lt. Marcus O’Gwynn and Chief Warrant Officer Hunter Hines. Williams states that a number of other guard units will be moving through this area Sunday on their way to camp.

The fourth annual Evergreen Rotary 4-H Fish & Wildlife Camp was held Tuesday and Wednesday at Tal Stuart’s Pond near Belleville. A total of 46 county 4-H boys took part in the camp.

Non-Jury, Equity Cases Set Monday: Non-jury equity cases on the Circuit Court docket will be heard Monday morning starting at 9 o’clock. Circuit Judge A.H. Elliott of Brewton will preside.
According to Circuit Clerk Ralph Crysell, a total of 140 cases are on the docket, 52 non-jury cases and 68 equity cases.

73 YEARS AGO
JULY 1, 1948

Funeral services were held from Oak Grove Church near Repton Saturday afternoon for Grady H. Johnson who was killed in action in North Africa in March 1943.
He was buried with military honors under the direction of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Guard.

Miss Ethel Coleman, County Health Nurse, announced this week that five cases of scarlet fever, one case of typhoid and one case of small pox have been reported in this county in the past two months. In addition to these there has been one death from diphtheria.

Robison, Kendall Win; Four New Councilmen: In an election, marked by an unusually heavy vote, held Tuesday, Mayor J.H. Robison was re-elected over his opponent, M.M. Cardwell. Robison received 291 votes to Cardwell 199. R.G. Kendall, member of the present council, was re-elected and led the ticket with 340 votes. Other councilmen elected in the order of votes received were H.J. Kinzer 327, H.H. Beasley 312, Zell Murphy 301, O.B. Tuggle 267. All councilmen received clear majorities and no runoff will be necessary.
Votes received by other candidates were as follows: Ward C. Alexander 200, H.A. Deer 184, A.G. Bolton 157, J.W. Shannon 131, D.T. Stuart 128, C.L. Kamplain 109.

87 YEARS AGO
JULY 5, 1934

Misses Hazel Crawford and Kate McConaughy have returned from a visit to the World’s Fair in Chicago. Miss Crawford is visiting her aunt, Mrs. M.B. Binion.

Sgt. Hobson Lewis, Corp. Orman Bower, Privates Ted Bates, John Salter, Robert Quarles and Otis Pierce returned Sunday from Birmingham, where they have been stationed in connection with the miners strike for the past two months.

Messrs. C.P. Deming and Jim Hartzog are leaving Sunday to attend the Ford Dealers Convention at Detroit, Mich. and the World’s Fair.

Evergreen Eligible For P.O. Building: A news dispatch from Washington dated June 30 states that Evergreen along with 10 other Alabama cities and towns has been placed on the eligible list for a new post office building. According to the Washington story, $65,000,000 is now available under the deficiency appropriation bill for the construction of post offices throughout the country.
The post office and treasurer departments were authorized by the bill to choose from the specified list which cities should have new buildings. List of cities given: Anniston, $210,000; Gadsden, $85,000; Fairfield, $84,000; Atmore, $65,000; Brewton, $68,000; Evergreen, $65,000; Fort Payne, $68,000; Guntersville, $63,000; Opp, $63,000; Roanoke, $65,000 and Scottsboro, $65,000.

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for July 5, 2021

14 YEARS AGO
JULY 5, 2007

Evergreen’s 11- and 12-year-old all-stars started the Little League District 5 tournament Sunday in Evergreen with a 12-0 loss to Opp.
In the loss to Opp, Evergreen played well defensively, but the ‘Big Green’s’ offense had a solid case of the first game jitters.

Evergreen’s 9- and 10-year-old all-stars exited the Little League Baseball District 5 tournament Monday of last week in Brewton with a 16-6 loss to Andalusia.
Evergreen opened the District 5, double-elimination tournament June 23 with a 9-4 win over Flomaton.
In second-round action the all-stars suffered a 12-6 loss to East Brewton June 24.

Evergreen opened play in the Babe Ruth District 1 all-star tournament for 14- and 15-year-olds at Uriah Monday night in thrilling fashion.
Down 6-5 headed into the bottom of the seventh and final inning, Justin Nared led off with a single, worked his way to third and scored on a wild pitch to send the game into extra innings.

27 YEARS AGO
JULY 7, 1994

JDCC Warhawks compete in College World Series: Grand Junction, Colorado is a place that all junior college baseball programs dream about playing out their season. This is where national champions are made, heroes are discovered, and dreams come true. For the Warhawks of Jefferson Davis Community College, the trip to Grand Junction was a first time event and represented only the second time a school from Alabama has ever gone to the College World Series.
Coach Adams’ Warhawks finished the season ranked fifth in the nation. Although the Warhawks fell short of a national championship, they certainly left their names in the record books in Grand Junction. The Warhawks broke the record for runs and hits in a game as they defeated Trinidad Colorado Community College by a score of 23-13. First baseman Ed Nodturft (Pensacola, Fla.) had a career game going six for six and tied a world series record for most hits in a game. Nodhturft would eventually have his jersey retired as historical memorabilia with its place in Grand Junction for future players and fans to admire. He has also received a scholarship to play at Jacksonville State University next year.
Pitcher Mike Kimbrell (Baton Rouge, La.) was selected to participate on the American Junior College All-Star Team in a game against the Japanese All-Star Team. The game was held in Grand Junction, Colorado in mid-June. Kimbrell was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers last season but will attend Southeastern Louisiana University along with Warhawk third baseman and Baton Rouge native Chris Benesta.

45 YEARS AGO
JULY 1, 1976

Troy Kendrick won first place in the 13-year-old punt, pass and kick competition held as part of Oakland Raider quarterback Kenny Stabler’s football camp. Kendrick, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Kendrick of Repton, attended the weeklong camp at Marion Institute, learning not only from Kenny Stabler but from other professional football players and coaches. He will play junior high football next season at Repton High School.

John W. “Can Do” Salter Jr. netted the nine-pound trigger and seven-pound king mackerel and string of red snappers on June 25 while fishing off Her Majesty II, near Destin, Fla.

This big one didn’t get away. Rusty Price, son of Mr. and Mrs. Waynard Price, now living in Tallahassee, caught the big bass on a recent visit home.

Plans are well on the way to being finalized for the State of Alabama Bicentennial Domino Tournament, to be held in Andalusia starting June 16.
Sponsored by the Andalusia Rotary Club, the tournament is designed to pick the ‘best of the best’ and be the first of an annual program which the Rotary Club hopes will become a national contest to select the best domino players in the nation each year.
The games, expected to involve several hundred participants, will be staged at the Lurleen B. Wallace State Junior College student center in Andalusia.

58 YEARS AGO
JULY 4, 1963

Jr. League Results:
Pelicans Bump Chicks 8-1: Southpaw Jeff Murner set the Chicks down on one hit June 24 and the Pelicans beat the Chicks 9 to 1. Jo Jo Brown, Dale McInvale and Murner had one hit each in the Pelican victory. Larry Tranum got the lone hit off Murner, a double. James Faulkner was the losing pitcher.
Giants Shutout Dodgers 9-0: Thomas Riley beat the league-leading Dodgers with a five-hit shutout performance on June 24. The Giants erupted for three runs in the second inning and they had another beginning in the fifth when they scored five times. Claude Nielsen, Wesley Poole, Larry Wright and Tommy Weaver had two hits each for the victors. No Dodger got more than one hit. Herbert Ellis absorbed the loss.
Pelicans Squeeze Past Chicks 6-5: Trailing 5 to 3, the Pelicans struck for three runs in the sixth and final inning last Thursday night to down the Chicks again, 6-5. Jeff Murner’s bases-loaded double in the sixth was the big blow. Murner had two hits to lead the winners at the plate. Larry Thomas picked up the win with some strong relief pitching. Larry Tranum and Vernon Millsap led the Chick batters. Stonestreet was the losing pitcher after a good showing.
Giants Stop Dodgers 9-6: The Giants downed the Dodgers for the second straight time Thursday night by the score of 9 to 6. The Giants jumped off to a fat lead off the losing pitcher Wayne Hammonds, but they had to withstand a strong Dodger rally in the last inning. Tommy Weaver started for the Giants but needed help from Forrest Simpson and then Larry Wright. Weaver got the win. Weaver, Wright and Simpson led the Giants at the plate. Hollis Tranum, Herbert Ellis and Tommy Johnson led Dodger hitters.
Dodgers Edge Yankees 9-8: The Dodgers staged a four-run uprising in the last inning Friday night to edge the Yankees 9 to 8 and retain their league lead. The Yankees got strong hitting from Leon Hinson and Jimmy Bell to take the lead. Then the Dodgers roared back on hits by Hollis Tranum and Dwight Langford and base on balls. Tranum got the win in relief. Bell was the loser in relief.

62 YEARS AGO
JULY 2, 1959

Ump Rules No Contest In Pine Orchard Game: The Evergreen-Pine Orchard ball game was called by the umpire-in-chief in Pine Orchard with no scheduled date for the replay of the game.
Buddy Hobbs was pitching well for the Greenies and getting better until the game was called with two out in the last half of the sixth frame and Pine Orchard leading six to five.
The next game will be at City Park in Evergreen, Sunday, with Pine Orchard.

“Dodgers topple Yanks Tuesday” by Malcolm and John Croft – DODGERS vs. YANKEES: There’s a saying that goes “Life Begins at 40.” If this saying is true, then the Red Sox, Giants and Yankees are in for a lot of trouble (as if they haven’t already been in it) for the Dodgers stretched their winning skein to 40 Tuesday night with an 8-0 victory over the previously all-winning Yankees. The win put the Dodgers in an undisputed top spot in the National League. Ed Briggs hurled a brilliant one-hitter for the conquerors. Robert Rigsby and Terry Salter tried to hold the Dodger bats in vain. Briggs was 2-for-2, Wayne Tolbert, 2-for-4; Bobby Bateman, 2-for-4; and Ronnie Jackson, 1-for-1, as the Dodgers collected eight bingles. Rigsby was 1-for-1 in the losing cause.
CHICKS vs. ORIOLES: The Chicks took their own sweet revenge Tuesday night by whipping the Orioles, 12-6. Jim Hart twirled six-hit pitching at the Orioles. Harold Wright hurled for the second place Orioles. Van Davis led the Chick Club with 2-for-3. Rusty Price came through with 1-for-2 with the losers.
DODGERS vs. RED SOX: The Dodgers walloped the Red Sox, 14-1, Wednesday afternoon in a make-up game. This was supposed to be the first game of the season but was rained out. Joe Glass and Ronnie Jackson tossed the Dodgers to their 38th win. Don Hanson donned the mound for the Red Sox. Mike Fields substituting for the Red Sox got two one-baggers to lead the Red Sox. Clint Ward led the Dodgers with 3-for-3 followed by Bobby Bateman who was 2-for-2.
HAWKS vs. ORIOLES: The Orioles stayed in the top seat by whipping the Hawks, 24-4, behind the no-hitting pitching of Jack White. Wayne Caylor and Tommy Hartley led the Orioles massacre along with Glenn Bolton who was 3-for-3. Larry Wright and Jack Driver hurled for the Hawks.
YANKEES vs. RED SOX: The Yankees blasted the Red Sox, 18-0, Thursday night. Terry Salter and Scott Cook flung a bingless game at the Crimson Hose. Vernon Crosby was the losing hiller. Robert Rigsby was 2-for-2, Salter, 4-for-4; Eddie Thornley and Jimmy Warren, 2-for-4; Mike Moorer, 1-for-3; and Cook, Claude Aaron and Ronnie Hayes, 1-for-4; as the Bombers slapped the apple at a furious pace. One of Rigsby’s hits was his second home run of the season.
CHICKS vs. PELICANS: The Chicks plastered the Pelicans, 10-6, Friday night. Jimmy Hart, Gary Faulkner and Bobby Sasser were Chick chunkers. Knud Nielsen and Allen Marsh were the rubber-toers for the losers. Faulkner was 3-for-4; Donnie Brewton, Donnie Pittman and Bobby Sasser were 1-for-2, and Van Davis was 2-for-3 to pace the Chick attack. Judson Stinson, Moreno White Jr., George Stinson and Billy Clay were 1-for-2 for the conquered Pels.