The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Nov. 8, 2022

EIGHT 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.

33 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.

58 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.

83 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.

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Nov. 7, 2022

Wendell Hart

19 YEARS AGO
NOV. 6, 2003

Warriors end season with 26-16 victory: The Sparta Academy Warriors ended their 2003 season on a winning note when they defeated the Ashford Falcons 26-16 Friday night at Stuart-McGehee Field.
Will Ivey was the leading rusher for the Warriors with 170 yards on 17 carries. Perry Castleberry rushed for 54 yards on 10 carries and scored one touchdown, Cody Lowery had 20 yards on six carries, Brandon Burleson had nine yards on five carries and one touchdown and Paul Castleberry had eight yards on three carries.
At the quarterback spot Ivey completed three of his nine pass attempts for 46 yards, two for touchdowns. He also threw one interception. Perry Castleberry’s one pass attempt was complete for 12 yards.
Burleson had two pass receptions for 34 yards and two touchdowns. Lowery had one pass reception for 12 yards, and Paul Castleberry had one reception for 12 yards.
Burleson scored first for the Warriors on a 10-yard pass from Ivey. The PAT was no good. Perry Castleberry scored next on a one-yard run. The try for the two-point conversion failed. Burleson scored his second touchdown on a one-yard run. The try for the two-point conversion failed.
Patrick Cumagun tackled an Ashford runner in the end zone for a safety to put two more points on the board. Burleson scored the final touchdown of the night on a 24-yard pass from Ivey. The try for the two-point conversion failed.

34 YEARS AGO
NOV. 3, 1988

Warriors whip Greenville 7-0; are undefeated: The Sparta Academy Warriors wrapped up the first undefeated season in the school’s history with a 7-0 win over Greenville Academy in Greenville Friday night. Coach Mike Bledsoe’s club used its favorite 1988 weapon – defense – to finish a perfect regular season 10-0.
The Warriors, APSA East Region Class A Champions for 1988 with a 7-0 record in the region, open the state playoffs Friday night when they host Southern Academy of Greensboro at Stuart-McGehee Field with a 7:30 kickoff.
Jamie Deason scored the only touchdown Friday night on a one-yard run. He paced the Sparta attack with 63 yards on 16 carries. Jeff Carrier had 50 yards on 12 carries, Lee Wild 43 on 12 and Kenny Bledsoe lost three on three.
Bledsoe completed two of six passes for 12 yards and had one interception. Jimmy Hart caught one pass for 10 yards and Craig Blackburn one for two.

Sparta posted a number of records this season. They are the first team in the history of the school to go undefeated in the regular season. They are also the first to ever win 10 games in the regular season, and the first to record seven shutouts in a season. Individually, running back Jeff Carrier is the first Warrior to ever score four touchdowns in a varsity game.
As a team, Sparta piled up 1,985 rushing yards in 10 games, an average of 198.5 per game. The Warriors passed for 593 yards, an average of 59.3 per game and had total offense of 2,578 yards, an average of 257.8 per game.

49 YEARS AGO
NOV. 1, 1973

The T.R. Miller Tigers rolled to a 27-14 conquest over the Evergreen Aggies last Friday night at Brooks Stadium.
The score stood at 21-0 until the clock showed 39 seconds remaining in the Tiger-Aggie Battle when Aggie Walter Bullock gathered a 12-yard touchdown pass from Darris Champion. The two-point conversion was no good.
Mike Long trotted into the end zone for a 28-yard touchdown for Miller. The PAT was no good.
When the clock showed only 10 seconds left in the game, Aggie Ray Etheridge picked up the Miller kickoff and sped for a 90-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion by Melvin Stallworth was good making the final score Miller 27, Evergreen 14.

The Sparta Academy Warriors tripped Thomasville Academy, 14-0, in Thomasville Friday night.
The Warriors converted a fumble recovery at the Panther 46 into their first score. Sticking to the ground, Sparta drove down to the two and Walker Scott drove in for the score. The point try failed and it was 6-0 in the first quarter and that’s the way the half ended.
The Warriors put their final points on the board late in the third quarter on a fine, 81-yard drive. Buddy Monroe passed to Bobby Johnson on a wideout and the freshman halfback showed fancy moves as he twisted through the Panther secondary for 38 yards and the score. Scott banged across for the two-point conversion to make it 14-0.
Sparta’s defense rose to the challenge on numerous occasions, holding the Panthers several times inside the 20.

64 YEARS AGO
NOV. 6, 1958

Aggies Play Miller There Friday Night: The Evergreen Aggies trip to Brewton tomorrow night to meet the T.R. Miller Tigers at 7:30 on the Miller field.
Coach Wendell Hart and Jeff Moorer feel that the Aggies are in top physical condition and are as strong as they were before the season. Billy Melton, starting quarterback who was hurt before the opening game of the season, has reported back and is counted on to play against the Tigers.
Paul Pace and Ceylon Strong, both injured in the Andalusia game, are back in uniform. Ken Tucker is the only Aggie remaining on the doubtful list. Ken has been out since the Andy game, but may report back in before the season is over.
The Aggies will be extra strong in the backfield ranks this week with Jimmy Bell, Billy Melton, Ceylon Strong, James Reaves, Jimmy Eddins (who has moved back to Evergreen from Vero Beach, Fla.), Bobby Smith and Robbie Boykin slated to see action.
Coaches Hart and Moorer are planning on taking full advantage of their added depth by substituting freely against T.R. Miller.
T.R. Miller, coached by Bob Riley, was one of the preseason favorites in South Alabama. The Tigers have had a so-so season.
The probable line-up for the Aggies is left end, Leon McKenzie; left tackle, Paul Hardin; left guard, Byron Warren; center, Paul Pace; right guard, George Bolton; right tackle, Wayne Peacock; right end, Wayne Stinson; quarterback, Jimmy Bell or Billy Melton; left halfback James Reaves or Ceylon Strong; right halfback, Bobby Smith or Jimmy Eddins; fullback Robbie Boykin.

Fox Hunters Elect Dr. H.C. Fountain: Dr. H.C. Fountain, Evergreen, has been elected president of the Dixie Fox Hunters Association. The Evergreen dentist was elected during the annual directors meeting at three-day field trials at Burnt Corn held recently.
Other officers include: first vice-president, Dewey Farmer, Montgomery; second vice-president, Lee Smith, Montgomery; and secretary, R.H. Cobb, Camden.
Winners in the annual field trials were as follows: Winner, All-Age Dogs, Raleigh, owned by Dallas Mosley, Greenville; Winner, Derby Dogs, Luck, owned by Dr. Fountain; Alton Tennant of Atmore had a Derby Dog to place on the bench and in the field; D.M. Drinkard of Montgomery had a dog to win on the bench and place in the field.

Among those attending homecoming and the Alabama-Georgia football game in Tuscaloosa Saturday were Mr. and Mrs. W.N. McGehee, Mr. and Mrs. R.G. Kendall Jr. and Zilda, Mr. and Mrs. Ward Alexander and Ward Jr., Mr. and Mrs. V.P. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bozeman, and Mr. and Mrs. Pace Bozeman.

79 YEARS AGO
NOV. 4, 1943

Mrs. J.C. Hamilton and Miss Mamilu Taylor spent the weekend with Miss Mozelle Hamilton, student at L.S.U., Baton Rouge, La., and attended the L.S.U. and T.C.U. football game.

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

John McDuffie

22 YEARS AGO
NOV. 2, 2000

Vanity Fair donates $75,000: Monroeville Area YMCA Building Fund representatives Hunter Lindblom and Haden Tirey accept a $75,000 contribution from Vanity Fair Intimates Monday. Presenting the donation are Vanity Fair representatives Corky Fountain, vice president of manufacturing, and Rod Hewitt, vice president of human resources. The donation helped increase the fund’s total to $900,000. The goal is to raise $1.8 million.

Frisco pounds Blacksher 61-14: In a battle of 1A Region 1 rivals, Frisco City High School’s Whippets defeated J.U. Blacksher High School’s Bulldogs 61-14 Saturday at Uriah.
Travoris Hill led Frisco’s rushers with 154 yards on eight carries. He also had a catch for 34 yards. Blacksher’s Jason Matheny had 115 yards on 35 carries.
(Other top Frisco players in that game included Dustin Black, Pete Bonner, Timothy Dailey, Tyson House, Rodney Kemp, Broderick Kyles, Norman Lee, Lequintin Robinson and Damien Tolliver. Top Blacksher players included Justin Coleman, Keddrick Parker, Brandon Peavy and Jessie Williams. Scott Blackmon was Frisco’s head coach, and Mark Chaney was Blacksher’s head coach.)

State Senator Pat Lindsey and State Rep. Jimmy Warren give J.U. Blacksher High School administrators $5,000 for school improvements. Funds for the improvements came out of the state’s Special Projects Funds, which is used exclusively for public education and libraries. Accepting the donations were Blacksher principal Keith Cardwell and assistant principal Pat Peavy.

47 YEARS AGO
NOV. 6, 1975

Ferry operation to begin soon: The State Highway Department Tuesday finished installing a guide cable for the Packer’s Bend ferry. The ferry has been placed in the Alabama River and may be put into operation by this time next week, Monroe County Commissioner Fonde Williams said.
Williams said the ferry’s engine would have to be adjusted and approaches to the ferry on both sides of the river would have to be graded and filled in with gravel before operations start.
The ferry is located at Davis Ferry near Franklin. It is on County Road 49, a little more than a mile north of heavily-traveled County Road 17.
The ferry will operate seven days a week, initially from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., said acting county engineer Allen Biggs.

The J.U. Blacksher High School Bulldogs ended their 1975 football season by blasting the Lyeffion Yellow Jackets 34-6 Saturday before Blacksher’s annual homecoming crowd.
Eight seniors played their last game for the Bulldogs. They were David Woods, Wayne Woods, Douglas Scott, Micky Wilkins, Ricky Wilkins, James Coleman, Leonard Ives and Robin House.
(Other top Blacksher players in that game included Ben Rhodes. Buddy Rhodes was Blacksher’s head coach.)

Fireman of the Year: Monroeville Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Everette receives a plaque from Fire Chief Wilbert Pickens recognizing him for being named “Fireman of the Year” by members of the volunteer fire department. Everette has been a member of the department for 15 years and an assistant chief for three years.

72 YEARS AGO
NOV. 2, 1950

Prominent County Native Succumbs: Federal Judge John McDuffie, 67, former United States congressman and a member of a prominent Monroe County family, died in a Mobile hospital early Wednesday morning.
Judge McDuffie had recently undergone a major operation in New Orleans, but had returned to his home in Mobile Saturday.
He is a native of River Ridge in this county. He was never defeated in a public election.

Whippets Fight Back, Tie Grove Hill 12-12 Friday: After being completely out-classed for two periods and trailing 12-0 at halftime, Frisco City came back with a bang in the final two periods last Friday night to tie Grove Hill at 12-12 in a thrilling contest at the Frisco athletic field.
The game marked Frisco’s annual homecoming tilt and was the last game of the season at home for the Whippets.
(Top Frisco players in that game included William Ed Baas, Ray Ikner, Keith King and Charles Pugh.)

Application Made For Radio Station: An application for a new standard radio station in Monroeville has been filed with the Federal Communications Commission by Bill Stewart and Jimmy Faulkner, publishers of The Journal, doing business as Monroe Broadcasting Co. The application is for 1230 kilocycles, 250 watts, unlimited time.

First County Journalism Class Begun At Uriah: The J.U. Blacksher High School at Uriah this year added a journalism class to its courses of study. This is the first such class to be held at any Monroe County school. As its principal project of the year, the class is publishing a semi-monthly school paper, the “Blacksher Hi-Lites.”

97 YEARS AGO
NOV. 5, 1925

FAITHFUL DOG GUARDS BODY OF HIS MASTER: Mr. Frank Murphy died quite suddenly in his field near Peterman on Thursday afternoon, aged 69. Mr. Murphy went to his field to gather corn. Shortly afterwards, a man passing the field saw him lying prone on the ground and his faithful dog standing guard over the lifeless body. The family was notified and Cary Murphy, son of the dead man, went to the scene. The dog, recognizing him as a member of the family, permitted the removal of the body.
Mr. Murphy was a well-known citizen of Peterman for many years and had numerous friends. Interment was made in the Rumbley cemetery Friday.

Dr. J.M. Shofner, president of the Coley-Blacksher Vocational School, was among Monroeville friends Wednesday. Dr. Shofner reported the school prosperous. Quite a number of scholarships have been recently donated to the school, thus opening the way to an education for indigent, but deserving, boys.

NOTICE: Middle aged man wants to correspond with and meet single lady that is matrimonially inclined between 22 and 30 years of age. I can give best of references. Address H.K., care of this paper.

Mr. R.G. Scott and son George of Eliska were among Monroeville friends Thursday. Mr. Scott is one of the most prosperous famers in South Monroe. Yields of both corn and cotton this season have been unusually good in spite of the drought.

122 YEARS AGO
NOV. 8, 1900

J.J. Nickerson brought to this office on Tuesday a piece of petrified bone which appears to be a section of the vertebra of some mammoth prehistoric animal or reptile, also a piece of petrified wood. Both specimens were found imbedded in solid limestone about seven feet below the surface, in a rock pit one-half mile west of town.

ADMITTED TO BAIL: The preliminary trial of Ben Abney for the killing of John L. Stallworth, took place at Beatrice on Saturday before Justice J.B. Harper. The State was represented by County Solicitor O.O. Bayles assisted by Hon. N. Stallworth of Evergreen, solicitor for the second judicial circuit, a relative of the deceased. Hon. Joseph N. Miller of Camden, appeared as counsel for the defendant. After a protracted and tedious hearing and able argument by counsel on both sides, the defendant was admitted to bail in the sum of $2,000 to await the action of the grand jury.

Master Blanchard Simmons places The Journal under obligations for two very fine stalks of sugar cane, one containing 24 matured joints and measuring nine feet in length. Master Blanchard gives promise of becoming a successful farmer should he chose that vocation.

Mr. E.B. Robbins of Ferris, Texas, who has been visiting relatives in Monroe the past two weeks, was in Monroeville Tuesday on his return to the Lone State state. Mr. Robbins emigrated to Texas some 19 years ago and this is the first visit he has made to his native home. His many friends are glad to know that time has dealt kindly with him.

Mobile, Alabama Catholic church traces its origins back to 1703

Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

My wife Crystal and I found ourselves in downtown Mobile on Saturday morning. She’d heard about a dessert shop called Mo’Bay Beignet Co. on Dauphin Street and had been wanting to check it out for several weeks. I was happy to serve as her chauffeur.

When we left there, we strolled down the sidewalk towards Cathedral Square and eventually came upon a historical marker about the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a large Catholic church located nearby. Here’s what the marker had to say:

“The origin of this Cathedral was established on July 20, 1703 by Jean-Baptiste de La Croix de Chevrieres de Saint Vallier, Bishop of Quebec at Fort Louis de la Mobile, the city’s first permanent settlement. The Bishop also appointed Father M. Henri Roulleaux de La Vente as Pastor of the first formal church along the Mississippi Valley, which extended from the mouth of the Mississippi to Canada. The missionary zeal of the early Catholic Jesuit priests accompanying Mobile’s founder’s brothers, Pierre Le Moyne, d’Iberville and Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, de Bienville was intrinsic to the religious development of Mobile, Alabama.

“The Cathedral Archives preserve the records of Mobile’s multicultural and diverse origin. The sacramental records began by the first pastor, M. Henri Roulleaux de La Vente date back to 1704, documenting the first baptisms, marriages and burials of the French, Spanish, British, Native Americans, Africans and Creole de Color in Mobile. Many documents are the only reference to 18^th Century African slaves and are among the oldest on the Gulf Coast. Some documents are signed by Mobile’s founders, Pierre Le Moyne, d’Iberville and Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, de Bienville. The ceremonial placement of the Cathedral’s cornerstone took place in the Catholic Graveyard on July 19, 1835.”

Crystal and I continued around to the front of the church and went inside. Prior to this, I had never been inside a Catholic church, much less one of such historic significance. Not surprisingly, there were a number of people inside viewing the beautiful interior of this historic church with its 60-foot ceilings.

Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of this church is its stained-glass windows, which came all the way from Munich, Germany. Workers began installing the windows in 1890 and the last window was installed 20 years later in 1910. The 12 main windows are enormous, being 23 feet tall and eight feet wide. If you have never seen these windows in person, it is well worth the trip to see them for yourself.

As you probably would imagine of any building as old as this cathedral, its grounds are reportedly haunted. Cathedral Square, which is just across Claiborne Street from the church’s front doors, was once the site of Mobile’s first Spanish graveyard, Camp Santo. Sources say that some of the bodies buried here were dug up and reburied in the Church Street Graveyard, about half a mile away. The many that were not continue to lie under the park benches outside of the church.

In the end, if you ever find yourself in Mobile with a little time to kill, check out the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile, especially if you like old churches. The stained-glass windows here are world class, and the interior beauty of this church is unmatched in our part of the world. Plus, it’s a short walk from a really good dessert shop, where you can stop before (or after) for refreshments.

100-year-old news headlines, highlights from The Wilcox Progressive Era in November 1922

St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Today marks the first Thursday of the month, so it’s time to take another trip back down memory lane for a look at some of the interesting things that happened in Wilcox County a century ago, way back in November 1922.

In the Nov. 2, 1922 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era, publisher Stanley Clifford Godbold reported that “there are in and around Camden about 15 saw mills, three planing mills and two dry kilns for lumber. There is now awaiting shipment more than 1,000 carloads of lumber, which will be loaded and shipped and will bring the producers about $500,000, which is now tied up. A considerable amount of this money will remain here and go into circulation, and will help almost everyone, manufacturer, laborers, banks and merchants.”

Also that week, readers learned that “Mr. and Mrs. S.G. and Mr. and Mrs. Joe D. Springer were called to Tuscaloosa Sunday by the death of their brother, Jack, who was injured by a log rolling over a part of his body some days ago.”

In the Nov. 9, 1922 edition of the newspaper, under the headline “Historical Exhibit,” it was reported that “quite an interesting and historical exhibition of old and rare articles was shown at the Court House, during the Circuit Court session, by the ladies of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church of Camden. This exhibition was shown so our people can learn that Camden has some very interesting historical and valuable relicts.”

Also that week, it was reported that “Prof. Geo. Clark of Vredenburgh and Prof. Salter of Camden High School attended the ball game at Columbus, Ga. Saturday and were well-paid for the trip when they saw Auburn, their Alma Mater, win the game.”

In the Nov. 16, 1922 edition of the paper, readers learned that “Mr. C.A. Skinner, Camden agent of the L&N Railroad, says there was shipped from this depot in October, 64 carloads of lumber, 10 carloads of cotton seeds, nine carloads of cattle and 400 bales of cotton in October and 1,000 bales in September. Incoming freights are better than any time since he has been here. Passenger traffic is very good. The cotton receipts do not include shipments by the river and from Neenah and Estelle.”

It was also reported that week that “Robert E. Gordon, Esq., a leading attorney of Mobile, was in Camden, his birthplace and former home, last Monday and delivered a logical and eloquent address to a large number of county citizens, ladies and men at the courthouse, in behalf of support for the Mobile seaport amendment. He was warmly greeted by many friends, on his address, which was fine, and helped to carry the seaport amendment.”

In the Nov. 23, 1922 edition, it was reported that “Messers. Leon Spurlin, O.C. Weaver and Prof. Luckey motored to Greenville Friday to witness the Camden High School boys play Greenville a game of football. The game as lost to Greenville, 25 to 0.”

Also that week, readers learned that there “were 9,554 bales of cotton, counting round as half bales, ginned in Wilcox County, from the crop of 1922 prior to Nov. 1, 1922 as compared with 5,169 bales ginned to Nov. 1, 1921.”

The big news in the Nov. 30, 1922 edition of the paper appeared under the headline, “SNOW VISITS CAMDEN ON SUNDAY MORNING FOR SHORT PERIOD; COLD THROUGH DAY.” In that story, readers learned that “snow, in big juicy flakes, fell for more than two hours Sunday morning in Camden. For 20 minutes, the white flakes made almost a curtain and then for an hour or more fell with less fury. The snow flurry followed a night of frequent spells of sleet.

“Reports of the weather bureaus show that snow fell in many sections of the south Saturday night and early Sunday morning. The thermometer hit close to freezing during Saturday night and Sunday morning, and the weather continued cold and brisk throughout Sunday. The high point on the thermometer Sunday was 47 degrees.”

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 December 1922 in Wilcox County. Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s past yourself, take advantage of the Alabama Department of Archives and History’s excellent selection of old newspapers on microfilm and other resources. Their friendly staff will be more than happy to get you started.

Wilcox County, Alabama News Flashback for Nov. 2, 2022

The steamboat Nettie Quill. 

82 YEARS AGO
NOV. 7, 1940

Josiah Showell Robins, son of Col. Jo Robbins and Sarah Gregg Robins, exchanged this earthly abode for his Heavenly Home Monday, Oct. 28, 1940, age 76, at St. Martin’s Plantation, near Catherine, Ala.
He was born at Canton Bend, Ala., his entire life being spent in Wilcox County. He was reared in a devout Christian home, received his education in the public schools and collegiate training at Due West, S.C.
Josiah Robins was married to beautiful Coarlie Williams, Oct. 28, 1885. This ideal union was of short duration, for she was called to her reward one year later, leaving the young husband and a little daughter, Coralie Williams Robins, who survives her father as Mrs. W.R. Carothers. Her six fine sons were the imposing escort at the last rites for their grandfather.
His second marriage was to Miss Katie McLaughin of Lower Peach Tree, who also preceded him to the grave a number of years ago.
The last service was impressively conducted in the family residence at St. Martin’s Plantation by Rev. A.T. Ellsberry, Rev. R.C. Kennedy and Rev. W.R. Carothers. Many sorrowing relatives and friends were in attendance as his remains were taken to the beautiful family lot at Lower Peach Tree, where his distinguished ancestors have rested beneath the stately trees for six generations.
There is no citizen of Wilcox County that will be more sorely missed that the chivalrous, generous, unselfish gentleman, “Joe Robins.” His loyalty and unselfish spirit had won for him many friends in all walks of life.

92 YEARS AGO
NOV. 6, 1930

Greenville Wins From Camden 18-6: The reserves from the Butler County High School at Greenville won from the hard-fighting Camdenites last Friday by a score of 18-6. The boys claim that a number of the first-string players were used against them every time they threatened a score. With over 50 players in uniform, Buther High has a wealth of football material and produces strong teams. It speaks well for the Camden boys to be able to make as good a showing as they did against the Greenville boys.

Beatrice Last Football Game: On next Friday, the Camden team journeys down to Beatrice to meet the Beatrice players in the last game on the locals’ schedule. Last year Camden won its only game from Beatrice, 20-0. This year, the Beatrice team is pointing for the Camden team. They claim that they are going to upset the hope by licking Camden this year. Comparative scores gives Camden the edge. Beatrice played Pine Apple a tie game at 0-0 while Camden won from Pine Apple 20-0. Camden should win by about the same score from Beatrice unless overconfidence on the part of the team causes an upset as overconfidence often does.

Boy Scouts, Troop 26: Meeting, Oct. 31. We had the Scout oath, then practiced the Scout drill. The Senior Patrol presented prizes to the two patrols. We went down to the golf course and played a game. We then thanked Mrs. Hicks. We were dismissed by Malcolm Stuart. We scouts then celebrated Halloween. We adjourned to meet Nov. 7, 1930. – Edward Morris, Scribe.

101 YEARS AGO
NOV. 3, 1921

DEATH OF MISS KATE RATCLIFF: Miss Kate Ratcliff, died last Friday morning at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James G. Cobb, aged 88 years. The deceased was born in Canton Bend at the Ratcliff homestead and had lived there as a county pioneer almost all of her life. Her brothers were Daniel and John Ratcliff, and her sisters were Mary Ann and Addie, and a Mrs. McLean. The family came from South Carolina and located at Canton, then the Wilcox County Seat, before its removal to Camden. Her brothers were Confederate soldiers, and one of them, John, died from the effects of a bullet received in the Civil War. The burial was at the McLean & Ratcliff Cemetery at Canton Bend.

Camden and Coy played football Friday evening at Camden. Camden won the game.

Tom Neville, the son of Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Neville, had the misfortune to lose some of his front teeth, while playing football.

We regret to note that Victor Sanders, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Sanders, had the misfortune of breaking his arm while playing football.

A number of Camden people were in Selma Friday evening to attend the play, “The Bat,” at the Academy of Music.

Miss Mary Alma Stanford, Wilcox County Queen to the Birmingham Centennial, left Camden Monday morning via Montgomery, where she will be joined by a party of Women’s College friends.

111 YEARS AGO
NOV. 2, 1911

Dale Lodge will meet next Friday night at 7:30 o’clock. Visiting brethren are cordially invited.

Tax collector VanDeVoort and Assessor McClurkin are now at the courthouse, having finished their county rounds.

The Wilcox County High School now has an enrollment of 60 pupils. A considerable number are from points in the county. More than 100 are enrolled at the Grammar School.

The Camden Charter Chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy, are raising the necessary funds for a scholarship at the Wilcox County High School for some Confederate soldier’s child or grandchild. To aid in this worthy cause, they served elegant turkey, squirrel and oyster dinners last Tuesday and Wednesday and realized a nice large sum. The dinners were fine.

Dr. and Mrs. J. Heustis Jones are the happy parents of a fine baby boy. Many congratulations have been extended to them.

Mr. Ed Pettus of Selma is attending upon court here this week.

Mr. J.F. Harris of Rock West has joined the automobile brigade and has a fine Buick car.

Mrs. W.B. Reynolds and children and her mother, Mrs. A.L. Peak, and little Mollie Beck Jenkins attended the Fair in Selma.

The Selma fair was well attended by many of our county folks, and they all speak in the highest terms of its great success.

121 YEARS AGO
NOV. 7, 1901

There are disadvantages as well as advantages in being a railroad town. Camden felt one of the evils last week in the coming of a swide circus with its attendant bands of gamblers and thieves.

FOR SALE – Ten thousand old papers. Call at The Progressive Era office.

Circuit Court convenes on the 18^th inst.

The ladies of the Methodist Church ran a lunch counter the day of the circus and realized a nice little sum.

Col. W.F. Spurlin celebrated his 77^th birthday on last Monday. We hope he may be spared to celebrate many more.

The Knights of Pythias held a regular convention of the Lodge Monday night at which the rank of Page was conferred on Dr. Winston B. Jones.

Hon. J.N. Miller and Miss Nellie Tucker were married in Mobile on yesterday. We hope to have an extended account of the interesting event in our next issue.

Snow Hill is on something of a building boom. New livery stables, new depot buildings and Dr. J. Heustis Jones’ new office will add greatly to the looks of the growing little city.

The Nettie Quill – John Quill, Master – H.C. King, Clerk – Leaves Mobile Tuesday evening at 5 o’clock, passing Burford’s, Yellow Jacket, Ellis and Bridgeport Landings Thursday, reaching Selma Friday morning. Leaves Selma Saturday noon and pass Bridgeport, Ellis, Yellow Jacket and Burford’s Landings Saturday night, reaching Mobile Monday morning.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Nov. 1, 2022

12 YEARS AGO
NOV. 4, 2010

Evergreen weather reporter Harry Ellis reported .08 inches of rain on Oct. 25, a trace of rain on Oct. 26 and .56 inches on Oct. 28. He also reported a high temperature of 88 degrees on Oct. 27 and a low of 42 on Oct. 29. Total rainfall for the month of October was 1.60 inches.

Conecuh County voters turned out in force Tuesday as 5,393 votes were cast in the 2010 general election.
The people of Conecuh County elected Sheriff Edwin Booker to another term of office. Booker garnered 3,481 votes, a 61.12 percent of the vote. Republican John Pate received 28.38 percent of the vote with 1,494 votes and write-in candidate Larry Wayne Davis received 290 votes or 5.51 percent of the vote.

The Conecuh County Board of Education said farewell to three board members during what was their last official board meeting last week in Evergreen.
During a meeting last Thursday afternoon at the Conecuh County Resource Center in Evergreen, the board presented plaques of appreciation to board members Jean Harter, Mary Moncrease and David Thomas.
The three board members represented 42 years of combined service to the board.

Evergreen Mayor Pete Wolff signed a proclamation Tuesday morning at city hall that makes the month of November National Hospice-Palliative Care Month in the City of Evergreen.

27 YEARS AGO
NOV. 2, 1995

Weather reporter Harry Ellis reported .40 inches of rain in Evergreen on Oct. 27. He reported a high of 83 on Oct. 27 and a lows of 44 degrees on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29.

Heather Watson, 1995 Conecuh County’s Junior Miss, gave the program at the Evergreen Rotary Club meeting last Thursday.

Cindy Sims was named Miss Homecoming 1995 at Hillcrest High School’s Homecoming Festivities last Friday night. She is the daughter of Lomax and Elaine Sims.”

Lucy Warren receives award: Lucy Warren of Evergreen was honored during the Alabama Historical Commission’s annual historical preservation conference on Oct. 28. Held at the state capitol, the conference focused on ways to speak out for preservation.
Warren was honored (with a Distinguished Service Award) for her involvement in Conecuh County’s preservation. ‘Lucy Warren is the epitome of a rural Alabama preservationist,” said Ellen Mertins of the Alabama Historical Commission. ‘She is generous with her time and enthusiasm and absolutely tireless in her efforts to see that the history of her county is recorded and preserved for future generations."

42 YEARS AGO
NOV. 6, 1980

Evergreen weather reporter Earl Windham reported 3.02 inches of rain on Oct. 28 and .86 inches on Oct. 29. He reported a high of 85 on Oct. 28 and a low of 37 on Nov. 1.

Sparta Academy Headmaster Jack Miller crowns Miss Homecoming, Karen Brown, during the local private school’s annual homecoming observance Friday. Mike Raines is Karen’s escort.

Complete, unofficial results in Conecuh County reveal that all of the Democratic nominees for county offices were winners. David L. Burt Jr. won re-election to a second term as Chairman of the County Commission with 3,578 votes to Republican Ray Castleberry’s 1,807. Nina B. Gorum also earned a second term of office as she collected 1,718 votes to turn back GOP nominee Edwin Brown who had 978 votes for him.
Democrat Comer F. Bonds received 2,805 votes to defeat Republican nominee Dwight Taylor, who had 1,866, in their race for Place 4 on the County Board of Education.
W.W. (Billy Wayne) Cook, senior member of the County Commission, was unopposed for this re-election to the District 1, Place 1, post. Also unopposed were Superintendent of Education-elect Walter B. Hudson Jr. and Mike Lanier who was elected to Place 1 on the Board of Education. Billy Frank Brown, Beat 2, Charles A. Frazier, Beat 7, Cladie Townson, Beat 12, and Bill Watts, Beat 14, were also elected without opposition to the office of constable in their respective beats.

57 YEARS AGO
NOV. 4, 1965

A record budget was adopted by the Evergreen City Council at its meeting Tuesday night. Anticipated budget expenditures for the year ending Sept. 30, 1965 total $413,091, according to City Clerk Miller Sellers.

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.

Ralph Jones, who needs no introduction in Conecuh County, has been appointed solicitor of the new 35th Judicial Circuit (Conecuh-Monroe counties) of Alabama. The popular Monroeville attorney and state legislator was named to the post effective Mon., Oct. 25.
The post is no new one for Mr. Ralph as he served three terms as solicitor for our old circuit, 1935-1946. Since leaving that post, he has served one term as state senator and was in his second term as state representative from Monroe.
A graduate of the University of Alabama Law School, Mr. Ralph is well known in Evergreen and Conecuh, having practiced law for a number of years in partnership with his brother, the late and highly respected Berney E. Jones of Evergreen. While at the University, Mr. Ralph was a stellar guard for the Crimson Tide.

72 YEARS AGO
NOV. 2, 1950

William T. Wiggins, age 75, prominent merchant of Conecuh County, died at a Greenville hospital Oct. 28 after a short illness. He resided on Evergreen, Route C, in the Mt. Union community. He was a native of Butler County, but had lived in this county for many years.

From “This Week’s Wash” by R.G. Bozeman Sr. in place of Bob Bozeman – The Editor of this newspaper and writer of this column was suddenly and without his consent, promoted to chief Linotype operator this week. It is therefore, doubtful if he will have the time or inclination to make his usually splendid contribution in this space. With this in mind, and keenly aware that in no sense of the word can I measure up to the fine standard he has set, I am attempting to pinch-hit for him.
If this issue of The Courant fails to measure up to your expectations, please accept our apologies. It has been published under severe difficulties. Bob has played around with the Linotype for several years, but this week is the first time he has ever had the full job of setting all of the type for an issue. He has done a marvelous job though for a beginner, and the publisher has about decided to leave him there permanently. (And that is just a pipe dream, boss.) I think it would be much easier to hire an Editor than it would be an operator.
Speaking of Linotype operators, it has always been a mystery why more young men didn’t learn this work. Since I have been in the newspaper business some 24 years there has never been a time when they weren’t as scarce as the proverbial hen teeth, and they draw good salaries, too. After all, it isn’t such a hard job, assuming that one has to work for a living, and most of us do.