THREE YEARS AGO
JUNE 18, 2009
“In what she called ‘a trip of a lifetime,’ Connie Gibson of Repton recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where she not only met President Barack Obama, but continued her efforts to keep alive the memory of her son.
“Gibson, the mother of deceased Army Sgt. Troy Jenkins, who was killed in Iraq in 2003, traveled to Washington, D.C. last month and took part in the Gold Star Families convention, an event geared toward supporting military veterans and helping families who’ve lost loved ones overseas.”
“John A. Wilson, age 99, died Sat., June 13, 2009, in Atmore. He was a native of Evergreen and a resident of Atmore since 1941. He was a member of the Local Masonic Lodge No. 779 of Huxford, a retired correctional officer for Fountain Prison and attended Presley Street Baptist Church.”
“Law enforcement officials in two states are still looking for answers in an apparent murder-suicide that ultimately resulted in two dead bodies at an interstate rest stop in Conecuh County.
“According to Conecuh County Sheriff Edwin Booker, deputies received a call Tuesday around 8 a.m. about a possible suicide at the northbound rest area off Interstate Highway 65, between Castleberry and Evergreen.
“When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered the body of 37-year-old Scottie Dean Murphy in the front seat of a 2003 Kia Rio. Upon further investigation, deputies found Jessica Murphy’s body in the vehicle’s truck, Booker said.”
18 YEARS AGO
JUNE 16, 1994
“On June 4, 1994, the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science graduated its second class of 92 students. Included among the graduates were Chiquita Renee McMillian and Shannon Denise Morgan, both of Evergreen.”
“GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – Army Spec. Jason L. Pate has completed a U.S. Army primary leadership development course here.
“The soldier is an indirect-fire infantryman at Conn Barracks, Schweinfurt, Germany.
“He is the son of John. L. and Eva S. Pate of Rural Route 1, Castleberry, Ala.
“Pate graduated in 1988 from Sparta Academy, Evergreen, Ala.”
“These Hillcrest High School juniors are attending Girls and Boys State this week in Montgomery. Pictured are John Deason, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Deason, Monica Williams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Doug Williams, and Robert Crowell, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Crowell. Josh and Robert were sponsored by the Alma Martin Post No. 50 of the American Legion and Monica was sponsored by their ladies auxiliary.”
“Alabama Power Company flew its corporate helicopter to Evergreen Thurs., June 9, for the final shots to be taken on the community video for the Economic Development Authority. Those pictured are Lloyd Goldsmith, Chariot Productions cameraman; Chris Conway, Community Development, Alabama Power Company; Rosalyn Sales, Executive Director Economic Development Authority; Spencer Cooper, Producer, Chariot Productions; ‘Shep,’ assistant to cameraman; and two pilots from Alabama Power Company.”
33 YEARS AGO
JUNE 21, 1979
“Construction is proceeding at such a rapid rate on the Evergreen-Conecuh County Public Library, corner of Cemetery and Park, that is very likely that the handsome building will be completed prior to the contracted October 1 completion date by the contractors, Southern General Contractors of Monroeville.”
From “The Colyum” by Bob Bozeman – “The family and I enjoyed last week at Pensacola Beach. After looking at The Courant that Joe Hyde, Harold Adams, Owlen Philyaw, Butch Adams and Cheryl Hudson ‘got out’ in my absence, I really wondered why I came home… then, again, on second thought, I’m glad I did come back… had I remained away another week, I’d have lost my job.”
“People cry for rains; Earl no, no’s: With the people of Conecuh County all but crying for rain, the Official Weatherman Earl Windham, gives them hot days with high humidity, and nights that are cool enough to please most folks, but, and that a big BUT, NO RAIN.
“Ole Earl had this comment to turn in with his weekly report: Well, Ole Bob, and Norman, we did not get any rain the past seven days. So, I think we had better get Norman Ross to stop saying anything about the rain… then, we might get some rain. Come, boy, do you think I am right? Tell the truth, and drop a nickel in the cup.”
48 YEARS AGO
JUNE 18, 1964
“A major fire struck the downtown business section of Evergreen for the third time in 20 years Monday night. Estimates of the damage and loss range from $200,000 to $300,000, but there has been no official calculation.
“The blaze, discovered shortly after 6:30 Monday evening, destroyed Persons Hardware & Supply Co. and damaged extensively the Bank of Evergreen building. The flames at one time also threatened the Rutland-Price building and did some damage to it.”
“Evergreen’s voters elect Sessions mayor: Henry Sessions, current mayor pro-tem swept to victory over J.H. (Hub) Robison, former mayor and councilman, in his first bid for the top office.
“Mayor Zell Murphy, who sought a council seat rather than reelection for a third term as major, went down before a surprising vote rolled up by newcomer Percy Brantley. Brantley, popular businessman, piled up 562 votes to lead the vote-getters and outdistance Mayor Murphy who had 226.”
“Rites held for Temple Millsap: This city was shocked and saddened Thurs., June 11, by the news of the unexpected death of Temple McDonald Millsap, popular and respected young businessman. He died of a heart seizure at a family cottage at Gulf Shores late Thursday afternoon.
“He was a member of the Evergreen Rotary Club, having served as secretary, a past president of the Evergreen Golf Club, member of Greening Lodge, AF&M and of the Alacazar Temple, Montgomery, and an active member, on the official board and a trustee of the First Methodist Church.”
63 YEARS AGO
JUNE 16, 1949
“The government announced today it is withdrawing from the interim loan program for cotton producers.”
“For the first time since the establishment of the State Highway Patrol, its law enforcement officers are going to wear summer uniforms.”
“J.G. Sherf of Andalusia, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of shirts, died last night in Los Angeles, Calif.
“He was visiting a daughter, Mrs. William Wilder. He had made the trip to the West Coast by private plane.
“Death was due to a heart attack.
“Mr. Scherf, who came to Alabama in 1933 with virtually nothing, was one of the state’s richest men at his death.
“He was president of the Alabama Textile Products Co., the Troy Textile Co., the Panama City Textile Co. and the Enterprise Manufacturing Co. He had about 3,000 employees.
“He was mayor of Andalusia for many years. He was 64 years of age.”
“Announcement is being made in this issue of The Courant that the Sweet Shop is now under new management. Mr. and Mrs. Moye Windham (Vonceil Pugh) assumed management of this popular eating place the first of this week and they will be glad to have their friends come to see them.”
“Temple Millsap has gone to Troy where he will attend Summer school at State Teachers College.”
