Historic marker memorializes the late 'Brown' Hawkins

I got to visit a place a few days ago that I’ve been curious about for several years, an historic marker in Conecuh County that’s a little off the beaten path.

It all began when Bessie Rudolph invited me over to her house to photograph some large bananas that her and her husband, Fletcher, had managed to grow in their front yard. The trip took me down the Brown Hawkins Road and into the Lime Hill community, which is just west of Evergreen’s Middleton Airfield. Travelers along U.S. Highway 84 between Evergreen and Monroeville will have noticed an “Historic Marker” sign where Highway 84 and the Brown Hawkins Road intersects. An arrow points the way from 84 to the actual historic marker, which is about a mile down on the Brown Hawkins Road.

Not being visible from Highway 84, I’ve often wondered about what this marker had to say but had just never taken the time to see it in person. My trip to the Rudolph’s house gave me just the excuse I needed, and, after taking a picture of their bananas, I stopped to read the marker on my way back to the office.

Here’s what the marker has to say:

“REVERED HILLARY JAMES HAWKINS, D.D. 1905-1995: Doctor Revered Hillary James Hawkins, who was affectionately known throughout the community as “Brown,” dedicated most of his adult life to providing spiritual guidance to blacks in Evergreen and surrounding communities.

“In 1945, Dr. Hawkins bought a 120-acre farm and started constructing a house for his wife, the former Mamie Calhoun and their eight children. A successful farmer, Dr. Hawkins produced Conecuh County’s first bale of cotton in 1953. In 1959, he was recognized by Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) for his progressive methods in church management and community organization. In 1964, he received his Doctor of Divinity degree from the Inter-Baptist Theological Center in Houston, Texas.

“From 1921 to 1988, Dr. Hawkins served as minister of ten churches in Evergreen and surrounding communities, often serving two churches simultaneously. For 37 years, he served as Dean of Christian Education for the Evergreen District Missionary and Educational Association. In 1971, he was elected president of the Southern Region of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. He also served as director of the Negro Division of the United Fund Drive in Conecuh County. In cooperation with the county extension agent, he helped area black farmers implement advancements in agriculture and achieve homeownership.

“As a tribute to his outstanding service to the community, the Brown Hawkins Road was named in his honor.

“On March 20, 2003, the Alabama Historical Commission added the Rev. Dr. Hillary James Hawkins House to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.”

In the end, I enjoyed finally getting the chance to see this historic marker first hand. I regret that I never got to meet Hawkins for he was apparently a one of a kind. How many of you have seen this marker first hand? How many of you remember Hawkins? Let us know in the comments section below.

Just how many historical markers are there in Monroe, Conecuh counties?

A new historical marker was erected earlier this week on County Road 5, between the Burnt Corn and Bermuda communities. The Alabama Historical Association marker was erected on Mon., Jan. 7, and highlights the area's history, especially in regard to the Creek Indian War of 1813-1814.

The entire text of the new sign reads as follows:

“BURNT CORN SPRING: The historical Burnt Corn Spring is located near this point on the Old Federal Road – the spring poured into the west branch of the creek that took its name. James Cornells had a residence at the spring before 1813. In the summer of 1813, a war party of 280 Creek Indians burned Cornells’ residence and corncribs while in route to obtain guns and ammunition from the Spanish governor in Pensacola. Some 20 miles from here, a part of one-third of the warriors returning from Pensacola encountered Col. James Caller and 180 Mississippi militiamen who were intent on intercepting them. Caller and his men camped at this site on July 26th, before turning south on the Wolf Trail to engage the Indians in a skirmish at a ford on Burnt Corn Creek. What had begun as a Creek civil war spilled over into this Battle of Burnt Corn Creek, the opening of hostilities between the warring Creeks and white settlers in the area. With the massacre at Mims’ stockade the next month – August 30, 1813 – the Creek Indian War of 1813-1814 was underway. A U.S. post office was established at this spring in October 1817, about the time Mississippi became a State and Alabama a Territory.”

If you’d like to see the new marker for yourself, it’s located about 2-1/2 miles north of Bermuda on County Road 5, which is the border between Monroe and Conecuh counties. As you travel north out of Bermuda, the marker is on the left (west) side of the road, which is the Monroe County side of the highway.

This new marker is just one of many in Monroe and Conecuh counties, and I’ve often wondered just how many historic markers are in both counties. Does anyone know if a complete list has ever been put together? Do you have a copy of it you could share with us here, in the comments section below?

I'm sure there are others, but here’s a short list of the few that I know of, just off the top of my head:

Monroe County:

1. Burnt Corn Spring
2. Claiborne
3. Fort Claiborne
4. Lucas Raiders (in front of Monroe County Library)
5. Monroe County, Alabama (on the courthouse square)
6. Masonic Lodge No. 3 (at Perdue Hill)
7. Old Federal Road maker (Burnt Corn)
8. Old Federal Road – Coley Chapel
9. Old Federal Road – Duncan MacMillan Stage Stop (north of Repton)
10. Old Monroe County Courthouse
11. Perdue Hill Industrial School
12. Truman Capote (Monroeville)

Conecuh County:
1. Alabama Baptist Children’s Home Site (Evergreen)
2. Ernest Stanley Crawford, M.D. (Downtown Evergreen)
3. Evergreen, Alabama (at Old Depot)
4. Evergreen Baptist Church
5. James Salter Monument (Pine Orchard)
6. Old Federal Road – Fort Warren Site (Pine Orchard)
7. Old Federal Road – Jeremiah Austill (Bermuda)
8. Old Federal Road – John Peobles Toll Bridge
9. Rev. Hillary James Hawkins, D.D. (Lime Hill)

I’m sure there are others out there, but where are they located? What are they called and what's the best way to get there? Can you think of any places in either county where there should be a marker, but isn’t? Let us know in the comments section below.

How many historical markers are there in Conecuh County?

Many of you may have seen on the top of last week’s front page that a new historical marker was recently erected on County Road 5, between the Burnt Corn and Bermuda communities. This Alabama Historical Association marker was erected Monday of last week and highlights the area’s history, especially in regard to the Creek Indian War of 1813-1814.

Since the wording on the sign pictured in last week’s paper was probably too small for most people to read, I’ve copied it below for those of you curious about what the sign actually says. The entire text of the new sign reads as follows:

“BURNT CORN SPRING: The historical Burnt Corn Spring is located near this point on the Old Federal Road – the spring poured into the west branch of the creek that took its name. James Cornells had a residence at the spring before 1813. In the summer of 1813, a war party of 280 Creek Indians burned Cornells’ residence and corncribs while in route to obtain guns and ammunition from the Spanish governor in Pensacola. Some 20 miles from here, a part of one-third of the warriors returning from Pensacola encountered Col. James Caller and 180 Mississippi militiamen who were intent on intercepting them. Caller and his men camped at this site on July 26th, before turning south on the Wolf Trail to engage the Indians in a skirmish at a ford on Burnt Corn Creek. What had begun as a Creek civil war spilled over into this Battle of Burnt Corn Creek, the opening of hostilities between the warring Creeks and white settlers in the area. With the massacre at Mims’ stockade the next month – August 30, 1813 – the Creek Indian War of 1813-1814 was underway. A U.S. post office was established at this spring in October 1817, about the time Mississippi became a State and Alabama a Territory.”

If you’ve got the time, I’d encourage you to ride out and see the sign for yourself. It’s located about 2-1/2 miles north of Bermuda on County Road 5, which is the border between Monroe and Conecuh counties. As you travel north out of Bermuda, the marker is on the left (west) side of the road, which is the Monroe County side of the highway. While it’s true that this marker is technically in Monroe County, it’s just a few feet from Conecuh County and its subject matter has just as much to do with Conecuh County as it does Monroe County.

This new marker is just one of many in our area, and others include the marker at the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home Site on Main Street in Evergreen, the Ernest Stanley Crawford, M.D. marker on Front Street in downtown Evergreen, the “Emerald City” marker in front of the Old Depot in downtown Evergreen, the marker in front of the Evergreen Baptist Church on Park Street in Evergreen and the Rev. Hillary James Hawkins, D.D. marker on County Road 97 at Lime Hill. Others include the James Salter Monument at Pine Orchard and a number of Old Federal Road markers at Pine Orchard, Bermuda and at the John Peobles Toll Bridge.

According to Sherry Johnston, historian and archivist at the Evergreen-Conecuh County Public Library, other markers in the county include the Anderson Stallworth Family marker in Nichburg. She said there was also a marker about Richard Thomas Baggett on County Road 23. That marker has “disappeared,” Johnston said. She said there are also plans to erect a marker at the John Green Cemetery at Burnt Corn in the near future.

More than likely, there are a few more historical markers out there in the county that aren’t mentioned above. If you know of any, please let me know by calling The Courant at 578-1492 or by e-mailing me at courantsports@earthlink.net. You can also reach me by writing The Evergreen Courant, ATTN: Lee Peacock, P.O. Box 440, Evergreen, AL 36401.

BUCKET LIST UPDATE No. 182: Photograph 100 historical markers

The 'Lucas' Raiders' historical marker in Monroeville, Ala.

A couple of years ago, I started photographing and writing about historical markers as I encountered them on my wanderings in and around Alabama and elsewhere. Not only did these markers provide great material for my blog, but the experience was also very educational. About a year ago, I added “Photograph 100 historical markers” to my official “bucket list,” and during the past week, I finally featured the 100th marker on my blog.

What follows is an alphabetized list of the markers I’ve photographed so far. Most of them are from Alabama, but a few are from as far away as Florida, Arizona and Pennsylvania. How many have you seen in person?

1. Alabama Baptist Children’s Home Site (Evergreen, Ala.)
2. Alger Railroad/Century, Florida (Century, Fla.)
3. Anderson Stage Stop (Monroe County, Ala.)
4. Andrews Chapel (McIntosh, Ala.)
5. Atmore, Alabama/Williams Station, Alabama (Atmore, Ala.)
6. Bartram’s Trail (Stockton, Ala.)
7. Buena Vista (Buena Vista, Ala.)
8. Burnt Corn Male Academy (Burnt Corn, Ala.)
9. Burnt Corn Park Cistern (Brewton, Ala.)
10. Burnt Corn Spring (Burnt Corn, Ala.)
11. Butler County (Greenville, Ala.)
12. Camden (Camden, Ala.)
13. Camden Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (Camden, Ala.)
14. Camden Veterans Monument (Camden, Ala.)
15. Canoe Station (Escambia County, Ala.)
16. Carrollton Short Line Railroad (Carrollton, Ala.)
17. Clarke-Washington Electric Membership Corporation (Coffeeville, Ala.)
18. City of Evergreen (Evergreen, Ala.)
19. City of Georgiana & GA~ANA Theatre (Georgiana, Ala.)
20. City of Montgomery v. Rosa Parks/Elijah Cook (Montgomery, Ala.)
21. Claiborne (Claiborne, Ala.)
22. Confederate Park/Greenville City Hall/Site of Public School (Greenville, Ala.)
23. Downtown Pine Apple (Pine Apple, Ala.)
24. Dr. Watkins House (Burnt Corn, Ala.)
25. Edmund Winston Pettus House Site (Selma, Ala.)
26. Elkmont, Alabama/Tennessee & Alabama Central Railroad (Limestone County, Ala.)
27. Ellicott’s Stone (Mobile County, Ala.)
28. Ernest Stanley Crawford, MD (Evergreen, Ala.)
29. Evergreen Baptist Church (Evergreen, Ala.)
30. First Presbyterian Church of Camden (Camden, Ala.)
31. First Professional Football Game (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
32. First School in Conecuh County (Burnt Corn, Ala.)
33. First United Methodist Church of Elba (Elba, Ala.)
34. Flomaton, Alabama (Flomaton, Ala.)
35. Fort Bibb/The Butler Massacre (Butler County, Ala.)
36. Fort Claiborne (Claiborne, Ala.)
37. Fort Gaines (Dauphin Island, Ala.)
38. Fort Mims and the Creek Indian War, 1813-14 (Fort Mims, Ala.)
39. The Founding of Dothan, Alabama (Dothan, Ala.)
40. Frisco City Park (Frisco City, Ala.)
41. Fulton, Alabama (Clarke County, Ala.)
42. Gaineswood (Demopolis, Ala.)
43. Greenville (Greenville, Ala.)
44. Hank Williams Boyhood Home & Thigpen’s Log Cabin (Georgiana, Ala.)
45. Hayneville (Hayneville, Ala.)
46. Highlights of Selma History (Selma, Ala.)
47. Historic Courthouse Square (Elba, Ala.)
48. Historic Greenville Depot/West Commerce Street Historic District (Greenville, Ala.)
49. Historic and Beautiful Repton (Repton, Ala.)
50. Historic Stockton/Old School Yard (Stockton, Ala.)
51. History of Linden, Ala. (Linden, Ala.)
52. Indian Springs Baptist Church (Monroe County, Ala.)
53. John Green Cemetery Conecuh County (Burnt Corn, Ala.)
54. Joseph T. Smitherman Historic Building (Selma, Ala.)
55. Kimbell-James Massacre (Clarke County, Ala.)
56. Lake Jackson (Florala, Ala.)
57. The Little Round House (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
58. Longmire Stagecoach Stop & First Post Office in Conecuh County (Burnt Corn, Ala.)
59. Lt. Joseph Morgan Wilcox (Camden, Ala.)
60. Lucas’ Raiders (Monroeville, Ala.)
61. Masonic Lodge No. 3 (Perdue Hill, Ala.)
62. Midway (Midway, Ala.)
63. Monroe County (Monroeville, Ala.)
64. Monroeville, Alabama (Monroeville, Ala.)
65. Montezuma (River Falls, Ala.)
66. Montgomery City Hall/Funeral of Hank Williams (Montgomery, Ala.)
67. Moore Academy (Pine Apple, Ala.)
68. The Mound Line/The Mound Line 2 (Stockton, Ala.)
69. Moundville (Hale County, Ala.)
70. Mt. Vernon Arsenal and Barracks/Searcy Hospital (Mt. Vernon, Ala.)
71. Mt. Vernon Federal Highway (Mt. Vernon, Ala.)
72. Old Mobile (Mobile County, Ala.)
73. Old Monroe County Courthouse (Monroeville, Ala.)
74. Old Oakwood Cemetery (Montgomery, Ala.)
75. Perdue Hill Industrial School (Perdue Hill, Ala.)
76. Peterman, Alabama (Peterman, Ala.)
77. Pickens County Courthouse (Carrollton, Ala.)
78. Pine Apple Historic District (Pine Apple, Ala.)
79. Red Level (Red Level, Ala.)
80. Rev. Hillary James Hawkins (Fairview, Ala.)
81. River Falls Power Company/The Horse Shoe Lumber Co. (River Falls, Ala.)
82. The Selma Movement (Selma, Ala.)
83. Site of Pollard (Escambia County, Ala.)
84. The Sleeping Prophet (Selma, Ala.)
85. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Selma, Ala.)
86. St. Stephens Lodge No. 81 (St. Stephens, Ala.)
87. The Taylor House (Leroy, Ala.)
88. Three Rivers Stadium (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
89. Town of Hayneville (Hayneville, Ala.)
90. Town of McIntosh/Frank Everette Rose Garden (McIntosh, Ala.)
91. Town of Oak Hill (Oak Hill, Ala.)
92. Town of Sanford (Covington County, Ala.)
93. Truman Capote (Monroeville, Ala.)
94. U.S. Post Office Paul, Alabama (Paul, Ala.)
95. VII IN. Brooke Rifle #S-5 (Selma, Ala.)
96. Water Avenue (Selma, Ala.)
97. Wiggins Cemetery (Mexia, Ala.)
98. Wilcox Female Institute (Camden, Ala.)
99. William B. Travis House (Perdue Hill, Ala.)
100. Williams, Arizona (Williams, Az.)

In the end, do you know of any historical markers that aren’t on the list above. Where are they located? What's the best way to get there? Let us know in the comments section below.

'John Green Cemetery' marker tells of early Conecuh County leader

This week’s featured historical marker is the “JOHN GREEN CEMETERY” marker that was erected on June 29 by members of the John Green Cemetery Preservation Association.

As the name of this marker implies, it is located at the John Green Cemetery in Burnt Corn, Ala. Burnt Corn lies in both Conecuh and Monroe counties, but this cemetery is located well within Conecuh County, about 16 miles northeast of Evergreen.

The marker has text on both sides, but both sides are identical. What follows is the complete text from the marker.

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“JOHN GREEN CEMETERY, CONECUH COUNTY: War of 1812 veteran John Green (1790-1882) settled in Burnt Corn in 1816. He held many public offices, established the first school, and represented Conecuh County in the state legislature in 1824 and 1829. He was the Conecuh delegate to the 1861 (Secession) Convention of the People of Alabama and the 1875 Constitutional Convention. ‘He is allowed to be, even by those who oppose his sentiments, a man of unimpeachable character, a worthy citizen, and a kind obliging neighbor’ (The Southern Evangelist, 1835). ‘It may be truly said that he had but few if any enemies, and no man who ever lived, so far as he was known, had more friends’ (Mobile Register, 1882). LISTED IN THE ALABAMA HISTORIC CEMETERY REGISTER IN 2010, MARKER ERECTED IN 2013 BY THE JOHN GREEN CEMETERY PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION.”

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Green, who was born in South Carolina in March 1790 and died at the age of 92 in Conecuh County in July 1882, served in the First Regiment of the Georgia Volunteers during the War of 1812. During his life, he worked as an attorney, a farmer and educator. He also served as a state legislator as indicated on the marker.

The John Green Cemetery, which has recently undergone restoration due to damage from Hurricane Ivan and logging operations, is located off of Conecuh County Road 15, about one mile from that highway’s intersection with County Road 5. The cemetery contains about 20 graves, and the oldest grave in the cemetery dates back to Oct. 17, 1817. The cemetery also contains the graves of Civil War service members.

The new marker in honor of John Green is just one of many historical markers in Conecuh County. Others include the marker at the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home site on Main Street in Evergreen, the Ernest Stanley Crawford, M.D. marker on Front Street in downtown Evergreen, the “Emerald City” marker in front of the Old Depot in downtown Evergreen, the marker in front of the Evergreen Baptist Church on Park Street in Evergreen and the Rev. Hillary James Hawkins, D.D. marker on County Road 97 at Lime Hill. Others include the Anderson Stallworth Family marker at Nichburg, the James Salter Monument at Pine Orchard and a number of Old Federal Road markers at Pine Orchard, Bermuda and at the John Peobles Toll Bridge.

In the end, visit this site next Wednesday to learn about another historical marker. I’m also taking suggestions from the reading audience, so if you know of an interesting historical marker that you’d like me to feature, let me know in the comments section below.

News Flashback from The Evergreen Courant for Oct. 8, 2012

TWO YEARS AGO
OCT. 14, 2010

“Over 500 people attended Flat Rock Day on Sat., Oct. 2, 2010. Cheryl Stockdale was crowned Ms. Flat Rock and Peggy Gibson was the winner of the quilt raffle. The annual fundraiser hosted by the Flat Rock Volunteer Fire Department was a huge success and members of the fire department would like to thank everyone that visited and participated in the event.”

“One of Conecuh County’s biggest annual events is just around the corner, and organizers plan to make this year’s event even bigger and better.
“The 20th Annual South East Regional Fly-In (SERFI), which brings aviation enthusiasts from around the country to Evergreen, will kick off on Fri., Oct. 22 at Middleton Field in Evergreen.”

“Studio 507 was open during the Sausage Festival Saturday to feature the artwork of several local citizens from this area. The magnificent artwork can be purchased from the artists and many citizens were encouraging the artists to keep the studio open through the holidays. Artists present at the show were Victor Howell with up and coming artist Erica Howell, Harriet Hyde, Jim Jackson, Connie Kilpatrick, Betty Rigsby and Sharon Sellers Owens.”

“The City of Evergreen recently posted Young Lungs at Play signs at the Evergreen Municipal Park to enhance their tobacco free policy. These signs have been made possible by a federal grant through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

17 YEARS AGO
OCT. 12, 1995

“Conecuh County suffers severe damage from Opal: Last Wednesday night Conecuh County was invaded. Not by a foreign power but by an act of God that destroyed what had taken hundreds of years to build.
“Torrential rains and high winds from Hurricane Opal ripped through Conecuh and South Alabama leaving a path of destruction not seen since 1979 when Hurricane Frederick took its toll.
“Opal made landfall late Wednesday afternoon and hit Conecuh County several hours later. Winds in the Brooklyn and Paul area are believed to have been up to 100 miles per hour.
“The preliminary assessment by FEMA had Conecuh County with over two million dollars in damage.”

“Rev. Doctor Hillary James Hawkins, who provided spiritual leadership and guidance to the community for 54 years, died Sat., Oct. 7, 1995 at the age of 90 after a lengthy illness.”

“The 15th Annual Conecuh Heritage Day Festival will be held Sat., Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Evergreen.
“Christian Country Music Recording Artist Jimmy Whitt and his 15-year-old daughter, Jamie, will headline the entertainment for the day.”

“Weatherman Harry Ellis reports… total rainfall for the month of September 1995 was 2.44 inches.”

“REWARD: LOST in Taliaferro-Finch Street Area. REAL fat black cat with white underside and toes. Wearing flea collar. Answers to Missy or Miss Kitty.”

32 YEARS AGO
OCT. 9, 1980

“There’s a new mayor in town. Conecuh County Judge of Probate Frank T. Salter administered the oath of office to Evergreen Mayor Lee Smith on Monday morning at City Hall. Smith scored what many still consider a surprising win when he won the city’s top governmental post without a runoff in the July 8 election.”

“City Councilmen Aubrey D. Padgett and Lomax Cassady won second terms of office without opposition and are ‘sworn in’ for the 1980-84 term along with new councilmen Oliver Pugh and John E. Smith by Judge of Probate Frank T. Salter. Another new councilman, Bob Gallion, was out of town on business and could not be present for the ceremony. Mayor Lee Smith states that he will be sure that the TG&Y Manager-Councilman Gallion is sworn in as soon as possible.”

“Weatherman Earl Windham ‘cooled it’ last week and the lower temperatures were welcomed by just about everyone. He reports 1.51 inches of rain on Sept. 29 and .42 on Sept. 30.”

“One of these young ladies will reign as Miss Homecoming at Conecuh County High School during festivities Friday. The winner will be crowned and Miss Football will be recognized during pre-game festivities that begin at 7:30 Friday night at M.C. Thomasson Stadium. The candidates are Phyllis Richardson, Denese Wiley, Cindy Majercik, Denise Godwin, Shelia Sanders, Sharon Baker, Robin Gibson and Marsha Booker.”

47 YEARS AGO
OCT. 14, 1965

“BOYKIN IN VIETNAM: Pvt. Melvin E. Boykins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mose Boykins, Rt. 2, Evergreen, was assigned Sept. 11 to the U.S. Army, Vietnam.
“Boykins entered the Army in March 1965, and received basic training at Fort Gordon, Ga. He was last stationed at Fort Benning, Ga.
“The 19-year-old soldier graduated from Conecuh County Training School in 1964.”

“Which one of these lovelies will it be? Participating in the Evergreen Jaycees’ Junior Miss Pageant for 1966 are the following young ladies:
“FROM CASTLEBERRY: Miss Gayle Baggett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Otis Baggett; Miss Wanda Benefield, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Benefield.
“FROM EVERGREEN: Miss Ann Campbell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M.B. Campbell; Miss Sue Griffin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey B. Griffin.
“FROM LYEFFION: Miss Jenae Kendrick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Kendrick; Miss Shelia Salter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N.D. Salter; Miss Susan Downing, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Downing.
“FROM REPTON: Miss Lorraine Jordan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Jordan; Miss Icie Ryland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Ryland; Miss Elizabeth Lowery, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Lowery; Miss Sharon Mixon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hillary Mixon Sr.”

62 YEARS AGO
OCT. 12, 1950

“Mr. and Mrs. Tal Stuart attended the Alabama-Vanderbilt game in Mobile Saturday and went from there to Biloxi, Miss. where they attended the Alabama Automobile Dealer’s Association convention.”

“A United Nations flag made by Home Demonstration Clubwomen of this county under the direction of Miss Emelyn Reddoch, County Home Agent, is on display in the window of I. Long & Sons department store. The flag is one of many being made by county clubwomen to be presented to the schools of the county.
“The flags will be given to the schools during United Nations Flag Week, Oct. 16-24. Local people are urged to stop by Longs and look at this flag, symbolic of world peace through cooperation among all nations.”

“At a meeting of the steering committee Monday afternoon the Evergreen Jaycees set the date for staging their big Christmas Carnival and parade on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 25. The parade and carnival will officially open the Christmas Trade Season in Evergreen and Conecuh County.”

“Local Labor Sent To Help With Sugar Crop: Something like 54 men and boys left here Tuesday via buses for New Orleans where they go to help with harvesting the Louisiana sugar crop, according to Arthur Arnold of the local U.S. Employment office. Mr. Arnold states that there is still demand for laborers in the sugar section and anyone interested in securing employment there for the next several weeks should make application at the employment office.”

New historical marker tells of how Paul, Alabama got its Biblical name

Old U.S. Post Office at Paul, Alabama

This week’s featured historical marker is the “UNITED STATES POST OFFICE PAUL, ALABAMA” marker in Conecuh County, Ala. The marker is located in front of the old post office building in the Paul community on Bucket Branch Road, just off Conecuh County Road 8.

This Alabama Historical Commission marker was erected at some point in the past few months. There’s text on both sides of this marker, but both sides are the same. What follows is the complete text from the marker.

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“UNITED STATES POST OFFICE PAUL, ALABAMA, Conecuh County: Immigrants from South Carolina settled in this area of Conecuh County in the 1870s. As the local population increased, residents needed a local post office. David Robinson submitted a petition to the U.S. Postal Service requesting a post office with a Biblical name. The postal service approved the request in 1907 and named the post office, Paul. The post office opened in 1908 and David Robinson served as the first postmaster. His son, Erastus (Raz) O. Robinson, became the next postmaster in 1920. Raz would sit in his special wooden chair on the post office porch and listen to the locals share news and swap stories. Raz’s wife, Linnie Jane, managed the post office until 1970. Her niece, Lucy N. Pate, took over and operated the post office here until she opened a new location in 1975. The postal service closed the post office in 1987. The post office was the center of town activities and was a gateway to the world for many local residents. This property that was once owned by Erastus O. & Linnie Jane Robinson, A.R. & Lucy N. Pate, and Joseph E. & Julie P. Moore is listed in the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. Dedicated by Joseph Tod Moore, the great-great-nephew of Erastus O. and Linnie Jane Robinson.”

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According to the Alabama Historical Commission, there are 36 Conecuh County sites listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. They include:

-         Arkadelphia Church at Loree

-         Belleville Baptist Church

-         Betts-Nash House at Burnt Corn

-         Brooklyn Baptist Church

-         19 structures in the Brooklyn Historic District

-         Brooks-King House at Skinnerton

-         Brushy Creek United Methodist Church near Lenox

-         Burnett House in Evergreen

-         Burnt Corn Historic District

-         Carey Street Historic District in Evergreen

-         Carter Hospital in Repton

-         Castleberry Commercial District

-         Castleberry Residential District

-         Cohassett Historic District

-         Evergreen Baptist Church

-         Flat Rock Saints Church

-         Rev. Dr. Hillary James Hawkins House near Evergreen

-         Hawthorne House site at Belleville

-         Horton House and Store

-         Robert Ivey House at Loree

-         Jayvilla Commissary

-         Jayvilla Plantation site

-         Asa Johnston House at Johnstonville

-         Caleb Johnston House at Johnstonville

-         Maxwell-Johnson House in Evergreen

-         Mt. Union Community Church & Center near Evergreen

-         New Evergreen Historic District

-         Old Beulah Cemetery near Jayvilla

-         Old Evergreen Historic District

-         Paul Post Office

-         Rabb Rosenwald School

-         10 structures in the Range Historic District

-         35 structures in the Repton Historic District

-         Dr. H.S. Skinner House near Belleville

-         Sparta site near Jayvilla

-         St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Evergreen

In the end, visit this site next Wednesday to learn about another historical marker. I’m also taking suggestions from the reading audience, so if you know of an interesting historical marker that you’d like me to feature, let me know in the comments section below.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Sept. 10, 2019

SIX YEARS AGO

SEPT. 12, 2013

Evergreen weather observer Betty Ellis reported 0.2 inches of rain on Sept. 4. She also reported a high of 91 degrees on Sept. 7 and lows of 67 degrees on Sept. 6, Sept. 7 and Sept. 8.

Flat Rock Day set for Oct. 5: Officials with the Flat Rock Volunteer Fire Department announced this week that the annual Flat Rock Day festivities will be held this year on Sat., Oct. 5. Festivities are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and wrap up at 2 p.m.

The highlight of the day will be the announcement and crowning of “Miss Flat Rock.”

The Conecuh County Cultural Center, located in the Old Evergreen City School building, got a brand new American flag Tuesday afternoon courtesy of the local Woodmen of the World office. Pictured above with the new flag are CCCC representative Harriet Hyde and Woodmen Field Representative Carol Reed.

Montgomery Art Guild member and Evergreen artist Suzzanne Skipper has been selected to display a painting in the Guild’s Regions Bank Show in Montgomery. The artwork will be on display in the RSA Tower in Montgomery for two weeks beginning Sun., Sept. 15. The show will begin with a reception on Sept. 15 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. The public is invited.

31 YEARS AGO

SEPT. 8, 1988

Evergreen weather observer Harry Ellis reported 0.32 inches of rain on Sept. 2, 0.7 inches on Sept. 3 and 1.05 inches on Sept. 4. He reported a high of 87 degrees on Aug. 30 and a low of 61 on Sept. 4.

Final rites are held for Bill Salter: William Francis Salter, 71, of 119 Chapman St., Evergreen, died Tues., Aug. 30, in a Montgomery hospital after a long illness. Mr. Salter, affectionately known as Bill by family and friends, was a member of a prominent pioneer family and a lifelong resident of Evergreen.

He received his education in the schools of this city and graduated from Evergreen High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was called back to active duty during the Korean War. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service most of his adult life and rose through the ranks to become postmaster here, a position he held until his retirement some years ago.

Mrs. Brye celebrates her 105^th birthday: Mrs. Abbie Williams Brye will celebrate her 105^th birthday Sept. 9. She was born in the Johnsonville community on Sept. 9, 1883 to Frank L. and Dorothy Williams. She was married to the late Sandy Brye of Pleasant Hill community. Mrs. Brye is known to her many friends and relatives as “Aunt Sweetney” and is loved by all.

From Thurs., Aug. 18, to Sun., Aug. 21, approximately 200 descendants of Hillary Hawkins (1878-1949) gathered together in Evergreen for their first family reunion. Relatives aggregated from Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey and New York to participate in the weekend activities.

56 YEARS AGO

SEPT. 12, 1963

Court Will Open Here Monday On Heavy Docket: The Fall Term of Circuit Court will begin Monday morning at nine o’clock in the Conecuh County Courthouse. Circuit Judge A.H. Elliott will empanel the Grand Jury at that time and send them forth to begin deliberations.

The trial of civil cases will be held all next week with a heavy docket set each day. There are some 38 cases scheduled for jury trials. The trial of criminal cases will be held the week beginning Mon., Sept. 30.

Circuit Clerk Ralph Crysell said that 21 cases will be presented to the Grand Jury for action. Circuit Solicitor Robert E.L. Key and County Solicitor Henry J. Kinzer will provide information on the criminal cases for the grand jurors.

Sheriff Holds Two For Theft Of Hogs: Two Georgiana men are being held in the Conecuh County Jail on charges of grand larceny in the theft of two hogs. Sheriff James Brock said that the men are being held pending action of the grand jury. Bond was set at $1,000 each, but neither man had made it Wednesday afternoon.

Being held are Hilton Blackburn and J.T. James. They are charged with stealing two hogs from M.B. Langley near Castleberry Tuesday night, Sept. 3.

The sheriff said that the men are alleged to have sold the two hogs to Mrs. Joe Davis in Lowndes County for $21 on Wednesday of last week. One of the men was arrested Thursday and the other Friday.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller Sellers of Evergreen announce the birth of a daughter on Sept. 6, 1963 at Conecuh Hospital.

81 YEARS AGO

SEPT. 8, 1938

Evergreen City School: The City School opening exercises will be held in the auditorium Monday morning, Sept. 12, at 8:45 o’clock. After a 30-minute period of music, devotion and announcements, the children will report to their rooms for classification. Regular lessons will be assigned Monday afternoon, so that real work may begin Tuesday morning at eight o’clock.

INTERESTING NEWS REELS TO APPEAR NEXT SUNDAY: “March of Time” news reel to appear at Pix Theatre will feature two interesting subjects. “Prelude to Conquest” deals with Hitler’s possible conquest of Czecho-Slovakia, while another shows “Father Divine’s” home on the Hudson, just across from Hyde Park, President Roosevelt’s ancestral estate.

Mr. Riley Celebrates His 96^th Birthday: Miss Elizabeth Riley entertained with a surprise party Fri., Sept. 2, the occasion in compliment to her father, W.G. Riley, whose 96^th birthday was observed.

Mr. Riley has been a resident of Evergreen for 51 years, coming here from Pineville, Ala. in 1887.

All of his children were here for the happy occasion except one son, Frank Riley, it being impossible for him to be here on that day, he came a few days earlier to see his father.

James D. Moorer, widely known and highly respected citizen of this place, died at his home on Magnolia Street Friday morning from a heart attack. He was 81 years of age.

106 YEARS AGO

THE CONECUH RECORD

SEPT. 11, 1913

W.L. Stallworth, one of Evergreen’s oldest and most observant citizens, says that the past August was the driest known in this section for 69 years. This is a fact that but few of our people knew for the reason that they haven’t “been hereabouts” long enough.

The City School will open next Monday, the 15^th.

The painters are putting the finishing touches on Belleville’s handsome new school building. We are informed that the prospects are fine for the current session of school. Dr. Skinner, who is at the head of the board of trustees, is making every possible effort to build up a first class school.

In an altercation among some men about two and a half miles west of Evergreen Sunday night, John Palmer, a bystander, was accidentally shot and killed. Three men have been arrested, charged with the shooting.

In addition to her skill in deciphering illegible addresses as assistant postmistress, Miss Mary Cunningham demonstrated her ability to draw a “deadly bead” on Uncle John’s shotgun last Monday when she killed a large hawk, which had tackled a favorite old hen but found her too heavy to fly away with. Prior to this record shot, the young lady had never pulled a trigger. Now, according to a time-honored custom, the neighbors should chip in and cook Miss Mary a chicken pot pie.