Thursday, January 6, 2011

Dunn Hardware fire tops headlines a century ago in Conecuh County

It’s that time of the month again, time to take a trip down memory lane and review all of the interesting things that took place in Conecuh County 100 years ago, way back in January 1911.

In the Jan 5, 1911 edition of The Conecuh Record newspaper, publisher and editor J.C. Whitcomb reported that “a cold wave struck Evergreen Monday night after a heavy rain and sleet storm all day Monday. Wednesday morning, the thermometer registered 12 degrees above zero, the coldest weather experienced here in many years. Ice formed an inch thick and many water pipes were frozen, which made business for the plumbers.”

Readers that week also learned that “all of the merchants of Evergreen report an increased trade during the year, and the outlook for 1911 is very encouraging for a big year in the commercial world.”

Subscribers also heard that week that “Montgomery is making big preparations for the inauguration of Governor-elect O’Neal which will occur on the 16th, inst. The L&N will have tickets on sale at reduced prices.”

Whitcomb also reported that week that “all trains on the L&N were delayed for several hours on Tuesday, owing to a washout above Fort Deposit. The washout was discovered in time to avoid a wreck.”

Readers that week also learned that “Capt. J.C. Cheney and family left here last week for Montgomery, where the captain will be associated with Mr. Kolb, Secretary of Agriculture. Evergreen lost a good citizen when the captain left it.

“W.H. Moorer has been appointed mayor of Evergreen to fill the unexpired term of Capt. Cheney, and E.J. McCreary was appointed councilman.”

In the Jan. 12, 1911 edition of the paper, Whitcomb reported that “Boys Corn Clubs are being organized all over the state, and we hope that the Conecuh County boys will come to the front and organize one of the largest clubs in the state.”

Readers that week also learned that “a number of Evergreenites contemplate going to Montgomery next Monday to attend the inauguration of Governor-elect O’Neal.”

Subscribers also saw that week that the “Rev. W.B. Crumpton filled the pulpit at the Baptist Church Sunday last.”

Whitcomb also reported that “Messrs. W.C. Crumpton and E.C. Page left Monday for Montgomery, where they will enter upon their duties as Senator and Representative.”

Readers also read that week that “Mr. D.G. Rutland died Wednesday night at 11 o’clock at his home east of Evergreen. One week ago, he was stricken with paralysis and at no time during the week did he regain consciousness. Although everything was done for him that was possible, it was to no avail. Mr. Rutland had long been a resident of Evergreen and was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends, and his demise is greatly regretted.”

In the Jan. 19, 1911 edition of The Record, it was reported that “A.F. Davis has sold out his grocery business and opened a restaurant in the old First National Bank building, where he is serving first class meals.”

Readers that week also learned that “the banks and post office were closed Thursday in observance of General Lee’s birthday.”

That week’s paper also included the following advertisement.

“Having purchased the dyeing, cleaning and pressing business from McNutt and Wallis, I am prepared to serve the public in this line and solicit the patronage of everybody. T.A. Gantt.”

Subscribers also saw that week that “Messrs. Thornton of Montgomery have purchased P.C. Walker’s residence and will engage in the grocery business in Evergreen.”

Whitcomb also reported that week that “F.M. Deer of Herbert, Ala. was the lucky man who received the Majestic range (stove) which the Dunn Hardware Co. gave away as a premium. The Majestic range has no equal on earth.”

Readers that week also learned that “W.W. Pridgen is in St. Louis buying more mules and horses for the stable of Lee & Pridgen.

“W.B. Ivey has returned from St. Louis with two more car loads of horses and mules.”

The Jan. 26, 1911 edition of The Record was full of bad news, most of it centered on a fire that destroyed a local business.

“Fire: Last Thursday, the garage and warehouse of the Dunn Hardware Co. was totally destroyed by fire. At about six o’clock, an explosion of oil occurred and in less time than it takes to tell it, the whole building was a mass of flames. Several of the employees had narrow escapes in getting out of the building.

“For an hour, a number of gasoline drums continued to explode, making a spectacular sight as the fluid went into the air. Jas. F. Jones building adjoining was almost totally destroyed. Several other buildings were threatened with destruction but fortunately escaped.

“Dunn lost his automobile as did Dr. Betts. The loss falls heavy upon the Dunn Hardware Co. as they carried no insurance on the building or stock. Mr. Dunn informs us that they will rebuild at once on a larger scale than before, and that they are in no way crippled by the loss, but will be able to supply the trade with their usual promptness.”

The fire was so serious that it prompted the Evergreen city council to take immediate action, which readers learned about when Whitcomb reported that “the city council has issued an ordinance prohibiting the keeping of more than 10 gallons of gasoline in one place of business within the city limits.”

Whitcomb also issued the following editorial that week regarding the fire.

“The fire last Thursday night demonstrated the fact that we need an organized fire department and a water supply that can be depended upon when most needed. The boys were handicapped in fighting the Dunn fire by broken hose, lack of proper tools and water. We hope before we have another fire, we will be in better shape to handle it.”

In unrelated news that week, readers learned that “Jas. Andrews, residing at Skinnerton, was killed at Flomaton by a train last Saturday morning. The body was literally ground to pieces. The remains were shipped to Skinnerton for interment.”

Whitcomb also reported that week that “Last Thursday, Sheriff Hines and two revenue officers raided two illicit stills near Belleville. The man who operated the stills was arrested and taken to Brewton. A small quantity of liquor was found.”

Readers also learned that week that “W.W. Pridgen was kicked in the head by a mule a few days since, but fortunately was not seriously injured.”

Next month, I plan to take a look at the events of February 2011 in Conecuh County. Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s past yourself, take advantage of the Evergreen-Conecuh County Public Library’s excellent selection of old newspapers on microfilm and other resources. The library’s friendly and courteous staff will be more than happy to get you started.

No comments:

Post a Comment