Thursday, March 3, 2011

March was a busy month 100 years 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 March 1911.

In the March 2, 1911 edition of The Conecuh Record newspaper, publisher and editor J.C. Whitcomb reported that “Mr. Hall of New Orleans is the new superintendent at the orphans’ home.”

Whitcomb also wrote that week that “we notice that some good work is being done on Main Street along by the orphanage. This street is used more than any other in the residence section and should be kept up to the standard.”

Readers that week also learned that “the town marshal can make some money by visiting old Evergreen. Stray cows and an occasional hog can be found at most any time day or night. A number of fences have been removed and the damage done to shrubs and plants is considerable and annoying.”

Also that week, under the headline “A Serious Accident,” subscribers saw that “T. Henderson, son of Mrs. A.E. Henderson, was seriously injured Wednesday night. He with several other boys were riding on a freight train and in attempting to alight he was thrown under the wheels. Dr. Stallworth attended him and removed several pieces of bone from the skull. His foot was also badly cut. Dr. Stallworth informs us that he is doing as well as could be expected.”

Whitcomb also reported that week that “Tuesday was the last day of the hunting season and every sportsman who could put in a day hunting and a large number of birds were killed.”

Readers that week also learned that “L.F. Goodson has been appointed tax commissioner by Gov. O’Neal.”

In the March 9, 1911 edition of The Record, Whitcomb reported that “T. Henderson, who was severely injured last week by a fall from the cars, is improving rapidly.”

Readers that week also learned that “several train loads of soldiers and their equipment passed through Evergreen Wednesday en route to Texas, where they have been ordered to assemble.”

Subscribers also saw that week that “Dr. J.S. Frazer, formerly of this city, has received an appointment as Commissioner of Education for the state. Mr. Frazer is well fitted for the position he has been honored with.”

That week’s paper also let readers know that “A.F. Davis’ familiar face may now be seen behind the counter at the Racket Store.”

Whitcomb also reported that week that “J.C. Travis was thrown from his carriage Monday afternoon by another carriage colliding with his. Mr. Travis was considerably shaken up but not severely injured.”

Readers that week also learned that “the ladies of the street committee of the Civic Improvement Club met last week and arranged to have a man clean up the streets every day which is badly needed.”

In the March 16, 1911 edition of The Record, it was reported that “Ely McCrory, our town marshal, is out again after a severe attack of typhoid fever. He is not strong enough yet to assume his duties on the street.”

In news from the Brooklyn community written by correspondent “Bottle Creek,” it was reported that “we are having a very dry spring in this vicinity. Some of our people have been compelled to dig their wells several feet deeper to obtain water.”

Readers that week also learned that “there will be a meeting at the court house Sat., April 1, of the U.C.V. or old soldiers. All are requested to be on hand at 11 a.m. (signed) M.B. Salter, Sergeant Major.”

Whitcomb also reported that week that “Will Fields, returned from Mobile yesterday, where he went to answer to a charge of illicit distilling of liquor before United States Court. Mr. Fields entered a plea of guilty and was sentenced, but the sentence was held up until May, pending an investigation of his physical condition by the federal authorities. Mr. Fields is not in good health, being almost an invalid, and it is believed that upon investigation of his condition he will not be confined to jail to serve out the sentence imposed.”

Whitcomb closed the week out by writing that “A.M. Stokes, a progressive farmer on Route 3, was in town yesterday and had his name added to our growing subscription list.”

In the March 23, 1911 edition of The Record, “Bottle Creek” offered more news from the Brooklyn community.

“Andrew Lewis was shot and killed here this week. His brother, Capt. Lewis, who was the only one present at the time, claims that it was a case of suicide. It is reported that Capt. Lewis is under arrest.”

Also that week, “Bottle Creek” reported that “Brooklyn is getting to be quite an automobile town. There were five here at one time Monday, taking on water and gasoline.”

Readers that week also learned that “Armor Lodge K. of P. initiated a candidate in the rank of knight at its regular convocation Tuesday night. The lodge is in a prosperous condition.”

Whitcomb also reported that week that “the first straw hat of the season made its appearance on the street this week. Hope the wearer will not be compelled to lay it aside on account of cold weather.”

Subscribers that week also learned that “an equinoctial storm struck Evergreen Wednesday night, a large quantity of water fell, giving the parched ground a good soaking and putting a smile on the farmers.”

Correspondent “E.B.” submitted news from the Crete community, writing that “the school at this place conducted by Miss Carley Ellis of Evergreen, came to a close last Friday. The concert was well attended and we thank the young people of Herbert for the good behavior.”

In the March 30, 1911 edition of The Record, Whitcomb reported that “the month of March has been one of the dullest for business in this section since the panic. Evergreen is not alone in this depression as the reports are that business is dull throughout the country. No particular reason is given for this condition at this season of the year.”

Also that week, under the headline “Fire,” readers learned that “Today (Thursday) at noon, fire broke out in a frame building on Big Hominy, owned by J. Golightly and occupied by Mr. Philyaw and family. A high wind was blowing at the time and the building was soon a mass of flames. The loss is total. Some of the furniture and bedding was saved.”

Under the headline “Base Ball,” subscribers saw that “Evergreen is to have a ball club for the season of 1911. During the past week the young men of the city have been busy organizing a ball team for this season. A sum of money has been subscribed and ground rented and the lovers of the game are assured of good sport during the summer months.”

Whitcomb also reported that week that “the county commissioners have recently purchased a parcel of land adjoining the jail and a fence will be erected around the building. A portion of the grounds will be reserved for farmers and others who come to town to hitch their horses and mules.”

Whitcomb closed out the month with the following news item.

“The City Grocery has just installed in its store a large up-to-date refrigerator, the first of the kind ever brought to Evergreen. It holds about 500 pounds of ice. Mr. Williams informs us that they will keep all their perishable goods in it, such as butter, cheese, berries, etc. and their patrons are assured of buying clean, fresh goods of them at all times.”

Well, I guess that’s all that space will allow for this month. Next month, I plan to take a look at the events of April 1911 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.

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