100-year-old news highlights from The Evergreen Courant from March 1915

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 1915.

In the March. 3, 1915 edition of The Evergreen Courant, editor and owner George W. Salter Jr. reported that “Mrs. Southwick Dean of the Boston School of Oratory will give a Shakespearean and dramatic reading here Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the courthouse. A rare treat is in store for all who hear this talented and noted reader. Let Evergreen show an appreciation of a high class entertainment by a full house. Castleberry has sent an order already for 15 tickets, our little neighbor appreciates a good thing. The entertainment is given under the auspices of the Mothers club, the proceeds to go to the school fund.”

Also that week, readers learned that “Miss Louise Porter of St. Louis is now associated with Miss Mary Salter as milliner. The ladies are invited to call and see the latest designs in pattern and trimmed hats. Watch for the opening announcement next week.”

Subscribers also saw that week that “at the courthouse Fri., March 5, 8 p.m. there will be a Fiddler’s Convention. Everyone in the country who can play is cordially invited to enter the contest. A prize will be offered for the best fiddler. Admission 25 cents and 15 cents. Benefit City School.”

The editor also let people know that week that “the teachers meeting scheduled for Monday next week at the Agricultural school has been indefinitely postponed on account of the farmers meetings on that date. Supt. Key requests us to make this statement.”

In the March 10, 1915 edition of The Courant, under the headline “A Delightful Reading,” readers learned that “by far the best entertainment of the kind ever enjoyed in Evergreen was the dramatic reading given by Mrs. Southwick Saturday night.

“Her interpretation of Macbeth was magnificent and the appreciative few present were held spellbound by the marvelous technique and wonderful personality of the speaker.

“It was a glimpse of high art, but judging from attendance, Evergreen is greatly lacking in proper appreciation of such.

“Castleberry was well represented and 60 from Brewton visited Castleberry this delightful entertainer.”

Salter also reported that week that “Miss Christine J. Tinling of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union will speak at the courthouse Thurs., March 18, in Evergreen at 8 p.m.”

That week’s paper also included the following advertisement – “Monday, March 15, come see Evergreen at the moving picture show, street scenes, prominent buildings, see the school children and watch for your own face. Will show three good pictures. Don’t miss The Million Dollar Mystery Friday. Each episode of this picture is growing more interesting.”

Elsewhere in the paper, it was reported that “after many weary months of patient suffering the gentle spirit of Mrs. A.M. Shanks passed to the great beyond on Sunday night last.

“Deceased fell a victim to dread tuberculosis about two years ago, and for the past two months had been confined almost continuously to her room, and while her death had been expected for some time, the final summons came as a great shock to friends and loved ones. Mrs. Shanks was 38 years old.”

In the March 17, 1915 edition of the newspaper, Salter reported that “R.F. Croom will make his new brick building two stories instead of one as at first designed. The second will be used as Knights of Pythias and Woodmen Hall. This will be a beautiful place for a meeting hall for these two fraternal orders.”

Also that week, under the headline “Gov. Glenn Coming,” readers learned that “Ex.-Gov. Glenn of North Carolina will address the citizens of Evergreen and Conecuh County at the courthouse on Wed., March 24, 1915 at two o’clock p.m. Gov. Glenn is one of the leading and most brilliant orators in behalf of the prohibition cause in the South and his coming will be a matter of considerable interest throughout the county.”

It was also reported that week that “Bob Simmons of Flat Rock has an automobile which he gets more benefit out of than hundreds of other car owners. He uses it to thrash velvet beans and peas, husk corn and grind feed, and when he wants to come to town or go anywhere, he hops into his car and is soon at his destination.”

Salter also reported that week that “Robt. H. Jones and Henry D. Moorer were among the successful applicants before the Supreme Court recently for license to practice law. Both are most excellent young men, energetic and deserving, and The Courant wishes for each of them the fullest measure of success in their chosen profession.”

Salter wrapped up that week by letting readers know that “Henry B. Vincent, head of the organ department of Chatauqua Institution, will given an organ recital on the night of March 19th or 20th, under the auspices of the Ladies Aid Society at the Methodist Church. Exact date of entertainment will be announced soon.”

In the March 24, 1915 edition of the paper, Salter reported that “a flurry of snow, lasting about 20 minutes, was an unusual sight here on Saturday morning last. Following this, the temperature continued to drop and on Saturday and Sunday nights the thermometer of the local weather bureau dropped to 28 degrees and yesterday morning it registered 31 with plenty of ice each day. This is the coldest snap in March in many years. As a result, the fruit crop is damaged to some extent and the strawberry crop is delayed at least a month.”

That week’s paper also included the following announcement – “Veterans of Camp Wm. Lee No. 338 will meet at the courthouse at Evergreen Thurs., April 1. Business election of delegates to National Reunion at Richmond, Va., and hearing report of the benevolent committees. Each committeeman is requested to attend in person. If unable to do so, send written report to T.A. Jones, Adj. Daughters of the Confederacy most cordially invited to attend and participate. T.A. Jones, Adjt., G.R. Boulware, Com.”

Also that week, readers learned that the “Evergreen Oil and Fertilizer Co. has just closed its season of crushing seed, producing oil and other products, according to a statement given out by Manager C.A. Jones. The plant has a capacity of 8,000 tons per season. Approximately 16,000 gallons of oil and 1,200 tons of fertilizer will be turned out this season. This is the first year of its operation as an independent plant, owned by Evergreen capital.”

Salter also noted that “L.D. King has just returned from a business trip to Havana, Cuba and other points.”

In the March 31, 1915 edition of The Courant, under the headline “Lady Killed by Lightning,” it was reported that “Mrs. Ed. Peacock was instantly killed shortly after noon yesterday by a bolt of lightning at her home near Wilcox Station. She had been on the back porch and when in the act of returning to the kitchen the bolt of lightning struck the house, killing her instantly. One of the columns and a pillar under the porch were shattered and a dog nearby in the yard was also killed. Deceased is survived by her husband and seven children who have the sympathy of everyone in their said plight.”

Also that week, “the first episode of ZUDORA will be shown at the Arcade Friday night, April 2. This is a fine picture, don’t fail to see it.”

Readers that week also learned that “Sheriff Williams and Deputy Davis on Saturday last arrested Finley Cowling near Brooklyn for the alleged theft of a horse belonging to Dr. M.M. Strickland of Minter in Dallas County. The stolen property was recovered and the prisoner lodged in jail.”

Also that week, the correspondent from the Effie community wrote in to report that “our basketball team is progressing nicely at present.”

Salter also let readers know about an “Easter egg hunt Friday at 4 p.m. at Baptist Church. Admission 10 cents. Everybody invited.”

Salter closed out the month by reporting that “J.D. Skinner of Belleville said Saturday that while traveling from his home to Bermuda a few days ago he saw quantities of boll weevils flying about. If any great number come out of hibernation this early they will die out before they get something to feed on.”

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 1915 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.