Wednesday, December 27, 2017

100-year-old news highlights from The Wilcox Progressive Era

Fort Morgan, Alabama.
What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the Dec. 27, 1917 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.

Never in the history of our county has a quieter or more peaceful passing of the yuletide been witnessed than experienced in Camden prior and through the holidays. Only a few years ago, the only function of the express office was to disburse the accumulated packages of Christmas joy imported from the nearby cities. The scenes immediately following were such as to cause many heart aches and tears; the streets were unsafe and the noise and uproar kept the town in a state of suspense. In fact, it was a relief to many to see the holidays pass. On Christmas eve the town was absolutely quiet. No sign of drinking could be detected. The town marshal complained that he had nothing left to do except chase into the pound pen the straggling calves of some negligent citizen. The true spirt of the yuletide prevailed. Should a reward have been offered we doubt seriously if anyone could have been found under the influence of drink. Could there be a single father or mother who would exchange these conditions for those of the past? Is it necessary to discuss the cause of such a transformation? We all know why and also we know that never again will our young men be subjected to the temptations that have once been thrown in their path.

Among the Wilcox boys who have made good in the army are two brothers, known in civil life as Dr. George and Professor Emmett Kilpatrick. Both had made remarkable success in their chosen professions, and both in answer to their country’s call volunteered their services. Dr. Kilpatrick now holds the rank of captain while Prof. Kilpatrick is first lieutenant. They are the sons of Capt. J.Y. Kilpatrick, who was a distinguished veteran of the Civil War. The Progressive Era notes with pride the advancement of these gentlemen.

Mr. Frank S. Tait, who is in training at the United States naval operating base, Hampton Roads, Va., is improving after a month’s illness.

Mr. Marshall Smith of Selma is spending the holidays with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.W. Smith of Canton. Marshall has volunteered for service in the Aviation corps.

There were 7,450 bales of cotton, counting round as half bales, ginned in Wilcox County from the crop of 1917 prior to Dec. 1, 1917 as compared with 4,089 ginned to Dec. 1, 1916. – C.S. Dale, Special Agent.

Mr. Clem Sills, who is attending the A.P.I. at Auburn, has been signally honored by election to the Phi Kappa Phi honorary fraternity. The election is made by the faculty each year from the senior class and the faculty. The qualifications of membership are based on merit alone, and Mr. Sills’ election is a source of pleasure to his many Camden friends. He is a most deserving young man and has a bright future ahead.

Mr. J.L. Bonner of Rosebud was a Camden visitor Wednesday.

Dr. Ed. McIntosh of Catherine spent a few days with his father and relatives this week.

Judge and Mrs. Helsel of Fort Dodge, Iowa are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Liddell.


Mrs. Tunstall and children of Mobile and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Parker are the guests of Mrs. F.L. Moore Jr. this week. Mr. Parker is connected with the navy and is located at Fort Morgan.

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