Social News From Hickory, Dec. 26, 1916

The society column from the Hickory Daily Record, Dec. 26, 1916

Dr. Councill Boyden of China Grove is spending several days in the city.

Mr. Weston Taylor of Statesville spent Christmas with his mother, Mrs. E.A. Taylor.

Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Thomasson of Charlotte spent Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Thomasson.

Messrs. Olin, Glenn and Clifford Abernethy of Detroit are spending the Christmas holidays with Mr. and Mrs. R.D. Abernethy.

Mr. Howard Councill left last night for Annapolis after spending Sunday and Monday with his parents, Judge and Mrs. W.B. Councill.

Mr. Oliver Littaker who has been spending the holidays with his parents in Lenoir passed through the city today en roiute to Thomasville.

Mrs. M.M. Graham of Lancaster, Pa., Mr. H.C. Gardner and Graham Gardner are guests of Mr. and mrs. Albert Abernethy Mrs. Graham being the mother of Mrs. Abernethy.

Dr. G.H. Abernethy of Liberty, S.C., after spending Christmas with his father, Mr. J.F. Abernethy, returned today to his home. Dr. Abernethy, who is popular with everybody, was greated by his hundreds of friends in Hickory.

Mr. and Mrs. C.B. West and little daughter Peggy, who have been visiting Mrs. West’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Bost, left today for Morven to visit Rev. J.H. West. They will spend tonight in Charlotte with Bishop Kilgo.

Mr. Robert Reud of Atlanta will spend the Christmas holidays in Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida, the guest of Mr. Nathan Cockrell at Jacksonville and entertained by Mr. Sewall Pamberton at Tampa.

Mr. H.H. Little of Boston is spending the holidays in the city.

Mr. Frank W. McComb, Misses Elizabeth and Margaret McComb and Mr. A.C. Henderson left last night for Roanoke, Va., where Wednesday night Mr. McComb and Miss Martha Kidd will be married. Mr. William McComb joined the party at Salisbury. He will be Mr. McComb’s best man.

Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Cline and little dauighter Alma Augusta, who have been visiting Mr. Cline’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Cline on Eleventh Street, returned to their home in Winston-Salem today. Mr. Cline, who is well known in Hickory on account of his connection with the Democrat, is now with the circulation department of the Winston Daily Sentinel.

Mr. Fred Cline, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Cline of Eleventh Street, and Miss Grace Roseman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Roseman of Claremont, were married in Newton Saturday at the home of the officiating minister, Rev. M.A. Abernethy.

Last evening Mrs. E.L. Shuford entertained with a charming dance in honor of her daughter Miss Katheryne Shuford. Music was furnished by a Victrola. Those dancing were Misses Kathryne Shuford, Kate Elliott, Margaret Taylor, Mary Allen, Doris Hutton, Helen Springs, Gladys Reid, Frank Martin, Adelaide Johnston, Mabel Hicks, Rose Martin, Rachel Pugh, Charlotte Smith, Mary Rogers Shuford and Louise Jones, and George Blackweldfer, Claude Abernethy, Connelly Gaamble, Cyril Long of Newton, John Bohannon, Frank Allen, Frank Moose, Orin Sigmon, Albert Stevens of Greensboro, Joe Murphy, Richard Bolyd, Richard Shuford, M. Loy Bolick, Bailey Patrick, Dr. Councill Boyden of China Grove, David Taylor, C.D. Moore of Charlotte, Walter Bolick, Ralph Ballew, J. Loy Sox, Earnhardt of Lenoir and Hilton Shuford.

Rev. A.L. Bolick will leave tomorrow for Stanley to take charge of the Lutheran church at that place.

Mr. C.B. Moore of Charlotte spent several days in Hickory last week.

Mr. Walter Starnes of Darlington, S.C., is spending the holidays with his mother, Mrs. J.D. Starnes.

Mr. A.M. Ingold of Morganton spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. A.K. Joy.

Miss Essie Robinson is visiting friends in Lincolnton.

There will be a box supper at the Abernethy schoolhouse near Hildebran Saturday night, Dec. 30. The public is cordially invited.

Mr. D.A. Goodman of Connelly Springs preached at the school house last Sunday evening.

Miss Mamie Hudson, teacher of the Abernethy school, has gone to her home at Connelly Springs to spend Christmas.

Miss Fleeta Perry, a student at Rutherford College, came home last Monday to spend Christmas with her parents.

Mr. Jeff Tample looks might pleased since he received a ten dollar gold piece in the Burke corn contest.

Dr. J.L. Murphy and James and Charles Whitener are spending the day at the Rock house hunting.
Misses Onalee and Lenore Eckard spent the holidays in Salisbury and Spencer visiting friends.

Prof. J.F. Coble is spending the holidays in Crescent and Statesville.

Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Greene of Charlotte are the guests of Mrs. Greene’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.L. White.

Mrs. C.S. Keever and three children are spending the holidays with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Martin at Lenoir.

Scandal of Princess Louise and Her Riding Master, 1916

Most smaller North Carolina newspapers didn't carry much national and international news in 1916, so I thought this story of scandal was worth sharing. If your family was in Hickory in December of 1916, they were probably discussing Princess Louise and her riding master! "Lover of Princess Louise in Trouble,” from the Hickory Daily Record, Dec. 27, 1916. This Associated Press story was on the front page. 

Budapest, Hungary, Dec. 27 –The love affairs of Princess Louise of Belgium and her former riding master, Count von Matassich, a Hungarian subject and first lieutenant in the Austro-Hungarian calvary, had an interesting aftermath recently when the count was ordered to leave Budapest for “political reasons.” He was ordered to remove to his native town in Croatia but eleventh-hour intersession by Dr. Visontai, the legal adviser of Princess Louise, influenced the police to permit Matassich to remain in the capital under surveillance.

Back of the action lies the continued endeavor of the family of the princess to separate her from matassich, who eloped with her when she was the wife of Prince Philip of Saxe-Coburg in 1896.

Some time ago the family suggested that the princess place herself voluntarily under guardianship but the princess has not yet consented to this. She was not permitted to live in either Vienna or Budapest, but finally obtained permission to reside in Munich, where she now is. It is considered unlikely that count Matassich will be given permission to go to Munich, so that for the duration of the war, at least, the couple will be separated.

Princess Louise is the oldest daughter of the late King Leopold of Belgium. In 1875 she married Prince Philip of Saxe-Coburg, who was 14 years her senior, when she was 17. She was 35 when she met Count Matassich, who was employed as her riding master, and soon their relations became the scandal of Europe. Shortly after the elopement County Matassich was arrested, charged with forgery aiding Princess Louise swindle Vienna money lenders by cashing notes with the forged signature of Princess Stephani. He spent a term in prison, while the princess was confined for several years in a sanitarium, from which she escaped in a sensational manner and returned to her lover, while Prince Philip brought suit for and obtained absolute divorce.

Nine N.C. 4-H'ers Bring Home Top National Honors, 1949

From the December 1949 issue of Extension Farm-News

One of the highest honors that a 4-H Club member can receive was recently awarded to nine young Tar Heels shown above when they were declared national winners in their respective projects at National 4-H Club Congress in Chicago. This is a record number of national winners in any one year for North Carolina. Reading from left to right, the winners are, (top row) Margaret Lee Stevens, Wayne County; winner in food preparation; Joan Penland, Clay, recreation and rural arts; Pauline Howe, Gaston, home improvement; (middle row) Wesley Manning, Pitt, farm safety; Evelyn Waugh, Surry, clothing; Ralph Brown, Iredell, healthy; (bottom row) Carolyn Miller, Iredell, girls’ record; Doris Strickland, Halifax, canning; and Nancy Pritchett, Guilford, poultry.

Beaufort, Caswell, Duplin, Forsyth and Jones Farmers to Get Tobacco Crop Insurance in 1950

Six Counties Added for Crop Insurance

Beaufort, Caswell, Duplin, Forsyth, and Jones Counties have been selected for tobacco crop insurance in 1950, according to Julian E. Mann. These counties were selected on the basis of signed requests by interested tobacco producers in those counties from a total of eight counties actively seeking the insurance for next year.

Rutherford County has been selected as a new cotton county for next year.

Duplin County led the five counties selected in the number of tobacco producers agreeing to participate in 1950, and Beaufort County producers showed the largest percentage of those eligible for insurance agreeing to participate next year.

Despite Snowstorm, Haywood Tobacco Festival Draws Thousands, 1949

From the December 1949 issue of Extension Farm-News

Haywood Festival Attracts Thousands
Everyone but the weatherman cooperated in making Haywood County’s third annual Tobacco Harvest Festival one of the biggest and most successful farm events ever staged in Western North Carolina.

Spectators had to brave chilling winds and a full-scale snowstorm to see the festival parade, but they came in droves and stayed until the very end. The colorful event drew an estimated 12,000 persons, as large a crowd as the one that lined the streets to greet the late President Roosevelt.

More than 3,000 jammed every nook and corner at the Waynesville Armory on the final night to witness a demonstration by five expert square dance teams and to see Mrs. Jennie Mae Early of Thickety community crowned queen.


The festival, held Nov. 22-26 under sponsorship of the Merchants Association, offered a program of information, inspiration, and recreation which attracted the attention of the entire Western part of the State. Among the speakers were Congressman Monroe Redden; U.S. Senators Clyde R. Hoey and Frank P. Graham; Judge Camille Kelley of Memphis; Dr. E.L. Butz of Purdue University; and Mrs. Perry Taylor vice-president of the Federated Women of North Carolina.

Paper Praises Jean Steele's Work in McDowell County, 1949

From the December 1949 issue of Extension Farm-News

Editorial Praises Work of County Home Agent
A recent editorial in the Marion Progress paid tribute to Miss Jean Steele for the outstanding work she did while serving as home demonstration agent in McDowell County. Miss Steele recently resigned her position in McDowell County to become home agent in Pitt County.

Excerpts from the editorial follow:

“Looking back over the years Miss Jean Steele has been in this county, we find that the best part of her work cannot be shown in statistical records, nor volumes of narrative reports. We consider that her most redeeming characteristics have been conscientious devotion to duty and a sincere interest in her groups as a whole, as well as in personalities of her members.


“We congratulate her on her promotion to a higher office, and wish for her all the rewards se deserves.”

N.C. Fat Stock Shows Reveal Prosperous 1949

From the December 1949 issue of Extension Farm-News

Fat Stock Shows Mark Most Successful Year
North Carolina has just completed its most successful fat stock show season on record says Jack Kelley. More than twice as many hogs were shown and sold in North Carolina this year as last.

A total of 1,392 hogs, weighing over 300,000 pounds, were entered in 11 county and district shows this past summer and fall. Only 670 hogs were entered in eight shows last year.

A summary of the shows including the number of animals sold and the average price per 100 pounds received follows:

Kinston, 316 sold, $19.23 average per 100 pounds; Goldsboro, 62, $18.84; Smithfield, 154, $18.67; Dunn, 49, $20.60; Durham, 106, $18.40; Rocky Mount, 218 $18.92; Fairmont, 58, $19.06; Williamston, 205, $18.90; Elizabeth City, 102, $20.10; Statesville, 37, $21.61; and Wendell, 85, $19.85.

The Kinston show was the biggest of the group, attracting 316 entries. The highest price paid was at the Rocky Mount show where the grand champion brought $1.25 a pound. The Statesville show brought the highest average price of $21.61 per 100 pounds.


Mr. Kelley complimented 4-H Club members for their fine showings. He said 4-H’ers won the grand championships at eight of the 11 shows.

Dwight Williams of Waynesville Leading State Corn Contest, 1949

From the December 1949 issue of Extension Farm-News
Haywood Man Takes Lead in Corn Contest

An official yield of $141.3 bushels per acre has put a Haywood County farmer out in front in the race for the 1949 corn growing championship, according to Dr. E.R. Collins. Unless a higher yield is reported within the next few weeks Dwight Williams of Waynesville will become North Carolina’s new corn champion.

Runner-up in the statewide contest to date is a Wayne County 4-H Club boy, Dale Gainey, whose measured acre yielded 139.3 bushels.


Dr. Collins said the contest is still open. Farmers who think they have exceptional yields can still enter. The North Carolina Foundation Seed Producers offer a $100 savings bond for the highest yielding fields in each of three areas—mountains, piedmont and coastal plain. A second $100 bond will be awarded the highest of the three as the state winner.

Christmas in Durham, 1909

Christmas in Durham as reported in The Farmer and Mechanic newspaper, Dec. 28, 1909

Elks Give Joy To Durham Needy…Mr. Erwin Remembers the Mill People…Generosity of Gen. Carr…The State’s Leading Philanthropist Makes the Hearts of Hundreds Glad—Mayor Suspends the Fireworks Ordinance, but No Casualties or Disasters Result Therefrom—Good Order Prevailed—Prizes for Decorated Windows

Durham, N.C., Dec. 25—The celebration of the season today tells the whole history of happenings in Durham and to 6 o’clock this afternoon not a casualty was reported.

Christmas exercises were held in three churches and the biggest trees grew up in a night at the courthouse where the Elks gave joy to the poor, and at West Durham where Mr. W.A. Erwin was host to the poor of his mill community.

Judge Sykes of the recorder’s court made the address for the Elks and a very large supply of good things went to them. This was raised by the local talent minstrel in part and by the Elks individually. They lifted a good portion of it by popular subscription and were themselves almost solely the contributors.

The Erwin Christmas tree is as distinct a celebration as the town has. Mr. Erwin uses the hall owned by the company and is practically the author of all the gifts that go from there. He is superintendent of the greatest Sunday school in St. Joseph’s Church and all of the families patronize him. Probably no organization in town has such excellent things as he gives to the poor and to those who come to the school.

The address is always characteristic of the man’s dash and the militancy of spirit whether religious or commercial.

No one Durham man gave joy to more people however, than General Julian S. Carr.

For the past week or 10 days, he has kept a stenographer busy sending gifts all over the earth. A casual drop into his office saw $5 and $10 notes lying about and these were being put up to send to friends and relatives everywhere,. Smithfield hams and big turkeys are his unfailing tributes to closer friends and these go from Durham to New York on nearly every express.

The General has no public exercises, but in the doing of good, like the spirit of the Bible, he lets not his right hand know what the left doeth. Everybody has always known that he is the most generous man in the State. Giving is almost an insanity with him.

Among the Durham people who are spending the holidays at home are Dr. W.P. few of Trinity College in Greers, South Carolina; Prof. C.W. Edwards of Trinity at Kinston; Registrar D.W. Newsom of Trinity in the eastern part of the state; A.W. Gray of the traction company at LaGrange; City Attorney R.O. Everett at Williamston, his old home; and Dr. and Mrs. W.I.K. Boyd of Trinity in New York.

The officers say that the order has been good and the lock-up isn’t full. The suspension of the ordinance against exploding fireworks hasn’t caused anybody to be killed and the small boy has been happy.  Mayor Griswold, in the face of a request from a strong merchants’ association and much public sentiment, lifted the ban for a day and will give them another day. The mayor isn’t to be stampeded and showed his friendship for the boys.

Two business places last night received their share of pleasure in Christmas when the Durham Book and Stationery company received $5 from the Durham Civic Association for the best decorated window and the Ellis Stone Company was given the prize of $5 for the best show window, the offering of President P.W. Vaughan of the merchants’ association.

This latter was individual. Mr. Vaughan did it to encourage the art of decorating and advertising and many beautiful windows were shown during the whole week.

Mr. James H. Southgate, who spends six months in the country and six in town, have moved from that eminence 10 miles west known as Southgate’s Cabin, and is henceforth a city “chap” as he calls himself. He will occupy the residence on West Chapel Street where his sister Mr. T.D. Jones and his father, Mr. James Southgate, now live. It is good to have him in Durham where he is known as its most distinguished private citizen.

Christmas Report from West Hickory, 1916

“Christmas In West Hickory Enjoyed,” by T.J. Leonard, from the Hickory Daily Record, Dec. 26, 1916

West Hickory, Dec. 26—The people of West Hickory, and especially the employes of Ivey Mill had a fine time during the Christmas season. The mill shut down Friday evening and is going to start up again Wednesday morning and while we lose two days yet, the mill company is going to pay full time, giving that to their hands for a Christmas present.

I can say in this connection that the superintendent and officers have the sincere thanks and the highest appreciation of all their hands for their kindness. And on Friday evening, December 20, through the help and influence of Capt. H.W. Warner, Rev. J.G. Garth held a Christmas exercise in the Y.M.C.A. hall. The exercise consisted in showing some fine pictures of the birth of Christ and other fine scenes in Palestine. Rev. Mr. Garth giving a thorough explanation of each picture which was very instructive and helpful. This exercise was free to everybody and Rev. Mr. Garth has the thanks of all present for his kindness in giving this nice service.

There were a number of Christmas presents given to the superintendents and overseers at the Ivey Mill. The overseers of the mill presented Capt. H.W. Warner a gold handle knife at the same time telling how much they appreciated and honored him as their leader. The weave room hands presented Capt. Warner with a set of gold collar and cuff buttons; also telling him how great they appreciated him for his kindness and favors during the year. Mr. J.M. Freeman, overseer of weaving, received a nice gold set of cuff buttons from his hands; Mr. B.D. Abernethy, overseer of spinning received a nice office chair from his hands for a Christmas Present. Mr. G.T. Barger received a gold ring from his hands.

And finally, Capt. Warner in his kind way and to show his good will towards his overseers on Saturday evening sent his car to the hall and took his overseers of the different departments of the mill, namely Messrs. J.M. Freeman, B.D. Abernethy, G.T. Barger, O.A. White, machinist; and T.L. Leonard, clothroom man, and after landing them safely at Moretz and Whiteners clothing store in Hickory he presented each one of them with a fine Stetson hat for a Christmas present, and after thanking the superintendent for his kindness we all went our way rejoicing.

Well, I could write several more pages describing all the nice things that happened in our town during the Christmas season. I have been as brief as I  possibly could and for want of space I didn’t give as full a description of the events as I would like to have done, but I know that it would not be just to take up all the space in your valuable paper describing the many happenings of West Hickory. So I certainly do want to leave plenty of space for your more worthy correspondents. If I escape the waste basket this time I will try again. I close by hoping that the editor of the Record and his force had a merry Christmas and wish them a happy new year.
            --T.J. Leonard

Navy Man Arrives Home on Christmas Eve, 1909

“Quit the Service,” from The Farmer and Mechanic newspaper published in Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 28, 1909

Mr. C.W. Manning of Wilson Honorably Discharged from United States Service

Wilson, Dec. 25—Christmas night Mr. Charles W. Manning arrived in Wilson with the smell of the sea clinging to his navy blue garments. Charles had his “sea legs” on him yet, but after he has become acclimated to the home of his birth, the swagger will soon vanish. He has served his country well and true for more than three years, and has been given an honorable discharge. He has served as an able-bodied seaman on the following craft: Olympia, Hancock, Franklin, Reina Mercedes, Cumberland, Constellation and the Rhode Island.

The education Mr. Manning received in his trip around the world is worth more to him than all the other years of his life—should he live to be a centenarian.

Christmas Drawing from Roanoke Rapids Herald, 1916

Christmas for Those in Confederate Soldiers' Home, Orphanages, State Home and Prison, 1909

“The Cheer of Christmas,” from The Farmer and Mechanic newspaper published in Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 28, 1909

It Came in Raleigh to Every Phase of Life…The Confederate Veterans, the Orphans, the Insane and Afflicted, and Those Behind Prison Bars All Knew the Day Was Christmas by the Remembrances

There was Christmas all through in Raleigh yesterday and with the pleasures of home life there also came pleasures to institutional life in the city, making Christmas a happy day.

First of all there was the Confederate Soldiers’ Home. The dear “old boys” at it had a jolly Christmas, Johnson Pettigrew Chapter Daughters of the Confederacy looked after that in fine style. The members sent gifts in brightly colored bags, and these were arranged and distributed so that every veteran had a good time, which his special Christmas gifts. There was a big dinner also, with turkey and trimmings and other things that made a feast.

At the Methodist Orphanage it was also a jolly good day for the 140 or more orphans there. A Christmas dinner of the right kind was served, and today there are to be more gifts for the Sunday school at Edenton Street Methodist Church is to have a book offering this morning, the books to be sent to the orphanage.

The superintendent of the orphanage, Rev. John N. Cole, tells of a happy event on Christmas eve. He telephoned last night this news: “Mr. and Mrs. Josephus Daniels and their four sons were here yesterday. The four boys, Josephus, Worth, Jonathan and Frank, played Santa Claus and brought gifts to all the children. Every year since the orphanage has been established mr. Daniels has seen to it that the children had a merry Christmas and so again this year he and his wife and the boys were here, making the season a delight for the orphans. This is a matter that is appreciated at the orphanage.”

At the State Hospital there was a happy time yesterday. Every patient received a present yesterday morning, wearing apparel being distributed to the men and women. There was a distribution of fruits and candy also, while at dinner there was turkey, oysters, celery, cranberries, milk and so on. In the afternoon the Misses Day of Meredith College gave a most delightful entertainment of vocal and instrumental music which was a delight. There were gifts which came to the patients from their homes and altogether the day was one of amusement and good cheer.

Information is that at the Catholic Orphanage at Nazareth there was a day of good cheer and happiness also those at the orphanage being happily remembered, making the Christmas day a most happy one in every way.

And last, there is a word to be said about the people at the State’s Prison. So far as it could be done Christmas was observed there, and the day made as pleasant as possible for the “barred in.” There was a dinner of good Christmas cheer, making the season for those whom the law has put in confinement.

Raleigh has had its Christmas, and it was a good one. What more is to be said of the day and of the time, except to add the words of Tiny Tim. “God bless us, every one.” That is the Christmas spirit and may it come to pass.

Hickory Newspaper Suggests Santa Use Aeroplane or Automobile in North Carolina, 1916

“Snow Came Too Early This Time,” from the Hickory Daily Record, December 18, 1916

Genuine Christmas weather is a week in advance of time, but there is little chance that the snow, which began falling this morning, will remain until Santa Claus comes from the Arctic regions in his mammoth sled. The kindly old gentleman probably will be compelled to leave his sled and reindeer near the Canadian border and use aeroplanes or automobiles.

The weather is likely to break in a day or two and a warm sun will melt the snow and destroy the chances of Kris Kringle’s making the journey in the old way. And yet good children have no reason to be alarmed, because the old fellow will manage some how.

Sunday was almost ideal in every respect. The mercury registered 28 degrees yesterday morning and the sun came out and forced the indicator up to 49 or 50 degrees. During the night, however, there was a slight change and this morning 25 degrees was the minimum. Snow came along pretty soon, and early in the day there was every indication that it would be a hard one.

Christmas Memories Published in 1909

“Christmas Now and Then,” from the editorial page of The Farmer and Mechanic newspaper, published in Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 28, 1909

Do the boys of today enjoy their Christmas toys of today as much as the boys of other days who had only home-made things? The sleds were then hewn out of trees felled by the boys themselves and the little money a boy had for Christmas he earned by his own labor. Didn’t that give a relish that money and gifts that come easily cannot impart?

It is a good thing for the boys of this age to get a glimpse of the old-time Christmas in the country and contrast those times with the present. Presents are much handsomer now and more money is spent on them, but is there more real fun in that shopping craze and swapping presents bought at stores than in the other hardier times?

Here is a good picture of the Christmas of the days of old, given by “Buck” in the Siler City Grit that is a good aftermath of this Christmas of plenty:

“As it is almost Christmas and we are all looking for a good time, I will pencil a few thoughts in regard to what I enjoy now and what I did when a boy.

“My father let me keep Christmas as long as the wood lasted. I had but one object in view and that was a gun and hunting. It did not matter much as to whether I killed much game or not, so I had the pleasure of shooting, though I had to shoot according to my ammunition and for my money was made in the night when I o9ught to have been in bed asleep. Yes, I have worked many, many nights till mid-night burning coal and getting out barrel-staves to get my powder and shot for Christmas. Oh, what would boys today think if they had that to do in order to buy their Christmas tricks?

“I often think what a good, easy time the boys of today have long before they are 21. They have a horse and buggy and many of them have more money in their pockets than I had had all my young life, until I received $10 from the State as a bounty for being a Confederate soldier. And yet many boys think they are having a hard time and leave home for a better place. I wonder sometimes if they ever think of us boys who spent four years in the Civil War. Many of us, who were fortunate enough to get back home, did not have a dollar or a change of clothes. I remember buying several yards of ‘jean’ cloth at a dollar a yard and paid for it in work. I would split 300 rails a day, but I finally lacked 25 cents of paying for the outfit.

“No, boys, when you think your dad is the hardest master in the world and you long to get away, just ask an old soldier for a little advice, and if I am not mistaken he will tell you that you are a fool. The times have never been better than they are now, and the boys who don’t have money and a good time are not tempting bait for the girls and consequently they need not be surprised if they get nothing better than a nibble.”

Hickory Will Put Up Community Christmas Tree the Day After Christmas, 1916

“Community Tree Tuesday Night, Dec. 26,” from the Hickory Daily Record, December 18, 1916

With 156.50 already raised for the Christmas dinner, community Christmas tree and relief fund for the winter, Capt. D.G. Coy was hopeful today that the snow would have the effect of opening the purse-strings of Hickory public and increasing the total to over $300. He had hoped to Raise $500 before Christmas, and is confident that the public will respond liberally enough to make the amount nearly that much.

The Christmas tree will not be held next Monday night, as planned, but on Tuesday night, the change having been made in order to prevent conflict with church entertainments.
The amount raised Saturday was $149.50 and today Captain Coy reported $5 from Mr. A.S. Abernethy and $2 from Mrs. J.B. Johnson.

First-Person Account of Captains J.A. Turrentine and Randolph Shotwell At End of Civil War, 1909

“A New Light on Hero Shotwell” by J.A. Turrentine of Burlington, N.C., from The Farmer and Mechanic newspaper, published in Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 28, 1909

A Personal Friend Writes of His Last Days…Ruined in Federal Prison…An Interesting Story of the Famous Editor’s Return from the War, Fatigued Nigh Unto Death, the Only Time in His Life When He Gave Up, Captain Turrentine Writes

In your North Carolina Review, I read with much interest your story of Capt. Randolph Shotwell, as he was a great friend of mine, this friendship growing for many years until his death. I went to Raleigh to view his remains as they lay in state in the Capitol.

Our acquaintance came about this way, and as I have not made it public it might be lost to history, for many valuable things have been lost for the reason that so many people dislike to go into public print. I served through the Civil War in Stuart’s cavalry. I got home on the 15^th day of April, 1965, on a sore-back, broken down horse. I was but little better than my horse, clad in rags with not a penny of a change of clothes, with a young wife and not a day’s rations or a bed to sleep on. We got a log cabin and re-commenced life. I went over to the railroad and asked for work, offering to take anything.

They made me a conductor and I started out. One of my father’s old negroes gave me a soldier’s jacket and a new pair of pants, which had been given him. The soldiers were packing every train, trying to get home, which continued for quite a while as many of them were left in prison no small number being sick in hospitals, and wounded. I was in sympathy with them and did all I could for them.

As I was coming out from Raleigh one afternoon on reaching Morrisville station, the agent called my attention to a sick soldier on the side track, and asked me if I could not do something for him. I told him I could take him on the train if that would help him, as I had nothing to give him, for I was as poor as he. I called to the man to get aboard if it would help him in any way, which he did. He was very weak and thin; had a bad case of jaundice. After we got under way and I had a few minutes to spare, I took a seat beside him and asked where he wished to go. He said he was trying to get to Western North Carolina, where he had friends that might take care of him until his health should be restored; that he had just been released from prison and managed to get as far as Raleigh. He had started on foot and got as far as that station, when his strength gave out. He said he was in the North at school when the war commenced and left to join the Southern army. His father, he said, was a minister of the gospel. He said he had capacity for business if he only had health. He took from his pocket a package of papers which showed he had been promoted for gallantry on the field of battle, all properly made out with the signature of the commanding officer. I told him I would do what I could for him. I gave him into the hotel at Burlington and gave him his supper, then to Salisbury and smuggled him through to keep the Yankee soldiers, who were there in large numbers, from cutting the buttons off his coat, which they often did. I got the railroad people of the Western Railroad to take him and he gave me his name as Randolph Shotwell.

I thought no more of the man, as similar occurrences were frequent. Some months later, can’t recall how long, as I stepped off my train at Goldsboro, a handsome looking well-dressed gentleman rushed toward me and took hold of me rather violently, saying, “My good friend. I am indebted to you for my life, and I am here on purpose to thank you. I owe more to you than to any one living.” I said, “My friend, you are mistaken in the man. I haven’t saved any one’s life that I am aware of.” He said, “Stop and hear my story. I will make you remember. You took me on at the station above Raleigh on a siding. I was sick and nearly dead, and would have died but for your help. You took me to Salisbury and provided for me there Capt. Turrentine. I am Randolph Shotwell, the poor, sick soldier whose life you saved. That was the first time I ever gave up."

He was always giving me marked attention as long as he lived. When he returned from the United States prison in New York, he was greatly changed; not the same man, unless you met him in his office or in his room. He often talked to me about it. He was completely changed. He had forgotten how to talk, had lost his voice and his teeth. In the Federal prison he had not been allowed to speak, nor to look around, and had become so accustomed to look straight ahead that he passed his friends on the street and did not notice them, which gave him much pain. I have a good picture of him. He often spoke of coming to my house to visit me.
            --J.A. Turrentine, Burlington, N.C., Dec. 18

Newspaper Reports Exaggerated, Says Mayor, 1909

“Exaggerated Reports,” from The Farmer and Mechanic newspaper published in Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 28, 1909

By the Associated Press
Atlanta, Ga., Dec. 25—Mayor Geo. W. Tiedman of Savannah takes exception to the accounts of the recent triple murder in that city, as sent out by Savannah correspondents of out-of-town papers. He claims that the stories of the excitement the night of the murder, while the hunt for the slayer was in progress, were greatly exaggerated. He declares that there were only four arrests for the crime, that three of these were white men, that no heavily armed men assisted the police, that no hand bills were printed describing the murderer that no negroes asked to be locked up for protection, that no innocent men were attacked, that no doors were broken open or fences leveled, that he as mayor never suppressed or attempted to suppress an edition of a paper. The mayor adds:

“These statements do a grave injustice to the citizens of Savannah, who displayed a regard for law and order under the extraordinary circumstances that reflected credit upon the community.”

'Mother's Christmas Gift' 1917

“Mother’s Christmas Gift” from The Review, High Point, N.C., December 20, 1917

It never comes to Christmas but I think about the times

We used to save our pennies and our nickels and our dimes,

And we bunched them all together, even little baby brother

Put in something for the present that we always gave to mother.

We began to talk about it very early in December,

‘Twas a very serious matter to us children, I remember,

And we used to whisper nightly our suggestions to each other,

For nothing cheap and tawdry could we show our love for mother.

Hers must be a gift of beauty, fit to symbolize her ways;

It must represent the sweetness and the love that marked her days.

It must be the best our money, all combined, had power to buy,

And be something that she longed for; nothing else would satisfy.

Then it mattered not the token, once the purchase had been made.

It was smuggled home and hidden and with other treasures laid,

And we placed our present proudly in her lap on Christmas day,

And we smothered her with kisses and we laughter her tears away.

It never comes to Christmas but I think about the times

We used to save our pennies and our nickels and our dimes,

And the only folks I envy are the sisters and the brothers

Who still have the precious privilege of buying for their mothers.

                        --American Boy

Why Can’t I Find American-Made Toys? 1935

Letter to the Editor from the Dec. 9, 1935, issue of the New York Times

The letter from Grete Stencel deplores the fact that she could not find, after several hours of search in various toy departments, practically no toys made elsewhere than in Japan, and evidently assumed that these Japanese toys had forced the American-made articles from our markets, to the detriment of 10,000,000 unemployed Americans who might be put to work making toys for American children.

If she refers to page 38 of The New York Times of today she will note that there is a shortage of American-made toys, reported by W.E. Coventry, president of the Toy Manufacturers of the United States of America, and that estimates placed the volume of the domestic toy business at $200,000,000 annually, with plants being run at full capacity.

The imports of toys from all countries, including Japan, for the first nine months of the year amount to $1,566,782, so that for the entire year the imports will amount to but little, if any, more than 1 per cent of the American production.
….

   --C.T. Riotte, New York, Dec. 6, 1935

F.M. Yandle, How I Spent My Birthday, 1916

From the front page of the Monroe Journal, Dec. 15, 1916

On December 10, 1916, was my 57^th birthday and was celebrated in such a way that I will never forget it. About 10 a.m. my good neighbors began coming in with well filled baskets and said they had come to spend the day with me until Sunday school time. I want to say to them that ihad never been my privilege to enjoy a birthday like this before. I can only say Good bless you all. I love the spirit that prompts such acts of kindness. Let us all, if we have flowers to give, give them to the living, for they do the dead no good.

After feasting on the good things prepared by my good neighbors, we all went to our church and engaged ourselves in a good Sabbath school. Our school hour is 2 p.m. and we would be glad for everyone to come and be with us in our school.

I am now 57 years old. I live in the house I was born and reared in. I have a right to know my neighbors, and can truthfully say that there is no better people living than my neighbors. In fact, I don’t think there are any better people in this world of ours than our own dear Union County folks. I have reached the topmost steps in life’s ladder and am on the downward slide.

I want to say to the noble boys and girls of our county when you have flowers to give them to your friends while they are living.

New Home for Christmas, Wake County, 1938

A "rehabilitation"  client who received a government loan mixes cement for his new home somewhere in Wake County, December, 1938. The state was rehabilitating land, not people. Rehabilitation clients were forced off land that the government felt needed to be taken out of production, usually because of severe erosion or flooding problems, and were given loans to start over in another site. This photo was taken by a WPA photographer as a publicity shot for the program, and it is part of the photographic collection of the Library of Congress.

California and North Carolina Outbreaks of Flu, 1940

“Where Do We Stand on ‘Flu’?” from the New York Times, Dec. 3, 1940

Because there is a lack of reports on influenza throughout the country it is difficult for officials of the United States Public Health Service to decide whether or not the California outbreak can be localized. Apparently it can be. But whether or not, this is the time to review the progress made in handling a disease which took an estimate twenty millions of lives in 1918 and which may assume pandemic proportions at any time.

The California epidemic does not even remotely approach terrifying proportions. There have been comparatively few deaths. If the country is alarmed it is because there is no practical way of examining every person in an infected area and quarantining the sick. Moreover, these are the days of airplane, railway and steamship—the days when epidemics can spread like prairie fires.

Fortunately, California is dealing with a mild type of influenza. So far as this department can gather there are probably not 6,000 cases at the present time on the West Coast. The epidemic has receded in the San Diego area, but has increased somewhat in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
….
At the last meeting of the American Public Health Association, held in Detroit last October, Dr. Frank L. Horsfall Jr. of the Rockefeller Foundation’s International Health Division reported that neither virus nor antibodies could be associated with the 1940 epidemic of influenza that had swept North Carolina. “Influenza may not always be caused by one and the same agent,” he observed. As matters stand it must be said that sometimes a virus is the clear cause of influenza and that sometimes an unknown cause must be assumed. But there is no doubt that a virus is now at work in California.
……

Martha Eliza Lankford Dies at Her Son's Home, 1901

From The Gold Leaf, Henderson, N.C., Dec. 5, 1901

Mrs. Martha Eliza Lankford died at the home of her son, Mr. L.H. Lankford, near Cokes, Nov. 27^th. She was one of the oldest women in her neighborhood, being about 85 years of age. For 60 years she had been a member of Cokesbury church. Her entire life was spent in the community and she was beloved by everybody who knew her. Mrs. Lankford was the mother of eight children, three of whom are living. She was the widow of John D. Lankford who died about 23 years ago. The funeral was held Thursday, the burial being at home, Rev. W.P. Constable officiating. A large crowd attended from far and near throughout the neighborhood.

News Briefs From Across North Carolina, Dec. 22, 1911

From The Review, High Point, N.C., December 22, 1911

From the Tar Heel State Column of State News Carefully Collected by the Editor for the People of the State

Monroe—Work of doctoring the acoustic conditions in the Monroe court house was begun.

Raleigh—Apex has just voted a bond issue of $10,000 for street improvement and for a market house.

Washington—The navy department exonerated Ensign R.S. Young of Concord of the charges proferred against him for deserting his post last summer.

Monroe—Hoyte Martin, Innes Huntley and Lee Ashcraft, Union county boys, have been awarded prizes by T.B. Parker, state director for the boys’ corn club, for raising 106.83, 80.52, and 79.03 bushels of corn respectively to the acre.

Wake Forest—The debate council has decided upon the affirmative as the Wake Forest side of the question submitted by Baylor University for the debate to be held between these two colleges on Easter Monday in Waco, Texas.

Durham—Notice of application to Governor Kitchin for the pardon of W.H. Tilley, who killed his wife in September of 1908, has been given and all persons who are opposed to the pardon are asked to make their objection.

Albemarle—News has just reached Albemarle of a very serious fire which occurred in western Stanly, when the home of Mr. Adam Hathcock, a well-to-do farmer of that section, was destroyed, with almost the entire contents.

Statesville—Traffic on the road west of here was blocked by a freight wreck five miles east of Statesville. Thirteen loaded cars of an eastbound train were derailed, 11 of these loaded with coal were almost completely demolished and the track was torn up for 50 yards or more.

Waxhaw—Mr. John Furgeson, an old man, was killed by a train going to Monroe. He was 76 yeas old. He lived about a mile from Catawba Junction. He was deaf and knew not of the approach of the passenger train. The finding of his body was a gruesome sight.

Raleigh—Lieut.-Gov. Newland is making special effort to induce Gov. Kitchin to grant a pardon to T.B. Whitson, who 30 years ago was charged with the murder of a man named Kitburg, was later convicted and is now serving under remarkable circumstances. Here with the lieutenant-governor are Samuel Whitson, and Mrs. Nelson, daughter of the convicted man.

Elizabeth City—Stumbling as he attempted to step across the carriage of the mill, Julius Perkins, a negro sawyer, was killed instantly at the Elizabeth City roller mills. The carriage was moving rapidly with a log, upon which Perkins fell and before he could recover himself he was carried under a big circular saw, which was revolving at a terrific rate, his head and shoulders being completely severed from his lower body.

Raleigh—It is planned to have another run over the Central Highway early in May with the purpose of seeing if work can not be completed to have the highway from Beaufort harbor to the Tennessee line dedicated for use on the first of July next. The distance is some 475 miles and Dr. Joseph Hyde, State Geologist, who is active in work for the highway, says he expects the people along the route will do earnest work to put it in shape.

Wadesboro—The recorder’s court was in session for two days, dealing mostly with a bunch of blind tiger cases, which were brought against negroes from Blewett Falls. There were two convictions, one man and one woman. The woman, Dorcas Murphy, who claims that her home is in Charlotte, was sentenced to three months in jail and taxed with the costs for keeping liquor for sale. Charles E. Mills, another negro, was convicted of selling but as there are four more cases against him, which are to be tried, prayer for judgment was continued in his case until the others are tried, in order that all may be disposed of at once.

Burlington—Ben Merritt, a negro boy, met a horrible death when he was riding a mule. He had got on the mule with a water bucket and the mule became frightened and threw the boy so that his foot caught in the gear and he was dashed to death.

Franklin—Miss Maude West, a daughter of former State Senator W.J. West, who was shot either by her father or sweetheart, Perry Morrison of West’s Mill, a little village 10 miles from Franklin. Morrison, who was also shot, is reported as doing well, and it is thought that he will recover.

Raleigh—A charter has been granted to the Goldsboro Seven Spring and Swansboro Railroad Company, to build and operate a line from Goldsboro to Swansboro, a distance of 70 miles. It is capitalized at $1,500,000.

Clinton—Sampson has issued $50,000 of road bonds and it is plain that their visit will greatly benefit the county. The visitors were entertained at the Montage Hotel at a banquet as which were the road commissioners and nearly a hundred citizens. The visitors said the meeting here was the best they have had so far.

Newsom—The Norfolk & Western better farming train arrived here and entertained a large crowd of farmers for 2 ½ hours, during which time many interesting talks were addressed to all that could find seats in the car. The exhibit cars were filled with seeds and grains of all kinds. The exhibit from the Norfolk & Western experiment farm and also T.W. Wood & Sons were exceptionally fine. Everybody went away feeling a determination to do better farming.

Fuquay Springs and Cary—There is an continued interest in mouth hygiene in the schools of Wake county. Dr. Louis Pegram of Raleigh examined the mouths of 76 pupils of the Fuquay Springs School and lectured to an appreciative audience. Those present manifested very much interest in what he had to say and were well pleased with his remarks. Dr. N.G. Carroll went to Cary High school for a similar purpose, and a number of other engagements have been made with other physicians.

Raleigh—The site for the monument to North Carolina women of the Confederacy to be erected at a cost of $12,000 by Hon. Ashely Horne, has been selected in Capital Square by the state board of buildings and grounds and is to be facing the main entrance to the state fireproof building now being erected, and will e on the plat half way between Fayetteville street entrance to Capital Square and the Morgan and Salisbury street corner.

Remembering Wilbur and Orville Wright's Box-Kite Byplane, 1939

“Wings Are Fledged,” from the New York Times, Dec. 17, 1939

Thirty-six years ago this morning the brothers of the bicycle shop, Wilbur and Orville Wright, took their crude box-kite biplane out of its shelter on the dunes of Kill Devil Hill. A twenty-seven mile wind was blowing over Kitty Hawk. It was so cold that the brothers and their little knot of local believers had to warm their hands over a home-made stove fashioned out of a carbide can as they debated whether to brave so high a wind in the frail structure. It would make take-off dangerous, but then it would slow down the landing. They decided to try it. The machine lifted into the air forty feet from the start. It bucked in the bumpy gusts, but remained aloft for twelve seconds and traveled under its own power about 120 feet. Three other flights were made that day—a public demonstration, before five disinterested spectators, the truth of that ringing prediction of Da Vinci, now spread upon the great shaft of the Wright Memorial at Kitty Hawk, “There Shall Be Wings.”

Yesterday the third Wright Brothers Lecture was presented under the auspices of the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences by Dr. Clark B. Millikan of the California Institute of Technology, on “The Influence of Running Propellers on Aircraft Characteristics.” Today and every day the problems of stability and control under power, which the Wrights were able to master sufficiently to begin an epoch, are being further explored in great laboratories and wind tunnels the world over. Already they have been so resolved that man flies at more than 400 miles an hour and spans the continents and the oceans at will. The Air Traffic Conference of America predicts that the passenger county on our own domestic airlines will pass the 2,000,000 mark this year and reach 2,500,000 next. Truly a new dimension was won on the North Carolina sands that memorable day three decades and a half ago.

Local News from High Point, N.C., Dec. 22, 1911

Various articles and items from the front page of The Review, High Point, N.C., December 22, 1911

The Review announced last week that it would receive contributions to the “Empty Stocking Fund,” the names of the contributors to be published in The Review and amount turned over to Miss Clara Cox for disposition. The idea is to see that those little boys and girls who would perhaps not receive any toys, get something to make them happy.

Miss Cox knows of several cases and if there are any others who want to contribute the editor or Miss Cox will receive it and proper acknowledgement made in next paper. We regret a larger amount was not handed in but we are sure it was overlooked by those that would like to have contributed but just forgot. The list to date as follows:

The Review, $2
D.H. Milton, $1
Mrs. Jesse R. Harrison, $1
Leonard-Beavans-Stamey Co., $1
Miss Etta Ireland, 50 cents
Moffitt Furnishing Co., $1

-=-

Mr. J.C. Kellum, a former resident of this place, died last week.

Lawrence Matton has about recovered from his recent serious accident, his many friends will be glad to learn.

Reduced prices on long coats at H.A. Moffitt’s.

A local concern, the Pittsburg Plate Glass Company has the contract for the plate glass windows for the new postoffice. It is expected every thing will be in readiness to open the new postoffice to the public by the latter part of February, if not before.

Dr. and Mrs. Tyree went to Oxford this week to attend the funeral services over the remains of the latter’s father, Mr. J.M. Currin.

Saturday night two negroes became engaged in a quarrel along the railroad in the eastern part of the city with the result that one of the combatants was struck in the head with an axe which plowed its way several inches across the noggin of one. Their troubles were told the Recorder Monday and a continuance of a few days was granted.

Another Robbery at the Same Place
Saturday night the British Woolen Mills was entered for the second time within less than two months and as before several suits of clothes were taken. The thiefs were particular this time and took only what “fitted” their form, leaving odd coats and pants in some instances. There was no bars or other safeguards against the windows and it was easy sailing.

A Nice Sign
Wrightenberry-Morrison Co., has placed an electric sign, a large boot, in front of their place of business. It attracts the attention of all who pass by. Other merchants would do well to also get up an electric sign for their places of business. Most all kinds of advertising pays.

Entertainments at the Churches
Monday night at the M.E. church a cantata entitled “Jolly times with Old Santa Claus.” Exercises begin at 7:30.

The same night at the M.P. church beginning at 7 p.m. an interesting entertainment will be held in which Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will take part.

First Baptist church a cantata entitled “the Greatest day of the year,” will be given this Friday night.

The First Presbyterian church will hold their entertainment on Monday night. A large number of special prizes will be awarded and the exercises altogether will be quite interesting.

This Friday night at the Friends church a Christmas Tableau illustrating the yuletide events in foreign lands.

This Saturday night at South Main street M.E. Church “Our First Christmas” will be an interesting cantata.

Pastor Resigns Sunday
Sunday at South Main Street M.E. church Rev. G.E. Eaves tendered his resignation as pastor. Mr. Eaves will travel for the present. Later he says his intention is to be an evangelist, secure a tent and preach the Word of God here and there. His successor has not been named yet.

Extension of Car Line
Work will soon begin on the extension of the car line from the corner of Main and Commerce streets to Hamilton and out Green street to a point beyond the silk mill. A large force of hands will be employed as the company has only four months in which to complete the work. Already the rails for another mile of track is here and the poles have been ordered.

This move forward by the Public Service Company looks good to High Point.

500 Hunters To Shoot at Pisgah National Forest Game Preserve, 1939

“Hunting at Asheville,” from the New York Times, Dec. 3, 1939

Asheville, N.C.—Five hundred hunters from all sections of the Eastern United States will enter Pisgah National Forest Game Preserve near here this week to take part in the sixth annual deer and bear hunt.

Supervised by the National Forest Service in cooperation with the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development, the hunts are held each year under strict regulations.

The hunts are held to reduce the deer herd to a number that can be adequately cared for. As food for the animals on the 97,000-acre preserve is only available for a certain number of deer, hunters are turned into the area each year to thin out the herds.

In all a total of 2,000 hunters will be allowed to seek kills in the area. The hunts will continue until Dec. 23.

Divorces Granted, Lawsuits Settled in Rockingham County, Dec. 9, 1920

Superior Court, from the Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Dec. 9, 1920

The December term of Superior Court lasted two days, but Judge McElroy remained over until tonight to hear motions, etc.

Five divorces were granted—3 to whites and 2 to colored. These were:

Bessie Floyd from Wade Floyd.

L.V. Privett from Sweete Privette.

J.A. Hathcock from Kate Hathcock.

J.B. Thomas from Bessie Thomas.

Lillie Davis from M.C. Davis.

In other court business:

Union Building Inc. vs R.G. Saleeby; ejectment suit from Hamlet. After selecting jury, the case was continued, the defendant to pay the costs up to and including this term.

L.E. Dye vs. Robert Morrison; ejectment. Jury finds in favor of Dye upon peremptory instructions. Defendant appeals. Error! Bookmark not defined.

J.F. Moore vs. J.P. Cooper and W.W. Adcock; foreclosing mortgage on auto and cow. Jury awards full amount of balance due ($285).

Linwood McLaurin vs. Great Falls Mill. Jury awards $500 to plaintiff.

Frank Gillis vs. Luray Mills. Consent judgement for $500.

Mrs. Alice Gibson et al vs. Junior Order. Suing for $500 insurance alleged due her late husband. After plaintiff’s evidence was introduced, the Judge ordered her case non-suited.

Not Paying Good Teachers What They Deserve Drives Them Out of The Profession, 1900

From the Watauga Democrat, reprinted from the Chadbourne Messenger, December 6, 1900

The time is drawing near for the opening of the fall and winter term of public schools and the matter of employing teachers is a subject that should be carefully considered.

The free school system is highly commendable, if conducted on the right plane. By it many an intelligent poor boy and girl have attained a sufficient education to successfully combat with the affairs of daily life. We know of many people today how have had no educational advantage except public schools, that are making successes in the several vocations of life.

But while the system has done a power of good, it has been seriously abused. It is the misfortune of some districts to have directors or committeemen, who for the lack of interest in education, or an improper conception of employing teachers, render the system a failure. School teaching is a science acquired by cash, good tutors, hard study and experience. In some parts of the country the impression prevails that any person who can pass an examination and get a certificate is a duly qualified teacher. This, of course, is a necessary requisite, but it is simply the first step in pedagogy. Successive steps are obtained by persistent study of educational literature and actual experience in the school room. The successful teacher must keep up with the times, and to do this he is at a large expensive, financially, physically and mentally. In view of the “cheap John” plan persisted in by some committeemen in employing teachers, what encouragement is there in thorough preparation for the profession? It is simply driving good teachers out of the business and leaving the field to “school keepers” who can be hired cheap, and who, by the way, might be worth the price of their salary on the farm, or in a crop of turpentine boxes.

Cheap teachers are the most expensive teachers. A two months school, taught by a teacher who is worth a good salary, is much more beneficial than a six months school taught by a poor teacher who doesn’t earn a small salary.

We are living in an enlightened age and if we would have our children fully prepared for the conditions that will be ushered in by the dawn of the 20^th century, we must see to it that they have the advantages of good schools, for here it is that they are prepared for the walks of life. If we would have good schools, we must have good teachers, and to have good teachers, we must pay them salaries that will justify them in preparing for the duties of the profession.

Marine Weldon Burlison of Yancey County Killed at Pearl Harbor, 1941

"Yancey County man was among those lost at Pearl Harbor," from the Mountain XPress, Asheville, N.C., published online Dec. 7, 2016

Weldon C. Burlison of Yancey County was stationed at Hickam Field with the 22nd Material Squadron, U.S. Army Air Corps, when he was killed by the Japanese on Dec. 7, 1941.

Weldon C. Burlison (also spelled “Burleson”) was born on Nov. 25, 1911, in Yancey County, and raised in Jacks Creek Township on a family farm. He attended Clearmont High School in Burnsville and Maryville College in Tennessee. Burlison enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on Aug. 16, 1934, serving four years in the Marine Corps. Between 1934 and 1938, he served in Marine Detachments at various stations and aboard various U.S. Navy ships around the world.

To read the rest of this story, go to https://mountainx.com/opinion/yancey-county-man-was-among-those-lost-at-pearl-harbor/

'A Date Which Will Live in Infamy' Dec. 7, 1914

Colored Teachers Association Met at Rockingham City School, 1921

“Meeting of the Colored Teachers" by Era A. Covington, from the Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Dec. 22, 1921

On Saturday, Dec. 10^th, the colored Teachers Association met at the Rockingham city school building. The meeting was called to order by Prof. H.H. Faulkener. “Holy, Holy, Holy” was sung. Mrs. H.E. Womble led in prayer. The Battle Hymn of the Republic was then sung. After some opening remarks by Prof. Falkener the reorganization was in order. Rev. S. E. McEachern was elected president of the association. Mrs. M.J. Houseton, vice president; Era A. Covington, secretary; Miss Musa E. Wall, assistant secretary; Mrs. H.E. Womble(?), treasurer.

Then the county superintendent Mr. L.J. Bell was presented, who in a very forceful manner stressed the importance of all teachers being present in these meetings and report on time. He then proceeded to call the roll. The following teachers were absent during roll call (though some of them reported later): Manie Stephens, Blanche Hines, Mary J. Leak, C.W. Dockery, Sallie B. Dove, Eva Gordon, Eliza Littles, Daisy Patterson, Ella Ingram, Millie Ingram, Florence Wooldard, Ruth Mumford, Nannie Littles, Rev. T.J. Leak, Corrinna Nichols, May McEachern, Ellen Daivs, Maggie Bowden, Nezzie Wall, Hattie Bostic, Lavanna Stewart, Lucy Wall, Annie Odom, Claudie McAlister.

After plainly emphasizing his disapproval for the absence and tardiness of teachers, he then explained that state’s plan of dividing the teachers into two classes in order to begin the Reading Circle Work. The order of division: All teachers holding provisional “A,” provisional “B,” temporary, elementary, Grammar grade, and primary certificates, study “charter’s teaching the common school branches.”

Those teachers holding county certificates meet at the same time and follow the same plan in studying the course arranged for them. He further stated that there must be ten meetings 45 minutes in length, or five meetings one hour and a half in length. He then discussed the salary schedule as laid down by the state, assuring that those who followed the state’s plan and raise the value of their certificate would receive better salaries.

Mr. O.G. Reynolds was then presented, who spoke of the rules and regulations governing compulsory attendance. He also stressed the importance of punctuality of both teacher and pupil, and putting in six hours real school work. He insisted that teachers maintain better discipline in their schools, be accurate in making the compulsory reports, and be alert to duty and serve the profession with efficiency.

Prof. James T. Taylor of Hamlet city school was then introduced. He made glowing remarks concerning the educational progress of our state and urged the teachers to take advantage of the opportunity given and do all in their power to render better service.

The president made some timely remarks after which the time was set for the Reading Circle Work. The teachers will meet the second Saturday in January and study the Reading Ciercle book each second Saturday for four months. The hour 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. At this juncture Mr. O.G. Reynolds stated that wherever there were indigent children between the ages of 7 and 14 and the correct report was made to him, he would make arrangement to supply them with books.

His statement was gratefully received by all. Mr. Reynolds has already shown his very deep interest in the educational uplift of humanity.

This ending the business of the meeting was adjourned to meet the second Saturday in January 1922.
            --Era A. Covington, Secretary

Federal Government to Help High Point Build Hydroelectric Plant, 1938

“City Seeks Power Plant,” from the New York Times, December 22, 1938

High Point, N.C., Would Obtain $6,492,600 from PWA

The Federal Power Commission has received an application from the city of High Point, N.C., for a major license for a 30,000 horsepower hydroelectric development to be constructed on the Yadkin River about twelve miles southwest of Winston-Salem and to be connected with High Point by two 26-mile transmission lines. The undertaking would be financed by a PWA loan of $3,571,000 and a PWA grant of $2,021,600—a total of $6,492,600.

It is proposed to distribute energy to industrial establishments in High Point and to the city’s present distribution system.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Bath, N.C., Restored, 1939

Photo of St. Thomas Church, Bath, N.C., by Ann Matwick, from her blog Biking Across America. To read this entry, go to: https://amatwickblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/dscn2227.jpg

“Restoration at Bath, N.C.,” from the New York Times, Dec. 17, 1939

Bath, N.C.—The restoration of North Carolina’s oldest church building in this State’s oldest town is now under way here, and within the next year it should look as it did when erected in 1734.

Under the auspices of the Bath Restoration Committee, with the cooperation of the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina and the North Carolina Historical Commission, this work on St. Thomas Church, “The Cathedral of the Diocese,” is the first step toward restoring Bath as a “Waterfront Williamsburg.”

During its 200 years the south wall of the red brick church had pushed out six inches; it is being straightened. The wooden vestry room, added to the original structure a century ago, is being razed. Original windows and doors are being replaced.

Richmond Is Greatest Peach County in State, 1921

From the editorial page of the Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Dec. 22, 1921, Isaac S. London, editor and proprietor.

Moore County is a great county, and her peach industry is a splendid asset, and deservedly so. But do you Post-Dispatch readers realize that Richmond County is now the greatest peach county in the State? This is a fact.

Figures just compiled show that up until this year the number of acres in peaches in Richmond County was 1,382. And now there are being set out trees on 1,884 additional acres, which will bring the total acreage to 3,266!

The Post-Dispatch will next issue have a detailed statement of the acreage in peaches in this county, and the names and number of acres of each peach farmer. Keep your eye on next week’s issue. It will amaze those of our folks who have had no idea of the peach development of the county.

Gun Enthusiast Finds Prize Black Powder Rifle in North Carolina, 1939

“Wood, Field and Stream,” By Raymond R. Camp, from the New York Times, Dec. 30, 1939

Some of the local gun-cranks certainly subscribe to the old saying of striking while the iron is hot, and we have received several letters, as well as phone calls and two personal appearances, since the column appeared on old black powder rifles.

A number of the correspondents verified my statement that the average hunter found his spare time hanging rather heavily on his hands during the Winter months. Several of them admitted to an interest in old rifles and wanted suggestions as to where one might be bought at a reasonable price.

One litter, written by Stephen Carman of New York, related the experiences of one gun-crank in this connection. Carman wrote that he first became interested in the muzzle loader in 1932 while on a hunting trip in Western North Carolina. While there he attended a local shoot, and was amazed at the accuracy of some of the old rifles. Before leaving the section he spent a day trying to buy one, but although he offered as much as $150 for an especially good specimen, the owner, who had never seen that much money at one time in his life, refused to consider the offer.

Finally Found a Prize
“Several of the men of that town gave me addresses where I might find one of the old rifles for sale,” Carman wrote. “The result was that it took me almost a week to drive back to New York. I visited small Carolina towns that I don’t believe are on the map, but found only three men who were willing to sell their heirlooms. Of these, two had rifles that were in very bad condition. The third one is now the prize of my collection.

“I stopped, after spending three hours inquiring my way, at the small farmhouse where the owner of the rifle lived. He had gone to a near-by town and was not expected back until late that afternoon. His wife knew of the rifle, however, and brought it down from the attic for my inspection. It was in excellent condition. She explained that her husband had never fired it, but that it had been a favorite of his father’s. The entire rifle, barrel and stock had been varnished, and the bore had been filled with tallow.

“The owner’s wife asked me how much I wished to pay, and I suggested $25. She then asked me whether I had the money with me, and said if I had I could take the rifle away. I realized that if my own wife ever did anything like that with one of my rifles I would be tempted to pack her back to her mother, so I decided to give this husband a chance to make his own bargain. He returned earlier than expected, and was pleased to let the old gun go for the sum mentioned.

In Perfect Condition
“When I returned to New York I spent almost a week cleaning the old gun, but when I finished I found it was in perfect condition. The rifling appeared to be as good as the day the gun was turned out by the hand of a master gunsmith. As it had been converted by the owner’s father from a flintlock to a percussion lock I merely sent off for a supply of black powder and had a friend with experience aid me in casting a few bullets. A bullet mold had come with the gun.

“I have since picked up, at second hand shops and country auctions, eight other muzzle loaders, paying from $4 to $35 each for them, but none of them even approaches and balance and accuracy of that first acquisition. I can get better groups with it, at any range up to 200 yards than I can with any other rifle in my rack, and I have several modern arms in various calibers.
…..

Silverplate Silverware as a Christmas Gift in 1948

Are you trying to think of a Christmas present? Silverplate silverware was an elegant gift in 1948. Here's a magazine advertisement for Rogers & Bros. silverware.

Duke Power Company Pays Charlotte $60,428.06 in Taxes; Gets One-Cent Rebate, 1939

From the New York Times, Dec. 7, 1939

Big Business in North Carolina


Charlotte, N.C., Dec. 6, (AP)—the Duke Power company, Charlotte’s largest taxpayer, sent to the city $60,428.06 for taxes. The city sent back to the utility a one-cent rebate, the smallest paid. The refund was mailed in a two-cent envelope.

Contribute One Day's Income to Orphanages, 1916

“Appeal to State for Orphans Aid,” from The Commonwealth, Scotland Neck, N.C., Tuesday, Nov. 28, 1916

Every Man, Woman and Child Expected to Take a Part…Give Plan Wide Publicity…”One Day for the Orphans” Movement Expected to be Great Success.

The North Carolina Orphan Association is calling upon every man, woman and child in the state to contribute on or near Thanksgiving Day one day’s income to the orphanage of his or her choice. The publicity committee composed of M.L. Shipman, James R. Young, and Hight C. Moore is making an earnest appeal for orphan aid in this way. A letter has been issued by the commission reading as follows:

The North Carolina Orphan Association again calls upon every man, woman and child in the State to contribute on or near Thanksgiving Day at least one day’s income to the orphanage of his or her choice.

A year ago this appeal was issued for the first time. The response was gratifying, not only because of the unprecedented gifts made to the various orphanages, but also because it revealed the tender and practical sympathy which our people feel toward the thousands of fatherless children.

In order that more adequate equipment and support may be provided, the “One Day for the Orphans” Movement was started calling upon all our people to add to the stream of regular contributions a special Thanksgiving offering equal to a day’s income. This is a reasonable request, for any one can share with the orphans the earnings of one day out of 365. It is practicable, for rich and poor alike can participate in it. It enlists our people of all creeds and classes in beautiful co-operation for the support of a needed civic and Christian philanthropy.

We, therefore, make our appeal to—

The prince of business to give out of his abundance the actual or estimated income of a day.

The landlord or money lender to give one day’s rent of his houses and lands, or one day’s interest on his money.

The professional man to give one day’s earnings, specifying the day or taking the average day.

The salaried worker to give his or her salary for a day.

The laborer with only pick-up jobs to devote some special day to this cause.

The good housewife with her ingenuity and devotion to set apart the work of a day.

The boys and girls with no regular income to get a job after school hours or on some Saturday and give the proceeds to the orphans.

In short, everybody, old and young, rich and poor, learned and illiterate, to join in this holy movement and thus to “visit the fatherless in their affliction.”

To this end we call upon the editors of our papers, daily and weekly, secular and religious, to give the widest possible publicity to this movement which is philanthropic in purpose and statewide in extent; we call upon all church leaders of all denominations, including pastors, Sunday school superintendents, women’s workers, and others of influence to urge in their respective congregations the giving of a day’s income to their respective orphanage; we call upon the officers of the various orders to bring this movement to the attention of each man in their membership and enlist him in this extra offering; we call upon teachers, doctors, lawyers, merchants, manufacturers and all others with local following and influence to induce their friends to unite with them in giving at next Thanksgiving a day’s work or wages to the needy orphans of North Carolina.

Here, then, is our appeal: Make it, if you will, with the prayer that our orphan children may be led into the larger life here and the life eternal hereafter. And may this concerted philanthropy for the fatherless help toward making next Thanksgiving Day the gladdest and best ever observed in North Carolina.

Delay in Certifying the 1916 National Election of President Wilson

Election disputes, from the editorial page of The Commonwealth, Scotland Neck, N.C., Friday, Nov. 24, 1916

And now at this late hour says the defeated candidate to President Wilson, “excuse me, I am late in sending in my congratulations, but because the election was close I hoped I would win, and you lose, so I have waited as long as there was a shred of hope.”

So the republicans are at it again in Buncombe county in demanding that the canvassing board should certify the returns of November 9^th, in other words, without further argument, declare Britt, the republican candidate elected, and not Weaver, whom they say has won.

California’s Secretary Balks

The cat is out of the bag. There always appeared a reason why Hughes and his manager returned to the fastness of their summer homes in November without admitting, or conceding, the election to Wilson.

Now it appears that Frank C. Jordan, Secretary of State for California, refuses to certify the election, and will not issue certificates to presidential electors, because he says that precinct No. 3 of Marysville, an insignificant borough, and the county of Orange, have been slightly irregular in the form of sending in their official returns.

It is stated that this may be a serious matter, and even invalidate the election of President Wilson, though Mr. O.K. Cushing, chairman of the democratic state central committee, does not attach much importance to it, nevertheless it is safe to predict that there is danger in this attitude of the state secretary, and none at this writing can prophecy the outcome, for the republicans are wily and will not be ousted without a great struggle.

Harry Truman, Who Was Sure To Lose, Elected President, 1948

“Truman and His Vice President,” from Life magazine, Nov. 29, 1948. Harry Truman, who became president after Franklin Delano Roosevelt death, ran for election in 1948 against Thomas E. Dewey, the Republican's candidate (who had also run against Roosevelt in the previous election), and Strom Thurmond, a Dixiecrat from South Carolina. The Democratic party had gone through an ideological split which resulted in Henry Wallace of the Progressive Party, and the far-right Dixiecrats running as third-party candidates, which experts thought would make a Truman win impossible. Truman won 49.6 percent of the votes; Dewey 45.1 percent; and Thurmond 2.4 percent.

Harry Truman, the man who came from behind to win another term in the White House, smiles happily with Alben Barkley, his vice president.

Truman and His Vice President…Old friends from Senate make a happy new team

The big, wide smiles shown on the opposite page symbolize something new in recent U.S. political history. Few presidents have been very chummy with their vice presidents. Roosevelt got rid of Garner after two terms, was no intimate friend of Wallace and accepted Truman as a compromise. But President Harry Truman and Vice President-elect Alben Barkley have been fast friends from the time they were both senators and members of a “ham and eggs club” which met weekly to swap stories. They seem to like the same kind of amusements, the same kind of kidding, the same Midwest jokes. This has been most evident since the election, especially during the vacation at Key West, Fla., where the old friends cavorted about together and kidded everyone in sight. When reporters asked the President if he would make news over the weekend, he replied, “I’ll go to bed at noon Saturday and won’t get up until Monday morning. When they turned to Barkley for anything newsworthy he could offer, he replied in the same vein: “I’m not talking about anything except the blueness of the water and the hotness of the sun.

This display of happy geniality contrasts with some of the aggressive, dead serious speeches made by the President in the heat of the campaign. But Alben Barkley of Padukah, Ky., who seldom lost his amiable air even during the trying years when he had to lead a divided Democratic party in the Senate, carried on with easy conviviality all through his arduous electioneering tour. He always seemed relaxed and prepared for anything. When addressing an audience he was constantly reminded of a fellow he had heard about. “This fellow,” he would confide to the crowd, “had two promising sons, but an awful thing happened. One of those sons when to sea and the other got elected vice president. He never heard of either one of them again.”

Barkley’s friendly, drawling humor was a highly useful vote-getting device. He got votes from the farmers when he told a rural audience about a farmer he had just been talking with. “This fellow told me,” he said, “that he was living better under Hoover than he is now. Seems he had more than one chicken for every pot then; he couldn’t sell them so he ate them all.” Although in this story, he evoked the name of the last Republican to be president, Barkley almost never mentioned by name the man who was trying to be the next Republican president. Once, however, he relaxed and used the name, largely to get away with an egregious pun. Addressing a group of people in the rain in Dover, Del., he announced that he would cut his speech short. “I don’t want you to get wet,” he explained. “In fact, I don’t even want you to get Dewey.”

During the campaign Barkley was beset with misfortunes, which would make it hard for almost anyone else to keep his sense of humor. Before one speech he lost his glasses and had to address a crowd he could hardly see. On another occasion he fell downstairs in the dark and wrenched his knee. 

'

At a fair in Illinois one of two steers, masquerading as a pair of 19^th Century oxen, almost ate his straw hat. Then, during a plane flight, he caught cold. “The man who sat behind me had his air intake pointed right at me and it blew on the top of my head all night so I caught cold.” He made the rest of that drip by car, carrying a thermos of water which he used periodically to wash down some cold pills a druggist had recommended to him.

Still, out of his long years as a popular speechmaker, he could find a joke for any occasion. When a group of men seemed to call for a story with just a touch of salt in it, he gave them the one about the fellow who “came into a bar to get another drink, but couldn’t recall the name of it. He told the bartender that all he could remember about the drink was that it was ‘tall, cold and full of gin.’ At that point a man leaning on the bar turned on him and snarled, ‘Sir, you are speaking of the woman I love.’”

When family groups were predominant in his audience, Barkley used the old stand-by, a mother-in-law joke: “This fellow’s wife had died and somehow there was a shortage of cars at the funeral. The undertaker asked the husband of the woman who had died if he would mind riding to the funeral in the same car with his mother-in-law. So the fellow answered, ‘Well, all right, but it’ll ruin my whole day.’”

Barkley’s mood since the election seems unchanged. Because he is a widower women reporters were quick to ask who would be his official hostess. Barkley’s reply was that he hadn’t decided, but he could not resist adding impishly, “There have been several applicants.” When someone reminded him that the Republicans had been talking about a big new home for the vice president, Barkley delivered himself of the observation that “If they build a $2,500,000 house for the vice president, nobody will want to run for president.”

Although the Vice President-elect is 70, he seems to feel as full of energy as he did 35 years ago when he began his career in Washington as a congressman. After the election a reporter told him that Present Truman’s aids had said the President did not contemplate running for another term. Did Barkley plan to retire in 1952? Barkley hitched himself over in his chair and answered in true Barklean style, “Well,” he said, “that reminds me of when Tom Heflin went back to Alabama to see about running something. When he got back to the Senate cloakroom colleagues asked if he were going to run. Heflin replied, “You can’t resist the clamorment of the people.’”

After Election Barkley Comments on 80^th Congress.

Shopping in Cuba, Barkley looks over leather novelties. During his Key West vacation with President Truman, he flew down to Cuba for a day’s sight-seeing, explaining that he would also make a courtesy call on Cuba’s president.