Joe Hall, Leading Apple Grower of Western N.C., Reviews 1901 Crop

“What Mr. Joe E. Hall of Waynesville Has to Say About the Crop This Year,” from the Charlotte Observer, as reprinted in The Progressive Farmer, Dec. 3, 1901

Mr. Joe E. Hall of Waynesville is one of the leading apple growers of western North Carolina. He has 75 acres in one orchard near Waynesville. Through the kindness of Mr. F.A. Hall, his brother, I had an opportunity to call on Mr. Joe Hall at his home. His farm contains 170 acres and his chief crop is the apple. From the orchard of 75 acres he sold $4,000 worth of apples last year. He began to set out the first trees about 15 years ago.

Mr. Hall is a very interesting talker on the subject of apples. Among other thing he said:

“The apple crop over the entire country is a failure this year. For the first time in 10 years I have missed. The average crop of this country is 45,000,000 to 48,000,000 bushels. This year the yield will not be over 25,000,000.

“In gathering my apples I sort them into three grades—firsts, seconds and thirds. After pulling them from the trees I put them in barrels, which I pack away in the apple house until the price justifies a sale. The best time to gather is from the 20^th of September to the 10^th of October.

“The picking is done by small boys. All care possible is taken not to bruise the fruit.

“I cultivate my trees. In the spring and early summer months I plow the ground with a shallow harrow and then sow in peas in July. The apples are larger and more bountiful when cultivated, but the sod ground makes an apple that will keep better. I cannot explain why these facts are so. But cultivate the ground and the yield is more certain and more prolific and the fruit large, but more apt to rot.

“I have trees on all four sides of the hills—east, west, south and north.

“My best apples are the Ben Davis, Winesaps, Newton Pippins, York Imperials, Missouri Pippins, Hoovers and Smith Ciders. I have other varieties in small numbers.

“Twenty-seven out of the 75 acres are bearing now and more coming in every year. The present bearing capacity of the orchard is 5,000 or 6,000 bushels, and will be 20,000 or 25,000 in five years. Last year I sold about 4,000 bushels and the year previous 1,500.”

Mr. Hall is well located and his modern improvements. His houses are good and the lay of his land convenient.

Waynesville is in the heart of a good apple section. It was just out of town that the late Mr. Geo. E. Boggs lived and grew his fine apples. His widow has had charge of the orchard since his death.

Robeson County Farmers Union Works to Get Fertilizer, 1917

“Farmers Union Meets December 19,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Monday, December 17, 1917. The war was making it difficult to obtain fertilizer.

A meeting of the Robeson division of the Farmers’ Union will be held in the courthouse here Wednesday of this week. The meeting will open at 10:30 a.m. This will be the last meeting of the year and officers will be elected for the ensuing year. A representative of a leading fertilizer company will be here on the date of the meeting for the purpose of discussing the fertilizer situation with union members. All members are urged to be present.

Walter Smith Writes Home About Life in France During WW I, 1917

“Walter Smith Tells of Life in France,” from the French Broad Hustler, Hendersonville, N.C., Dec. 27, 1917

Hendersonville Boy With Engineering Corps Writes Interestingly of his Observations and Experiences in France; Tells of Peculiar Customs of the French but Can’t Tell Them Anything About Sawing Wood

The letter herewith from Walter B. Smith, ‘somewhere in France,’ the son of Hon. and Mrs. W.A. Smith of Hendersonville, is quite interesting in its dealings with soldiery, peculiarities and customs of the French people.

Walter is master engineer of the 17^th Engineering Corps and a member of the regimental staff. Before enlisting in Jacksonville, Fla., last June, he was with the traction company of that city. He took his examination at Atlanta and after about a month embarked at New York for Europe. Walter enjoys life in France, but his people know not where since the censor allows no intimation of location in the letters. He is doubtless in Southern France, judging from his description of the growing flowers.

His letter will be of interest alike to friends and those who do not know him personally but want some first-hand information about a soldier’s life in France and the peculiar customs.

            Nov. 16, 1917

Dear Father:

I know that my friends and those who on account of age or conditions can never hope to cross “over here,” would like to know a few of those things that a soldier will find. Your paper gives the military conditions better than we could even if we knew much more than we do. The censors are very liberal and we can write almost all that we care to. Of course, we would not wish to give military information even if allowed. I will try to give in a brief way those little things that may be of interest to those who are coming or sending someone to do their “bit.”

We are allowed to tell of our parade through London, which was of great interest to us. The papers there have given the details with good description. You see we get them all over here even though they be a little late. You can imagine even though you are one of many, how it would feel to march before millions of people and their kin, and to be their guest with a reception line ten miles long, and a dinner at the end.

There seems to be a strong contrast between England with her multitude of brick houses, villages and cities of real old castles and the vast stretch of green fields that bring the dots of colors out more strongly; and France, with houses of old stone surrounded by wonderful little walled-in gardens with lazy windmills and attractive country estates here and there in a country whose natural landscape is more like the one we all love so much. In France you cannot help but feel the spirit of the wonderful romantic and historical experiences that she has had.

Among many of those peculiarities that make up the customs of these heroic people that have won the admiration of the world, I will mention only a few that to me seem entirely different from ours. If one is to ride as the citizens of the rural districts do, it must be in big two-wheel carts, many of them heavy and comfortable. Often you will see two, three or four horses spike team pulling a heavy two-wheel load but seldom do you see horses working abreast.

Bread is sold from carts by girls who give slices of bread instead of change, when one buys by the loaf. Those who work oxen have a yoke that is attached to the horns by strips of rawhide and the animal is protected by strips of sheep skin around the horns. They think it funny that we use a yoke and bows around the ox’s neck.

The farmers roll their furrows, that have been thrown up, with an iron or wooden roller that is shaped like a spool, and when the ground is planted the field, while in ridges, they are round and as regular and smooth as corduroy cloth.

It is amusing to see a Frenchman eat bread, cutting small pieces from a larger one which he holds just as we do an apple and the pieces are cut and eaten in small sizes and shapes that only one eating an apple with a pocket knife can imitate.

When it comes to sawing wood you would never guess that they hold the saw firmly between their legs and move the wood instead of the saw. I thought I would teach one the best way, but there were two saws and in the end he convinced me that his sticks came off quicker.

I have seen many places in France, have marched in parades where flags were flying from every window under arches of evergreens and have seen thousands of flowers strewn along the line of our march. Through hundreds of miles and among thousands of soldiers and citizens, I have never seen an American strike nor even quarrel with a Frenchman, for they are comrades indeed.

I could write much of the good food, fine fruits and wonderful flowers of France, but you see there is something that I do not write of and that is my work. I must stop soon for the bugle will blow and I must be doing “my bit.”

There is one little thing that I must mention and that is that while not used for other purposes the French women roll their baby carriages empty to the stores and markets, returning to their homes with their purchases mounted high, and even the babies have done “their bit” by staying at home.

You may tell my friends that I am well looked after every way but that letters are the only things that our dear old Uncle Sam cannot send; and it is the one thing that we like best. For each one I send the best Xmas wishes from “Somewhere in France.”
        Sincerely, Walter B. Smith

Charlie Gattis, a Model Railroad Man, Went to Work as a Small Boy, 1909

“A Model Railroad Man,” from The Farmer and Mechanic newspaper, published in Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 28, 1909

Nineteen years ago Charlie Gattis, as everybody in Raleigh called him, went into the Seaboard office as a small boy. He was so clever, so capable, so obliging and so resourceful that he was promoted to the best position the Seaboard could give him in this territory. He made business for the road; he smoothed away hard places; he was zealous to please patrons; and popularized the road with all who had business dealings with it. More than that, he has been a leader in whatever would advance Raleigh’s interests and by his faith in the town, his optimism, and knowing how to bring things to pass Mr. Gattis has been a citizen to whom Raleigh is greatly indebted. Raleigh felt that he was a fixture and a permanence, and the whole town alternated between rejoicing at his good fortune and regret at losing him when he was tendered the position of General Passenger Agent of the Georgia and Florida Railroad with headquarters at Augusta. This is a promotion in salary and in position, and when Mr. Gattis goes next week to enter upon his duties he will carry with him the best wishes of the whole city. And his wife, who in ways of charity and public good cause, has been most useful, will be likewise remembered. Their going is a big loss to Raleigh.

Christmas Week Doings From Hendersonville, N.C., 1917

“People and Events,” from the French Broad Hustler, Hendersonville, N.C., Dec. 27, 1917

George Massey of Horse Shoe is spending the holidays in Chicago.

J.D. Carpenter is visiting at Hendersonville.

J.E. Shipman was in Polk county last week on professional business.

C.N. Wrenshall is acting as clerk to the local exemption board.

George B. Cobb of Tryon visited his son, Charles, for the week-end.

Harry Waldrop of Camp Sevier, Greenville, is home for the holidays.

Miss Belle T. Dick left this week on a visit to relatives in Louisville, Ky.

Reginald Morris of Asheville was a visitor in this city this week.

Mr. Stelling of Augusta visited on Mills River this week.

Boyce Clement of Mills River spent Christmas in Asheville.

Harold M Smith of Cochran, Ga., was here last week to attend the funeral of his father, T.M. Smith.

Harry Hunter is home from Chapel Hill for the holidays. Mr. Hunter is taking a medical course.

Miss Gladys Hodges is home for the holidays from Stantonsburg, N.C., where she has been teaching.

Miss Sue Brittain, who has been teaching at Barnardsville, is at her home on Mills River for the holidays.

Miss Kate Shipman is home from Meredith college at Raleigh for the holidays.

Horace Bowen and George Shepherd of Alco, Tenn., are home for the holidays.

Miss Louise Hodges is home for the holidays from Brenau college at Gainesville, Ga.,

Early Hallman, an employee of the Commercial National bank of Charlotte, is home for the holidays.
Mr. and Mrs. F.E. Curtis and Miss Mary Burckmyer left last week for New Smyrna, Fla., to spend the winter.

Miss Jessine Brooks is home from State Normal college at Greensboro for the holidays.

Miss Carrie Drake of Charlotte visited her parents on Mills River during the holidays.

Mr. and Mrs. Hall Corpening of Asheville are visiting relatives on Mills River.

W.B. Lamb, a Henderson county boy, has moved from Nampa, R. 4, to Bowmont, Idaho.

Miss Lola B. Shipman, who has been teaching at Jonesville, S.C., is home for the holidays.

Miss Isabel Kethley of the Fruitland faculty, was the guest of Mrs. Cecil Rhodes Sunday.

Miss Martha Sullinger of Fruitland Institute was the guest of Mrs. J.L. Egerton Sunday.

John Begg of Sparanburg is visiting his mother, Mrs. Begg, and his sister, Mrs. J.F. Brooks.

Mr. and Mrs. O.E. Bass of Chester, S.C., is visiting the former’s parents, Judge and Mrs. C.M. Pace.

Walter Allen, who has been in college at the University, was in the city this week visiting relatives.

Quay Dotson, who has been attending the Georgia Tech., at Atlanta, is visiting his parents for the holidays.

Mrs. Hannah Enloe of Inman, S.C., was the guest of her sister, Mrs. N.E. Hesterly, during the holidays.

Lieut. Thomas Hyder was home on visit from the camp at Columbia during the holidays.

Joe Freeman is home for the holidays from New Bern, where he is linotypist on the New Bernian.

Miss Elsie Ficker is home for the holidays from Brenau college, Gainesville, Ga.

Miss Ruby Johnson of Columbia, S.C., visited her parents in the Mills River section during the holidays.

Walter Orr, who was on the Battleship Rhode Island, has been transferred to Philadelphia.

Miss Bessie Steedman and niece, Miss Sarah Steedman, left Saturday to spend Christmas at Camden, S.C., with relatives.

Miss Lucile Youmans is home for the holidays from Fairfax, S.C., where she taught mathematics in the high school.

Miss Bessie Aiken is home for the holidays from Washington, D.C., where she is private secretary to the adjutant general of the army.

Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Maddrey returned to Winston-Salem on Friday after attending the funeral of her father, T.M. Smith.

Mrs. Richard Earl Walker is in the city from Petersburg, Va., having been called here on account of the death of her father, T.M. Smith.

Col. and Mrs. S.V. Pickens have gone to Apopka, Fla., for the winter.

Mrs. M.C. Toms and Mrs. Sallie Hart have gone to Florida for the winter.

Miss Jennie Bowen of Asheville visited friends in Hendersonville Tuesday and Wednesday.

Miss Willie Carmichael of Davidson River has been visiting Mrs. E.H. Davis.

Miss Lena Latham is home from St. Mary’s college, Raleigh, for the holidays.

Mrs. C.N. Allison entertained with a Christmas party at her home on Fifth avenue Wednesday night.

Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Shipman entertained Wednesday night with a rook party.

Norman Miller and mother recently visited the latter’s son in Little Rock, Ark. Norman Miller returned Monday. Mrs. Miller is visiting in Pennsylvania.

L.A. Grant is home from Detroit, Mich., on a visit to his wife and children and also his parents. His father, Hon. John G. Grant, has been quite ill for several days.

Hugh Waldrop, Frank Bland, Jean Williams, Bill Hodges and Winbourne Beason arrived last week from Rutherford College for the holiday vacation.

Miss Isabel Freeman, who is connected with the Board of Trade work of Asheville, visited her aunt, Mrs. N.E. Hesterly, for Christmas.

Clyde McKinney is at home on Mills River for the holidays from Trinity college, where he is preparing for the ministry.

Charlie Norwood came in this week from Springfield, Mass., where he is linotypist on the Springfield Union. He is visiting his father, Vance Norwood.

Mrs. J. Boling has been attending the International Bible Students association in convention at Birmingham, Ala., where she is also visiting relatives.

A.P. Bell, who is teaching at Selica, having formerly taught in Henderson county, assisted Postal Clerk M.W. Galloway on the Transylvania division during the holidays.

Miss Minnie and Ray Aldridge of Columbus and Walker Aldrich of Landrum are visiting their sister, Mrs. J.E. Shipman, for the holidays. They were accompanied by Miss Bertha Kely, music teacher of Columbus.

Miss Nora and Margaret Wilkins returned last week from the Normal & Collegiate Institute at Asheville to spend the holidays with their people. They were accompanied by Miss Ola Rhea of Kentucky.

Miss Evah Blythe, who has been studying at the New England Conservatory of Music at Boston, is visiting her parents, Judge and Mrs. O.V.F. Blythe, for the holidays.

Misses Ruth Corpening, Margaret and Elizabeth Kimzey, Mae, Irene, Lydia and Susan Osborne are at their homes on Mills River from the Normal & Collegiate Institute at Asheville for the holidays.

George Gallamore, Bryan Ledbetter, Wilson Ward and Lance M. Read are home from the holidays from Christ school, which has closed until early summer owing to the fuel situation.

Miss Edmunds, formerly with the Pine Grove Lodge school but for the past year with Christ school, has gone to Hickory for the holidays. From there she will go to New York.

Lee Osborne, who for a long while has been bookkeeper for the Southern School Oil Co., at Augusta, Ga., has come to his home on Mills River, where he will remain on the farm in anticipation of being drafted at an early date.

William Shipman, who has been attending Mars Hill college, was in Hendersonville last week en route to his home in Raleigh for the holidays. He expects to attend the A. & E. college at West Raleigh [that’s N.C. State University now] after Christmas.

The Misses Stella and Della Brittain of Mills River gave a Christmas dinner to their friends on Tuesday, the guests being Mr. and Mrs. C.S. Corpening and children, Frank Gilreath and Miss Carrie Drake, William Holden and Miss Estella Jarvis.

Marion Trice is home from the State A. & E. college at West Raleigh, where he is taking a course in chemical engineering. Marion is in uniform since the students are members of the reserved officers training corps, which places him in line for work for the government upon his completion of the course.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Osborne were the guests of his sister, Mrs. J.P. Embler during the week. Mr. Osborne, a Transylvania boy, who last summer married Miss Bishop, also of Transylvania, is engaged in evangelical work, and he and Rev. J.C. Owen recently closed a good meeting at Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Osborne both have sweet voices and they delighted the congregation at the union service at the Baptist church Sunday night with a duet. They are making their home in Greenville.

Miss Gladys Glenn entertained about twenty young people at her home Christmas night. The guests were entertained with games, contests, music and social intercourse, the evening closing with the serving of refreshments.

The Young Men’s Fellowship class of the Methodist Sunday school recently elected officers as follows: president, E.D. Hyrne; secretary, J. Allen Rhodes; teacher, C.F. Bland.

J.T. Beason was the victim of a painful accident last week when his car collided with another near the depot. It was feared at first that his injuries were serious, but his rapid improvement does not indicate such.

Henderson county friends of M.S. Farmer and family, who a few years ago moved from Flat Rock to Washington, D.C., will be interested in the announcement of the marriage of his son, Dr. William Cuthbert Farmer, to Miss Florence Lydia Caddick of Washington on Nov. 28. They are making their home at 651 Lexington Place, N.E., Washington, D.C.

Miss Effie Davis and Ed Brown were married at the home of the bride, Mr. and Mrs. Andy Davis, in Columbia park, on Dec. 19 by Rev. W.A. Morris. The bride and groom left on a honeymoon for northern cities. They will make their home in Hendersonville after Jan. 1. The bride and groom were attended by Miss Mae Davis, a sister of the bride, with Glover Jones, and Miss Susie Sharp with Lee Allen.

Mrs. F.E. Durfee entertained with a linen shower in honor of Miss Bessie Hodges on Dec. 22, who was married on Dec. 26 to c. Few Jr. Sixteen invited guests were present, busy with needle and thread hemming dish towels and dust cloths for the bride. After a busy hour of sewing, a delightful salad course was served and the doors of the den were then thrown open displaying a most attractive tree laden with beautiful hand-embroidered lines of every description for the bride.

Henderson County Boys Training at Camp Caswell Given Eight-Day Passes for Holidays, 1917

“Sixth Company Boys at Home,” from the French Broad Hustler, Hendersonville, N.C., Dec. 27, 1917

Hendersonville has had quite a military air during the holidays as a result of the return of the boys from Fort Caswell, where they have been in training. Practically all the boys from this county are home except those who were punished for leaving without leave of absence, as was stated in the Hustler last week.

It is understood that the punishment of the boys who visited their homes here without leave consisted mostly of a fine of $40 each, though this information is not official.

Henderson county has a large enlistment in this company, which was a local organization.

The boys have been granted eight days’ pass. The list of names of those going with the Sixth Company Coast Artillery Corps from Henderson and surrounding counties follows. This list does not designate official ranks, transfers, promotions, demotions, discharges, etc., which could not be had officially.

Rolla V. Ladd, Wiltshire Griffith, J.B. Belk, Thomas G. McAbee, William G. McCall, Claude L. English, Wm. M. Pender, Zolla L. Reese, Herschel H. Allison, Russell Drake, Allen Hawkins, Tom Egerton, Geo. W. Belk, Louis Allen, Robt. W. McAhee, Donald Bly, Wm. F. Bradborn, Albert V. Edwards, Geo. Jamison, Merle S. Johnson, Fred S. Justus, Vernon Orr, Roy E. Sutton, John T. Henderson, Corbet Jackson, Roy C. Bennett, Chas. W. Bloom, Wm. F. Reese, Frank Davis, Henry A. Robertson, Wayland H. Beason, Carey J. Blythe, Carrol F. Blythe, Frank M. Bly, John S. Brown, Isaac H. Case, Albert J. Corn, Robert E. Corn, Lusk Cochran, Wm. H. Crook, McKinley Drake, Paul W. English, Russell Hernst, Overton L. Erwin, Sam Freeman, Henry C. Fowler, Furman Fowler, Hilliard Follier, Chester R. Glenn, Robert Gililand, J.W. Garren, Claude L. Hathcock, Carl Hardin, Harvey F. Hamilton, Otis L. Hoots, Daniel B. Huggins, Jesse P. Huggins, Jason Huggins, Jesse P. Huggins, Jason Huggins, Easley Hudson, Glover Jackson, Paul T. Johnson, Guy P. Jordan, Robert Jones, John L. Jones, James King, Fred Laughter, Alexander K. Lewis, Emmett E. Lott, Floyd L. Maxwell, Charlie Mace, John P. Mills, T. Manning Morris, Wm. F. McCall, Wilford McCarson, John W. McCrary, Roy N. McMinn, Ernest O. Nelson, Charlie Norris, Coy Orr, Thomas E. Osteen, Finley Pace, Ralph M. Pearson, Clifford Raxter, Will R. Reid, James O. Revis, Franklin Y. Revis, Thomas O. Rhyne, Henry T. Scruggs, Lantie A. Sentell, Wm. A. Smith, Grover A. Shipman, N. Pierce Spicer, Walter D. Stepp, Singleton F. Thompson, Joe R. Ward, Harry F. Williams, Harold Williams, Oren Willis, Robert L. Whitmire, A. Ficker, James P. Whorton, E.J. Anders, H.H. Case.

Christmas Was Ideal in Hickory, Reports Newspaper, 1917

“Christmas Was Ideal in Hickory,” from the Hickory Daily Record, Dec. 26, 1917

Christmas day in Hickory was ideal in every respect and children, with wagons and dolls on their little minds, had one grand time—some of them from 5:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Church bells at 5:30 summoned the members to the early morning services at two churches and at 11 o’clock there were exercises at other institutions. At the First Baptist church Mr. Bradshaw delivered a special sermon to the Knights Templar, who attended in uniform. The religious services at the various churches were well attended and in the afternoon, which was a beautiful spring day, hundreds were on the streets.

Police officers report that the conduct of everybody was good. In fact, it was remarkable how quiet the day was. There was no drinking, so far as the officers observed, and the usual noise of firecrackers was almost absent. Occasionally a big waker went off, but one did not hear the continuous sounds that are so general on Christmas day.

Jewelry Stolen While Dr. and Mrs. Nicholson Were at Church, 1916

“Burglars Steal Jewelry in Hickory,” from the Hickory Daily Record, December 18, 1916

One of the largest hauls ever made by burglars in Hickory was made Sunday night when unknown persons entered the home of Dr. and Mrs. W.H. Nicholson and carried off jewelry valued at $500 or more. There was nobody in the house at the time, Dr. and Mrs. Nicholson being at church.

The jewelry was left in the bedroom and the thieves made off with it without giving the alarm.

Among the articles stolen were two gold watches, a diamond ring, two plain band rings, on one of which was Mrs. Nicholson’s name, two bracelets, brooches and pendants, about $20 in money, including two $1-gold pieces and one $2.50 gold piece, together with a lot of miscellaneous jewelry.

Dr. Nicholson figures the loss at $500 at least and has offered $50 reward for the arrest of the miscreants.

Building Burns at State Sanatorium for TB Patients, 1917

"One of Buildings at State Sanatorium Burned,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Monday, December 17, 1917

One of the buildings at the State Sanatorium for the treatment of tubercular patients at Sanatorium, near Aberdeen, was burned to the ground Saturday night. A Lumberton man who passed there yesterday afternoon says he saw where the building had been burned but learned no particulars as to how the fire originated. The building burned was occupied by patients not confined to their beds, and so far as learned no lives were lost. It is said that the building cost $25,000.

May Christmas bring you everything that you are wishing for

Local and Personal News From the Monroe Journal, 1916

Local and personal news from the Monroe Journal, Dec. 15, 1916. For those of you who don’t know what a skin game is, it’s a rigged gambling game; a swindle. I had to look it up myself.

The residence of Mr. Carl Bailey in Marshville was totally destroyed by fire at 12 o’clock last night. The family was in bed, but managed to escape in plenty of time. A good deal of the furniture and clothing were saved. It is said that Mr. Bailey carried from $1,500 to $2,000 insurance on the house, which does not cover the loss. The house was a good two-story one, and was situated near the Marshville Presbyterian Church. Our informant did not state the origin of the fire, or whether it was known.

Mr. John W. Tarlton and Miss Maggie Love, both of Goose Creek township, were married yesterday by Esq. M.L. Flow. These young people are prominent and well-known throughout the county.

Mr. Baxter Williams cannot understand why housewives are boycotting eggs and chickens when there are none to boycott. What few drift in find a very unsteady market. It is said that eggs were bringing as high as 42 cents yesterday, and they were selling readily at 40 cents this morning.

Old Herndon Hasty comes across with the information that Monroe will be treated to an old time big minstrel sometime during the Christmas holidays. The show will be given by local talent, and we understand that efforts are being made to get Mr. T.B. Laney to be one of the comedians. Thus with Messrs. T.B. Laney, Clarence Laney and Herndon Hasty as comedians, or “end men,” one would be assured of a pleasant evening. And the band may be able to render music for the occasion, unless some of the members develop cold.

W.J. Bryan is the most distinguished guest that Mr. N.G. Russell has ever entertained, but there have been many lesser personages registered at the Gloucester. Governor Locke Craig has spent a few nights there during his lifetime, and so has Ex-Governor W.W. Kitchin. Bob Glenn, a member of the Lame Duck Roost, has also been entertained by Mr. Russell, and so have many State Judges and some prominent politicians. And, as is well-known, Secretary Houston was born in the old building. Bryan’s name was written in big, sprawling letters on the hotel register—a singular signature that would be recognized anywhere.

Do you remember the old fable about the dog and the bone; how the dog, with a big juicy bone in his mouth was crossing a stream when he saw the shadow of the one in the water, and how he dropped the sure enough bone to jump into the stream after the fancied one? Mr. Charlie Helms has been holding six bales of cotton all these days for 25 cents, even when the market was paying 21 cents; but the recent slump of nearly four cents from the high mark prices has brought him to grief. Unless the market recuperates, Mr. Helms stands to lose about $120 on the lot. But he is not alone on the raft. One well-known farmer is said to have 15 bales that he was holding for higher prices when the slump came. It is the opinion of many, however, that the market will come back stronger than ever in a short while. If so, the laugh will not be on these gentlemen.

Mr. W.E. Steward, who is keeper at the county home, says they now have 38 inmates, which is the largest number on record since 1906. All of them are enjoying good health; except “Lindy,” who has been suffering with pneumonia for several weeks. Everybody at the county home, especially “Rush,” misses Mrs. Stewart, who died a couple of months ago.

Dr. J.E. Hart of Wadesboro and Esq. H.T. Baucom, who were appointed a committee to investigate the case of two white paupers, Mr. and Mrs. Sasser, who were members of the Anson County Home, decided that it was the duty of Union County to care for them, as it was claimed that they had lived just across the Union line prior to their home being accepted in the Anson County home. A claim for two years support, which the Anson commissioners alleged was due them, was also allowed. The two paupers are now in the Union County Home.

There will be a basket supper at College Hill Schoolhouse on Wednesday night, Dec. 20^th. Oysters will also be served. Proceeds will be used for the benefit of the school.

Nearly $7,000 in good hard cash will be turned loose in this county within the next few days when Confederate veterans and Confederate widows cash their pensions, for the Clerk of Court R.W. Lemmond received them today. They are already signed, and only await the endorsement of the pensioners to be cashed. All who are on the pension list can get them by calling at the Clerk’s office.
Charles Moser, one of the darkies who was playing in John Mungo’s “skin” game, which was raided Monday night by Mr. T.B. Laney, escaped at the time by diving head foremost through a window glass. Mr. Laney had him spotted, but Charles is not fond of paying Recorder’s court fines, so he tried to make a get-a-way Tuesday night. Lacking apparel befitting a gentleman of his state, he swiped a suit case, filled with duds, from Will Young, colored. He then hiked down to the freight yards to await the coming of his special freight, but a couple of flagmen became suspicious and grabbed him. They held him with an iron clasp until Mr. Laney reached the scene. Judge Lemmond found him guilty in the Recorder’s court Wednesday morning on both the charges of gambling and larceny. For the first offense he drew 40 days, and at the expiration of that term he must serve 80 days longer on the larceny charge.

Mr. R.W. Siggers, who has been living near Unionville for several years, has swapped his farm for one near Chesterfield Court House and has moved to it.

Every time something happens Mayor T.L. Kirkpatrick of Charlotte has to send a telegram to somebody. His latest was a cablegram to the German Kaiser, congratulating him on his bid for peace. Messrs. Bob Houston, Amos Stack and John English, noticing that the Charlotte mayor was always sending telegrams but that he never received any, opened up and sent him the following message this morning: “We, young men of Monroe, do petition your Highness to send cables to all the belligerent nations to stop the strife in Europe immediately. Monroe Peace Committee.” If mayor Kirkpatrick sees fit to comply with the request of the Monroe young men, one feels reasonably sure that the boys will be out of the trenches by Christmas.

Capt. S.H. Green, the retiring Potentate of Oasis Shrine Temple, was signally honored once more on last Tuesday by his brother Nobles, who elected him a delegate to the Imperial Council, which convenes next year in Minneapolis, Minn. There are only four delegates appointed from this state, and as there are thousands of Shriners in North Carolina, one can easily see what a distinction it is to be one of the representatives. Capt. Green was also presented with a handsome shrine emblem by the members of Oasis Temple.

Miss Norma Bell has returned from an extended visit to friends in Baltimore.

There will be a Christmas tree and cake contest at Mt. Pleasant Schoolhouse on Christmas eve. Everybody invited.

Dr. E.S. Green received a telegram Wednesday evening stating that his mother was seriously ill at her home in Louisburg. Dr. Green left immediately for her bedside.

The Ladies’ Aid Society of the Baptist Church will sell chicken salad and fancy work at the Union Drug Store Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Rev. W.W. Whitley will not fill his regular appointment at Maple Springs the third Sunday.

The fifth Sunday Union of the Union Baptist Association will meet with the Meadow Branch Church on the fifth Sunday in December. A large attendance is requested.

There will be preaching at Union Grove next Sunday at 11 o’clock, and at Zion at 3 o’clock by the pastor, who will also preach at Brief the fifth Sunday at 11 a.m.

Messrs. Collins & Hargett advertised a horse and a mule for sale in the penny column of The Journal last Tuesday. The papers went out on the routes to the subscribers on Wednesday morning and by Thursday three inquiries had already been made respecting the sale. No sale has been made, but as they are still calling, the horse and mule will probably be disposed of before many days pass.

Fatal Auto Accident in Gastonia, 1916

“Fatal Auto Accident Yesterday in Gaston,” from the Hickory Daily Record, December 18, 1916

Gastonia, Dec. 18—Gamewell Smith, aged four, was instantly killed, his father, Barnett Smith, a well-to-do merchant of King’s Mountain, and the latter’s wife were badly bruised at 6 o’clock last evening when Smith’s car turned turtle a mile west of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Jason Fry, also of King’s Mountain, who were riding with them were more or less seriously injured. The party had been to York, S.C., and were in route home when the accident occurred. Fry was driving, having asked Smith to let him try his hand at the wheel and stating that he had had experience running automobiles.

They met another car. In passing it the young driver apparently became excited and put on full speed. He lost control of the machine and it left the road, turning over twice. A two-year-old baby of Smith’s which was in his mother’s lap, was also badly bruised and may be injured internally.

Eastern Carolina and Virginia Doctors' Meeting held in Washington, 1917

“Seaboard Medical Association,” from the Charlotte Medical Journal, 1917

The 21^st annual meeting of this useful medical organization of Eastern Carolina and Virginia doctors was held in Washington, N.C., December 19-21, 1916, under the presidency of Dr. D.T. Tayloe, the well-known surgeon of that attractive Eastern Carolina city. The president’s address, “The Struggles and Successes of Surgery,” was well conceived and elicited much favorable comment.

A number of excellent papers were presented evoking, almost without exception, lively discussions. Of special note may be mentioned the following papers:

Pneumonia—Dr. J.L. Spruill, Columbia, N.C.

Post-Operative Adhesions—Dr. P. St. L. Moncure, Norfolk, Va.

Bone Surgery—Dr. Joseph T. Buxton, Newport News, Va.

Intensive Treatment of Syphilis—Dr. T.V. Williamson, Norfolk, Va.

Polio-Myelitis—Dr. L.T. Royster, Norfolk, Va.

Dacro-Cystitis—Dr. H.W. Carter, Washington, N.C.

Early Diagnosis of Tuberculosis—Dr. J. Howell Way, Waynesville, N.C.

Tuberculosis—Dr. Charles R. Grandy, Norfolk, Va.

A public health session, attended largely by an audience of Washington’s intelligent men and women, was an interesting feature of Wednesday evening. Health talks were made by Dr. C.R. Grandy, Norfolk, Va.; Dr. Smith of the U.S.P.H. Service, and Drs. J. Howell Way, Cyrus Thompson, and Charles O’H. Laughinghouse of the North Carolina State Board of Health.

Dr. Tayloe, as presiding officer was at his best, and though surrounded with the disadvantages inherent on the busy doctor who presides over a three days’ meeting of a medical society in his home city, he called the sessions on time, and kept business moving rapidly.

The discussions were quick, apt, and always to the point, more than one of experience in the larger national societies, commenting on the spirited nature of the comments following the various papers.

The social features were delightful, a smoker Tuesday evening, an elaborate banquet following the public health meeting on Wednesday evening, and private dinners, all having the fine flavor of Eastern Carolina hospitality have every doctor a most charming visit with desire to come again.

The banquet at the Hotel Louisa with covers for 100 guests was to the older of Carolina doctors a gentle reminder of some of the annual dinners of the N.C. State Medical Society, in the years of the past era, repeating in the lavishness of its completeness in every detail of the elaborate menu, with ample solids, liquids and gases, for the entertaining of the guests, the banquets given in Fayetteville in 1888 or Charlotte in 1887 and 1906.

Norfolk, Va., was selected for the 1917 meeting.

The following officers were elected:

President—Dr. Kirkland Ruffin, Norfolk, Va.

First Vice-President—Dr. Joseph L. Spruill, Columbia, N.C.

Second Vice-President—Dr. R.L. Payne Jr., Norfolk, Va.

Third Vice-President—Dr. Ira M. Hardy, Kinston, N.C.

Fourth Vice-President—Dr. R.L. Raiford, Sedley, Va.

Secretary—Dr. Clarence Porter Jones, Newport News, Va.

Treasurer—Dr. George A. Caton, New Bern, N.C.

All 10 Adult Children of Monroe Millers Home for Christmas, 1916

“Children Gather for Family Reunion,” from the Hickory Daily Record, Dec. 27, 1916

Nine splendid young men and one equally fine woman, all the children of Mr. and Mrs. Monroe Miller, who lives four miles northeast of Hickory, sat down at one table Christmas day at the first reunion of this family in eight years, and old and young were happy. Six grandchildren and Rev. and Mrs. J.E. Barb completed the group.

Mr. Miller reared nine sons and one daughter and from the time the children were born until one by one they began leaving the parental roof, the services of a physician were not called for. They are fine specimens physically, and what is more to the delight of the mother and father, all the children ae worthy of their good parents.

The children present were Raymond Miller, Youngstown, Ohio; Asley Miller, Detroit, Mich.; James Miller, Marion, and B.W., Edward, Cleveland, Arthur Vernon and Marion and Mrs. frank Ekard. Four of the children are married.

H.C. Hines Shot In Face by Boy Experimenting With His 22-Calibre Toy Pistol, 1909

“Struck by Bullet,” from The Farmer and Mechanic newspaper, published in Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 28, 1909

Mr. H.C. Hines Painfully But Not Seriously Hurt

Kinston, N.C., Dec. 25—Last night while riding down Queen Street in a hack Mr. Harvey C. Hines was struck in the face by a bullet, fired by some unknown party, and was seriously wounded. The bullet was of 22-calibre and Mr. Hines thinks it was fired by some boy from a toy pistol. It struck just below the eye and penetrated the skin, but did not break any bones. It may have been a nearly spent ball from a rifle, but it was most probable that some boy in experimenting with a 22-calibre cartridge in his toy pistol did the damage.

Henry Dean Slips, Dies When Gun Discharges While Hunting, 1917

“Killed by Accidental Discharge of Gun,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Monday, December 17, 1917

Mr. Henry Dean of Red Springs Killed While Hunting—Theory Is He Slipped on Ice and Gun Was Discharged by Striking Cross-Tie

Mr. Henry Dean, aged about 18 years, of Red Springs was killed by the accidental discharge of his gun while out hunting Thursday afternoon. When Mr. Dean failed to return home Thursday night a party of Red Springs citizens went in search of him and soon found his body lying cold in death beside the railroad track on a trestle crossing the Big Raft Swamp near Red Springs. It is thought Mr. Dean slipped on the snow and his gun struck a cross tie in a manner in which it was discharged. The load entered his head. No inquest was deemed necessary.

Deceased was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Dean of Red Springs and was engaged in the mercantile business. He was prominent in the business and social life of Red Springs and had many friends.

Jane McKimmon Club Christmas Party, Other Social News From Rockingham, N.C., 1921

“Route 3 News” from the Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Dec. 22, 1921

The Jane McKimmon club held its regular meeting Friday with Mrs. Florence Covington. It was decided at the meeting that everybody bring a 10 cent present to the Xmas tree at the Harrington school house Dec. 26^th, and the present anyone brings will be given to some one else, and someone else’s present will go to you. As you enter the door, you hand your 10 cent present to a committee composed of Mrs. Ralph Hutchison and Misses Effie Ingram and Chloe Covington. They will take your present and put some one else’s name on it, and take some one else’s present and put your name on it, so in this way everybody will get a present, and no one will be slighted. Then other presents for friends and relatives may be given without going through the committee’s hands. The club adjourned to meet on Friday after Xmas with Mrs. Lowe. Then we go next day down to Wolf Pit, and with several other clubs, to have a big time.

The Misses Covington who are teaching away will return the latter part of the week to spend the holidays with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Covington. Miss Catherine from Albermarle and Miss Ethel from Fairmont will arrive Thursday night. It is doubtful whether Miss Pratt can come; she holds a responsible position at Goldsboro in the Odd Fellows Orphanage.

The Maske’s are going to move. We hate to give them up, but hope they will be pleased with their new home.

Miss Effie Ingram returned last week from a visit since the last of November to her aunt, Mrs. Long, in Lilesville.

Rev. Mr. Bruce Benton preached an able sermon Sunday p.m. at Cartledge’s Creek. He is preaching for us till we can secure a pastor, and we are indeed glad to have him.

Mr. and Mrs. Willie Graham have been visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. N.A. Graham.

County Girls Profit In Extension Service Canning Clubs, 1914

By Susan O. Elliott from the Cleveland Star, as reprinted in the Western Carolina Democrat and French Broad Hustler, December 17, 1914

Girls of the County Grow $1,399.90 Worth of Tomatoes, $61.50 on One-Tenth Acre

There were enrolled in this county for canning club work from December 1913 to December 1914 85 members. Only 38 of them made reports. Their reports state that 25,838 pounds of tomatoes were produced on club gardens and that 7,581 3-pound tin cans were put up from same. 2,275 glass jars and tin cans of tomatoes, string beans, peaches, apples, berries and other edible products of the farm have been produced.

Total value, $1,399.50

Cost, $349.60

Profit, $1,049.90

Average cost per member, $9.20

Average profit per member, $27.44

Miss Annie Alexander of the Faillston club made the best record. She put up 322 3-pound cans of tomatoes and 36 10-ounce bottles of tomato catsup from her one-tenth acre garden. These products represent $61.50 in cash values. She put up 480 glass jars of fruits and vegetables other than from her club garden.

The second best record was made by Miss Johnnie Dixon of the same club. She put up 500 3-lb cans of tomatoes valued at $50.00 from her one-tenth acre garden. She put up 72 glass jars of fruit and 200 cans of peaches in sugar syrup.

Miss Mildred Allen of Elizabeth club made the third best record. She put up 322 3-lb cans of tomatoes and used some fresh from her one-tenth acre garden. Her crop represents $43.50 in cash value.

Owing to unfavorable weather conditions and some other things our girls have not made as good record as girls in some of the other counties, but our financial returns are great enough to encourage us to continue the work. In these times of depression it would seem the part of wisdom to put as much into it as possible. Our people are beginning to see that at all times wholesome food is a marketable commodity, and that the surplus on their farms may be turned into a substantial income.

Earnest teachers cannot serve their communities better than by interesting their girls in the canning club work. Through it they may have an opportunity of co-operating with their parents in providing better fruits and vegetables, and a greater variety of them for home use, and of making some money of their own. The pleasures they get from club meetings, canning parties, etc., and the feeling of independence that comes from having money without having to ask father for it will go a long way towards keeping them content on the farm. Some girls are making enough to pay their expenses through school that could not have gone if they had to depend on their parents for funds.

Then it is a work that a girls can carry on and live in her own home, one that her parents approve, and one that helps to fit her for good housekeeper and home maker. Her training is not to stop with learning to can well. Each county agent is expected to grow gradually into a consultant housekeeper for the county, promoting home economics in the country schools by her small cooking clubs, giving instruction in butter making, marketing farm products, grading and packing eggs, impressing the gospel of sanitation and promoting “get-together clubs.”

It is impossible to me to say how many miles I traveled during the four months I worked, as the roads are not posted and I have no way of determining the distance. I wrote about 150 personal letters and mailed about 250 circular letters and mailed about 250 circular letters, held 25 meeting and canning parties and helped individuals with their canning. Our girls were so scattered I could not serve them as well as I should like to have done. Next year we hope to have larger clubs where we are organized and have new ones.

Nursery School, Parent Education Center Established at Bennett College, 1939

“Negro Child Gets Pre-School Study, Bennett College Also Promotes Parent Education in North Carolina, Community Environments Are Studied, Proper Habits Encouraged, from the New York Times, Dec. 18, 1939

The opening this Fall of the Nursery School-Parent Education Center at Bennett College in Greensboro, one of two liberal arts colleges exclusively for the education of Negro women in the United States, marked the beginning of scientific training for the Negro pre-school child in North Carolina. The establishment of the center was made possible through a grant from the General Education Board of New York City. The ultimate aim of the project is the development of Negro family life in the local community.

“Home,” said Dr. Flemmie P. Kettrell, director of the school, “is the place where life patterns are made and is the environment in which the development of the child is largely determined. Statistics show that the greatest amount of crime and delinquency are associated with homes that are poorly managed.”

Environments Are Studied

J.T. Morton Jr., Professor of Psychology, recently made an exhaustive study of Negro families in Greensboro and Dr. W. Edward Farrison, head of the Department of English, used as the basis of his doctor’s dissertation at Ohio State University a study of the speech practices of the Negroes in Guilford County.

With these specific data, with general information and with carefully selected physical equipment at their disposal, the director and her two trained assistants set up the Nursery-Parent Center with accommodations for twelve children. The behavior of parents and children from the community is observed, for the most part without the children’s knowledge, with the hope of effecting satisfactory changes in the child’s environment and adjustment in personality to meet these changes.

Proper Habits Encouraged

Daily records are kept of each child’s home and school activities, and these in turn are periodically entered upon his chart. The children spend two hours each morning at play in the sunshine. At noon they have wholesome lunches, and are put to bed. After their noon nap they play again in the open for one hour. Each child is considered individually and receives the care that his case history requires. Proper habit formation is a major concern of the director.

Dr. Kittrell’s plan includes three distinct units of the Nursery School-Parent Education Center. Besides the Nursery School, it is proposed to establish a Parent Institute where the parents of the community and throughout the State may come to the college during the Summer months for guidance and carry back to their respective communities sufficient information not only to elevate their own living standards, but also to promote similar projects when they return home.

Finally, there is a proposed Consumers’ Center, where parents may learn to budget their resources so as to get the greatest amount of returns from the money they spend for home making.

Double Murder of Mr. and Mrs. John Dixon, Shelby, N.C., 1911

“Double Murder Committed,” from The Review, High Point, N.C., December 22, 1911

The Most Atrocious Crime in Annals of Cleveland County—A Farmer and Wife Victims

Shelby—A pretty little country home that was the scene of comfort and happiness and thrift and prosperity a few days ago was the scene of the most horrible crime in the annals of Cleveland county. Mr. and Mrs. John Dixon were brutally and horribly murdered before daylight in their new home, 10 miles above Shelby, just off the main road between Fallston and Lawndale, and Hack Ross and John Ross, two negro brothers, are held as suspects of the crime.

A thousand or more people stood about the desolate home as the coroner’s inquest proceeded, hoping that evidence would place the guilt on some party, so that they may avenge the crime. The sentiment is strong against Hack Ross and if the coroner’s jury fixes the blame on him, lynching may be expected. Sentiment is at fever heat, but the good citizens are determined to be sure of their move before they take the law in their hands. They know Hack Ross made a threat that there would be “somebody missing in the neighborhood” if they took his meat, and Mr. Dixon had a mortgage on Ross’ hog. Ross could not pay for the hog and brought it back to Mr. Dixon, but the sentiment seems to be that this seemingly friendly feeling was feigned to cover up the awful crime he had planned. And, too, Ross lives about a quarter of a mile from Mr. Dixon’s and tracks were found by Chief of Police Jetton and Deputy Nelson Lattimore that exactly correspond to the shoe Ross was wearing because of heavy tacks in the heels.

The Farmer's Wife Magazine, December 1924

Due to Christmas Deluge, Post Office Will Be Open on Sunday, 1916

“Post Office to Have Sunday Hours,” from the Hickory Daily Record, Friday evening, Dec. 22, 1916

With the Christmas mail already reaching the proportions of a rush and a great part of the packages to be received, indications are that the local post office will do the largest Christmas business in its history.

The general delivery and carrier windows will be open Sunday from 8 to 10:30 a.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m. for the benefit of patrons who may call for their mail.

Monday holiday hours will be observed and the windows will be open from 10 to 12:30.

Miss May Paschall of Contennea Weds Prominent Young Railroad Man of Richmond, 1909

“Tucker-Paschall,” from The Farmer and Mechanic newspaper published in Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 28, 1909

Virginia Gentleman Weds Wilson County Woman—On Northern Honeymoon.

Wilson, N.C., Dec. 25—Miss May Paschall, the pretty and winsome daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Paschall of Contennea, some three miles south of Wilson, was united in marriage Wednesday evening at 10:30 to Mr. W.H. Tucker, a prominent young railroad man of Richmond, an employe of the Atlantic Coast Line.

Rev. Mr. Speigel, pastor of the Christian Church, united the happy couple, leaving with a party of relatives and friends for the home of the bride on the southbound shoofly, returning on the northbound. Both trains were late on account of the heavy Christmas traffic. The bride and groom left last night for Washington and other points north on their honeymoon.

Bill Mooney Regrets Quarreling, Killing His Friend, 1916

“Remained With Victim All Night,” from the Hickory Daily Record, Saturday evening, Dec. 23, 1916

After having shot and almost instantly killed Ed Culbertson, wood foreman of the Ritter Lumber Company at Edgemont, Bill Mooney, a log loader employed by the same company, built a fire and remained with his victim through the night, according to persons arriving in Hickory today from the lumber town.

The men were good friends and the killing is said to have been the result of a quarrel. Details of the killing were not learned, but passengers stated today that Mooney, as they left Edgemont, was sitting by the corpse.

Gifts for Ford Owners Included a Radio, Exterior Mirror, Heater, 1948

Items that are standard on today's cars and trucks were purchased separately in the past, thus making the perfect gift for an automobile owner. Here's an interesting list of suggestions for Ford owners, which includes a radio, lights, an exterior mirror, and a heater. This advertisement is from a 1948 issue of Life magazine.

Mrs. Harry Deft Killed, Four Others Injured in Car Accident, 1940

“Mrs. Harry Delf Killed,” from the New York Times, Dec. 17, 1940

Four Others in New York Family Hurt in Road Mishap in South

Fayetteville, N.C., Dec. 16 (AP)—Mrs. Jean Delf, 37, of New York City, was killed and four other persons were injured near here on the Dunn highway this afternoon when their automobile skidded on wet pavement and overturned several times

Harry Delf, 48, an author, Mrs. Delf’s husband, suffered severe chest injuries, and their son, Harry Jr., serious back injuries. Their daughter Enid, 11, suffered a lacerated scalp and hands, and Mrs. Sara Densen, 58, mother of Mrs. Delf, had a knee injury.

Harry Delf, a former vaudeville actor, wrote several comedies for the screen and stage, including “The Family Upstairs,” “Sun Showers,” a musical comedy, and ‘Six Feet Under.” He was one of the principal actors in the 1926 edition of the Earl Carroll Vanities.

Susie Toms to Wed Lt. Stamey, 1917

From The Review, High Point, N.C., December 20, 1917

Lt. Stamey to Wed     

The editor has received the following invitation announcing the forthcoming marriage of his cousin, Lieutenant Roderick A. Stamey:

“Mr. and Mrs. Charles Morgan request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Susie Toms, to Mr. Roderick Alexander Stamey, lieutenant in the United States army, on Saturday, the twenty-ninth of December, at 11 o’clock in the morning, Methodist Episcopal church, Hertford, N.C.”

Local and Personal News, Hickory Daily Record, 1916

“Local and Personal,” from the Hickory Daily Record, Friday evening, Dec. 22, 1916

Most of the snow is gone at any rate, but this was the sort of wind that blows through one’s whiskers.

Another case of scarlet fever developed yesterday, a small son of Sergeant Gene Sigmon having contracted the disease. It has been two weeks since another case occurred, and there are now only three in town, one of which will be released from quarantine in a few days.

Mr. C.B. Yount is at home for the Christmas holidays from the Atlanta Dental College.

Mr. A.E. Warner and son, Mr. Crommer of Thomasville are visiting Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Warner.

Mrs. J.S. Jones and children are spending Christmas at Eufola with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Wilson.

The Alexander County ferry was frozen up Wednesday, and Hickory people began to talk about a bridge across the river at that point.

Misses Lucile and Katherine Coone and Master Charles Coone of Gastonia are visiting their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Miller.

Miss Kate Miller of Gastonia arrived in the city today to spend the holidays with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Miller.

Mrs. F.E. Nichols who was wired to go to Charlotte Wednesday to witness an operation upon her niece, is expected home today or tomorrow.

Some unusually fine new calendars are being issued and one of the prettiest being the calendar presented to patrons of the First National Bank.

Dr. Fred Campbell, who is taking a full course of dentistry in the Dental College at Atlanta, Ga., is home for the holidays and is looking well. He says it is cold in Atlanta but no snow.

Mr. H.A. Sacks of New York, after spending a few days in the city in the interest of the Hickory Hosiery Mills, for which he is the New York agent, left for home yesterday afternoon.

Mr. C.D. Moose of Charlotte spent several days in the city.

Mr. Earl Nabors of Spencer spent yesterday in the city.

Mr. George Barnhardt of Lenoir was a Hickory visitor yesterday.

Mr. E. Bryan Jones returned home this morning to spend the holidays.

Mr. J.C. Seagle of Lenoir was a business visitor to Hickory today.

Mr. Bailey Patrick is at home for the holidays from Davidson College.

Mr. W.M. Reese of Hendersonville has returned to Hickory for the holidays.

Mr. Elvin Bumgarner, a law student at the University, is home for the holidays.

Mr. Clyde Herman is home from a business college in Kentucky to spend the holidays.

Miss Ethel Starnes who has been in school at Elon College, is spending the holidays with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Starnes.

Miss Katheryne Shuford returned last night from St. Mary’s, Raleigh, to spend the holidays with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Shuford.

Comments From the High Point Review, 1911

“High Point Review” from the front page of The Review, High Point, N.C., December 22, 1911

--Butter and eggs are high again, but something always is.

--The right place to censor postcards is in the manufactories.

--Winter is acting as if it has found the right place to settle down.

--It is suspected that somebody at the Medicine Hat has left the door open.

--Military experts have devised a gun for killing aviators. But what’s the point?

--This is the time for the cold weather prophets to shout that they told us so.

--California’s first woman jury acquitted an editor. He must have been a good looking feller.

--Another aeronaut threatens to fly across the Atlantic. He is said to be a good swimmer.

--Sometimes a man goes through the life as a dictator and sometimes he marries his stenographer.

--A York, Pa., man ate a live mouse, there being now accounting for tastes, as we have said before.

--It must be a great experience to be engaged to a girl who can say “I love you” in 54 languages.

--Dr. Wiley says that American cooking is the worst in the world. Eating must be an awful chore to Dr. Wiley.

--Once more tailors and coal dealers are taking some interest in life. Also trade in thermometers is brisk again.

--A Chicago man who has been hairless for 50 years now has a full beard, easy as a pork millionaire acquiring culture.

--Sea captain in love with a Maryland maid eloped by mistake with her twin sister. However, it’s all in the family.


--A college professor advises all men to wear whiskers. Evidently he has been cut up by a barber and wants to get even.

--We see by the papers that an Indiana girl was hurt playing football. Evidently she was training to be a suffragette.

--A Philadelphia clergyman says that no business man can be honest. All isn’t gospel that is dealt out from some pulpits.

--A New Hampshire manufacturer of 77 has married a girl bookkeeper, so his estate will be straightened up properly.

--If the boxing game continues to lose its popularity it will soon be necessary for our boxers to join their brethren in China.

--The man who rocks the boat, having had a chance to rest up a bit, is now engaged in dragging the gun through the bushes.

--An Andover professor complains because Harvard men sit up when they pray, but how he would complain if they sat up to play cards!

--A college professor announces that the earth will cease revolving in 5321. Now then some game sport ought to bet him a million that it won’t!

--Chicago proposes to give all the streets names easy to pronounce. But that won’t make any difference with the conductors who call them off.

--Connecticut grave digger, 85 years old, celebrated his birthday by digging his own grave. Some people have queer ideas of amusement.

--The young fellow in Massachusetts who has reached the age of 21 without having kissed a girl may be a virtuous youth, but it strikes us that his early education has been neglected.

--The earth, we are told, will be habitable for the next 10,000,000 years. This announcement will case a feeling of relief among those who have been thinking of leasing apartments on Mars.

Methodist Boys Busy Collecting Items for Needy, 1916

“Baraca Boys Busy Collecting Gifts,” from the Hickory Daily Record, Friday evening, Dec. 22, 1916. 

Last night in spite of the rain and mud, the Baraca Class of the Methodist Church left the following letter on the porches of the town:

Dear Friend,

Again we extend to you an invitation to help the poor of our city by giving us cash, groceries, clothing, canned goods, confections, an order on your groceryman for groceries, or anything that would bring comfort to people in want.

Last year we sent out on Christmas even four wagon loads of good things, and we had clothing which we gave out until the winter was over. We clothed entire families, we gave good overcoats to men who were sick and not able to work, we gave several coat suits to widows who were in need, and we fitted up scores of little children who had been suffering with cold and hunger, and we were enabled to do this because the good people of Hickory gave us more than $500 worth of goods to do it with.

We thank you for what you have given us during the past years, and trust that you will help us again this year.

We receive gifts from the good people of our city regardless of church affiliations, and we therefore distribute to all who we find in need and if you know of any such and will give us their names and addresses, ages etc., we will appreciate it.

We will call for anything you may wish to give us Friday night, December 22 1916, and if you will have your package ready and placed outside of your front door with the enclosed tag on it, we will get it without bothering you.

Please don’t forget to have your package ready as we will call for it between 6 and 10 o’clock rain or shine.

Thank you again for your help in the past and wishing you a very merry Christmas, we are, very truly,

Young Men’s Baraca Class of the First M.E. Church.

The boys will call again tonight for anything that might be left on the porches, and if anyone did not find a letter this morning it was because he was accidentally missed by the boys or that the wind blew the letter off. But the boys will call at every house tonight between 6 and 10 o’clock, and even if anyone did not get a letter, anything that may be left on the porch will be found and appreciated.

This distribution of good will take place in Mrs. Lawrence’s building on Ninth Avenue on Christmas day and anyone who will call may see these articles.

Japan Launches Undeclared War on United States, Planes Blast Hawaii, Manila, 1941

The North Carolina Digital Heritage Center is a statewide digitization and digital publishing program housed in the North Carolina Collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Digital Heritage Center works with cultural heritage institutions across North Carolina to digitize and publish historic materials online.

Metal Roof Limits Damage in Fire at High Point Savings Bank, 1911

“A Threatening Fire Sunday,” from the front page of The Review, High Point, N.C., December 22, 1911

High Point Savings Bank Has Narrow Escape—Damage Mostly by Water

The fire department was called out Sunday evening about twilight to fight a fire located in the office of the High Point Savings & Loan Co. in the Elwood block. The fire had its origin in a closet in the back part of the building and was making considerable headway when the firemen arrived. The cause of the fire is unknown. The metal roofing overhead evidently saved a larger loss by fire. As it was the fire was confined altogether to the bank quarters.

Hickory Volunteers to Give Food Baskets to Deserving Families, 1916

“Empty Stocking Fund Is Now $315.50,” from the Hickory Daily Record, Friday evening, Dec. 22, 1916

Fifty or more baskets filled with substantial food will be distributed among the poor of Hickory and suburbs Monday morning by the Volunteers of America, thanks to the manner in which the contributions have been coming in to Captain Coy in the last few days. The baskets will cost about $100, the Christmas tree will be an expense of something like this amount and the remainder will go to the winter relief fund. This will be spent as necessity dictates.

The contributions received up to today amounted to $315.50, an increase over yesterday of $46.25. That is a good showing for Hickory and there is reason to believe it will be even better.

The contributions announced today follow: H.S. Smith, $5; J.H. Aiken, $2; Dr. K.H. Nicholson, $5; J.L. Leach, $1; Dr. T.C. Blackburn, $3; Prof. H.B. Hemmeter, $5; G. Mohlman, Conover, $5; Drs. Hicks and Hicks, $1; Mrs. R.J. Setzer, $5; and Associated Charities, $14.25.

The Volunteers will send out at least 50 baskets to poor deserving families on Monday morning Dec. 25. Each basket will contain a chicken, peck of potatoes, two pounds of sugar, one pound of coffee, pound of butter, canned goods, can of cream, two loaves of bread, and pie or cake.

Any person who would like to assist in this worthy undertaking by sending a basket can phone Capt. Coy 153-J, or send contribution to their home, 837 Eighth Avenue, or over Chero-cola building.

Christmas Gift Ideas, 1948

For a merrier Christmas, you can be sure if it's a Westinghouse!

Mary Clodfelter's News From Rt. 4, High Point, Dec. 9, 1920

Mary A. Clodfelter’s High Point Route 4 News from the High Point Review, Thursday, Dec. 9, 1920

Conrad Wyer’s dog was run over and killed by an automobile driven by a son of Mr. Horace Hayworth of near this city.

Minnie Wyer and Janie Clodfelter visited R.M. Clodfelter’s on last Sunday.

The writer has been asked why the news from this route does not appear regularly. (The news last week reached us too late for that issue but appears this week. We try to get all the news in if it reaches us on time—Editor.)

Early Hine of Wallburg and Mrs. Treva Cook were happily married just before Thanksgiving. Also

Mr. Royford Murphy of near Bethany and Miss Lillie Reed of near Bethany.

Miss Lou Hine, who has been sick for the past three years, is some better at this writing.

D.E. Clodfelter was in High Point Saturday on business.

Alf Clinard is building an addition to his dwelling. Homer Motsinger of High Point is the contractor.

Wilmer Clodfelter is staying with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Y.C. Weavil.

Mr. Lafayette McGhee called in to see the writer and family Saturday of last week, which was an enjoyable event.

Mrs. D.W. Wyer, who has been on a visit to her son and family, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Wyer, has returned to her home.

Aldine Moore is the proud father of 12 boys, none of them over two years apart. Who can beat it. Mr. Moore is bookkeeper at Gorrell Warehouse.

Messrs. L.F. and D.E. Clodfelter and Charlie Hines, Robert Smith and son Percy, Master Oakus, Edward and Richard Clodfelter all went hunting Thanksgiving Day and brought back four cotton tails.

The writer spent Thanksgiving evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lute Weavil who lately had the misfortune to lose their home by fire. We carried some needed things for the home like many others had done.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Reed while en route to Winston last week had a break down, an axle to their Ford going bad, which cost $50 for repairs.

A northbound auto broke down on the road last week carrying, it is said, 60 gallons of liquor. Autos are doing more damage than any other one thing.

The writer called to see her brother, L.D. Wyer, Thanksgiving and found him much better.

Mr. and Mrs. D.E. Clodfelter were in High Point Saturday shopping and came back in the rain.

Mr. and Mrs. Mack Clodfelter are all smiles—it’s a girl.

There was preaching at Friedland Church Thanksgiving. The proceeds went to the Woman’s Home of Winston, largely maintained by the Moravians.

Hudson Vance, 90, Dies in Fire That Destroyed His Cottage, 1909

“Negro Burned to Death,” from The Farmer and Mechanic newspaper published in Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 28, 1909

Was 90 Years Old and Was Consumed in Fire Which Burned His Home

Asheville, Dec. 25—Hudson Vance, a negro about 90 years of age, was burned to death some time last night when his cottage on the Alexander Road, about six miles from here, was destroyed.

The old negro, formerly a slave in the Ray family, and also an employee of the late Senator Vance, was living alone on a small farm, which the Rays had given him as his support for life.

When assistance reached the burning cottage, the charred remains were found in the dying blaze. The fire is supposed to be accidental.

Mott Brockington, Claude Church, Mrs. Hugh Dobbin Injured in Explosion at Patterson School, 1916

“Patterson School Is Scene of an Accident,” from the Hickory Daily Record, Friday evening, Dec. 22, 1916

Lenoir, Dec. 22—News has been received here of a serious accident at the Patterson School at Legerwood, this county, resulting in three people being badly hurt by the explosion of a kitchen range caused from the freezing of the water pipes. One of the students, Mott Brockington, had a leg broken and was otherwise seriously injured; Claude Church, also a student, suffered the loss of several fingers, and Mrs. Hugh A. Dobbin, wife of the principal, suffered slight injuries. The explosion was terrific and is considered almost miraculous that no one was killed. The range was completely wrecked, causing much damage to the kitchen. At last reports the injured persons were getting along very well.

Christmas Greetings from The Fieldcrest Mill Whistle, Dec. 1952