Charlie McCarthy's Benzine Buggy

So what's a benzine buggy? Is benzine another word for gasoline? Did the article in the newspaper contain a typo? Was it supposed to be spelled benzene? Apparently not. Here's a toy manufacture in the 1930s and a gasoline-powered car was called a benzine buggy.

Wallowy Startown Road Captures Three Benzine Buggies, 1918

“Startown Section Had Good Shower,” from the Hickory Daily Record, July 27, 1918

The Record is reliably informed that the Startown section was visited by a good shower yesterday afternoon. It is said that there were evidences of the rain in the road leading from the Startown school to Craig Shuford’s farm, where Uncle Craig and Professor McIntosh entertained a party of Hickory sports—and here the term is used advisedly—last night and this morning.

The men, about a dozen all told, went down in three automobiles and struck the rain belt about the time they reached the Dutch Dairy farms. Nature was a little better to the crops from that point on to Uncle Craig’s house, and the roads presented a wallowy appearance as the three benzine buggies worried over it. Another automobile joined the party from Newton.

Just as the first two automobiles started out of the front yard, and after Dr. W.B. Ramsay remarked that home was not just around the corner, a rear axle snapped. Two cars had glided out safely, and that left two machines there to look after the load—and one of them was out of action. Along towards 1 o’clock a happy thought struck Mack and he and Gus Self motored to Mr. McGill’s close by and borrowed his Buick, and at 1:15 the two machines started home—but they came by way of Newton. Mack was driving the borrowed machine and when he got to town he put in some more gasoline and returned. Mack is sure some hard working man.

But the crops were looking fine and Uncle Craig’s cotton was as good as any seen in the county. The young corn along the road, especially that at the Dutch Dairy Farm, was looking straight up, and all other crops were doing the same.

Those in the party visiting the genial hosts were J.D. Elliott, Dr. W.B. Ramsay, W.A. Self, B.B. Blackwelder, L.F. Abernethy, A.G. Kirkpatrick, A.K. Joy, Rev. W.W. Rowe, Charles H. Geitner, and S.H. Farabee.

There was evidence that the house was filled with smoke, as the good weeds were burned up, because one of the little Macks said so—in his own way. The youngster liked the comments that were made on those fine peaches and cantaloupes that were passed around so freely.

With Commercial National Bank in Bankruptcy Court, Its Former Vice President Will Sell Insurance, 1932

“Banker Passes Exam as Insurance Agent,” from the Brevard News, Thursday, July 14, 1932.

Raleigh, July 14—E.B. Crow, for many years active vice-president of the Commercial National Bank, Raleigh, now in the bankrupt court, was one of the 62 applicants who passed the tests and were granted licenses to sell insurance in North Carolina by the State Insurance Department, Insurance Commissioner Dan C. Boney reports. Ten of the 72 taking the tests during the last two weeks of June failed to pass.

Judson McCrary Gives 300 Pounds of Cabbage to Welfare Board To Help Feed Families in Dire Distress, 1932

“Cabbage Given to Welfare Board,” from the Brevard News, Thursday, July 14, 1932.

More than 300 pounds of cabbage was given the Brevard Welfare Distribution department by Judson McCrary last week, and all of the cabbage was given out before the expiration of the week.

Several men were given work and they worked earnestly while in two cases where work was found the unemployed applicants failed to show up. The two cases were refused any additional aid by the welfare board.

Supplies of Red Cross flour and other items are being given out only to families in dire distress, a complete investigation being made and the food given at the discretion of Chairman C.M. Douglas or an investigating committee.

Sgt. Huffman of Hickory Buried in Flanders Field American Cemetery

The body of Sgt. John D. Huffman of Hickory, killed on July 16, 1918, could not be returned to the United States for burial. His remains lie in Flanders Field American Cemetery, and his marker is Plot C, Row 4, Grave 8.

Soldiers of the 119th Infantry, 30th Division, entering the trenches at Watou, Belgium, on July 9. Image courtesy of the National Archives. 

Flanders Field American Memorial and Cemetery as it looks today:

John D. Huffman, Hickory Boy, Killed In Action, 1918

“Sergt. John D. Huffman Is Victim of Enemy Bomb,” from the front page of the Hickory Daily Record, July 27, 1918

Popular Hickory Boy and Brother of Capt. Geo. L. Huffman killed on Second Day of German Offiensive in Soissons-Rheims Salient…Memorial Sunday

Sergeant John D. Huffman, son of Mrs. Davidson C. Huffman, was killed by a German aerial bomb on July 16, according to a telegram received today by the other from Adjutant General McCain at Washington He was the first Hickory boy to be reported either killed or wounded. His death occurred on the second day of the German offensive, which press dispatches said at the time was accompanied by all sorts of bombardments from large naval guns and the air. He was tentmate of Sergeant John H.P. Cilley Jr. and was stationed, it was thought, in the rear of the actual battle at the time.

The New York Times of Sunday gave the list of units in General Pershing’s first army, which is operating in the big offensive of the Rheims-Soissons salient, and in the list were several North Carolina regiments, including the engineers regiment, of which the 105^th engineers train, though not mentioned, is a part. The list of units participating will be given at the close of this article.

Sergeant Huffman, who was a brother of Capt. Geo. L. Huffman, was in the command of First Lieut. Frank Laurence Cline, and was rated by him as the best mess officer in the United States. He was popular with his comrades and young John Cilley thought the world of him.

Many recall the fine young man as he appeared in Hickory. Handsome of stature, gentle but fearless, he commanded respect and won warm friendships. He had been in the service between six and eight years, enlisting in old Co. A while Capt. G.W. Payne was commander, and retaining his membership even while he resided at Waynesville for a time. As a boy he was employed as a Western Union Messenger and Manager Foster said today there was none better. Outgrowing his position, he became an employe of Hutton & Bourbonnaise Company and no man in that big plant was more respected by all.

Sergeant Huff was about 27 years old. He was a sterling young man in every way and he died as he would have preferred—fighting for home, country and right. Details of his death probably will not be received until some member of his company writes the facts home.

The famous “rainbow” division also is on the Soissons-Rheims front. The first army contains units from 31 states and the District of Columbia. The commander of the 105^th engineers is Col. Homer B. Ferguson, and second in command was Dr. Joseph Hyde Pratt, lieutenant colonel. Major Geo. L. Lyerly of Hickory is commander of a battalion and Lieuts. Cline and Joseph L. Cilley of Hickory are other officers in the engineers.

A memorial service will be held Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for Sergeant Huffman, who was a member of this church. Dr. F.C. Longaker will conduct and friends of the young man are invited to be present.

The telegram from Adjutant General McCain reads:

“Mrs. Davidson C. Huffman, Hickory, N.C.

“Deeply regret to inform you that Sergeant John D. Huffman, engineers, is officially reported as killed by an enemy aerial bomb July sixteen.”

Other North Carolinians also on the list of killed and wounded this week include Private Turney Page of Wilson, who died of wounds, and Private Harry M. Joyner of Concord, who was wounded severely.

With First Army

In the New York Times of Sunday was published the list of North Carolina units in the first army, to which Sergeant Huffman was attached. The list includes:

30^th Division (North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, Major Gen. George W. Reid commanding

59^th Brigade of Infantry:

117^th Regiment (3^rd Tennessee Infantry)

118^th Regiment (1^st South Carolina Infantry)

114^th Machine Gun Battalion (three troops of Tennessee Calvary)

60^th Brigade of Infantry:

119^th Regiment (2^nd North Carolina Infantry)

120^th Regiement (3^rd North Carolina Infantry)

115^th Machine Gun Battalion (three troops of North Carolina Calvary)

55^th Brigade of Field Artillery:

113^th Regiment (North Carolina)

114^th Regiment (Tennessee)

115^th Regiment (Tennessee)

105^th Trench Mortar Battery (one troop Tennessee Calvary)

Engineer Troops:

105^th Regiment (North Carolina)

Signal Troops:

105^th Field Signal Battalion (South Carolina)

Trains:

105^th Headquarters and Military Police (South Carolina)

105^th Ammunition Train (South Carolina)

105^th Supply Train (North Carolina)

105^th Sanitary Train (units from all three states)

Division Units:

Headquarters Troop (one troop South Carolina Calvary)

113^th Machine Gun Battalion (Tennessee and North Carolina Infantry)

Only Sensation-Mad City Dwellers Like Jazz, Sexy Broadway Shows, Says Channing Pollock, 1930

From The News-Record, Marshall, ‘The Established Newspaper of Madison County,’ Tuesday, July 1, 1930

Broadway, the most renowed Gay White Way in the world, doesn’t even support its own appetite for jazz, sensation and sexy shows, Channing Pollock, author of The Enemy and The Fool and a host of other serious and clean plays, declares in an article in the current American Magazine.

Outside of New York, in the far reaches of the country, is the stable public, the backbone of the American nation, which supports good plays. That class, he adds, which supports good books and the same mode of living that is traditional with America, will always be in the majority. Sensation-mad city dwellers cannot support the noisy institutions that brand America as decadent.

“There are more lights in library windows than there are on Broadway. You may not be aware of them, but they are there,” Pollock continues. “The city newspapers may be catalogues of crime and the country may be dotted with night clubs. But men and women get married and the majority of them stay married. Flaming youth makes matrimony and the football teams. It achieves parenthood and normal healthy children.”

Pollock cites the past year in the theatres of New York. The year began, he says, with an inundation of sex and murder plays, at the apex of what is known as the jazz age. Before Christmas, all but one of those truck gardens had disappeared and Easter found the New York stage without a single success that did not deserve it. Reviewing plays of the last decade, he finds that not a single lasting success was built on sex or crime in plays. Even the light comedies were those without objectionable lines. Twenty-eight archaic instincts of sentiment, loyalty, or pity. “There may be a rash on the face of civilization,” Pollock concludes, “but its heart is still beating vigorously, and its feet are still marching on and up.”

Letter From Deceased N.C. Soldier and Other News About Local Soldiers, 1918

“Richmond County Soldiers” from the front page of The Rockingham Post-Dispatch, July 18, 1918

As can be seen in the Casualty List in this issue, John Franklin Blalock was killed in action in France between June 1^st and 18^th. He was in the 49^th Company, 5^th Regiment of Marines, and enlisted in March of last year. He was born near Cheraw but spent most of his life farming in Wolf Pit township. His father, Julius Blalock, lives in Hamlet. Mrs. John Sandy Covington last Friday received a letter from young Blalock, written May 27^th, from “Somewhere in France.” And his letter breathes such a splendid spirit that we are publishing extracts from it.

“Your letter was most welcome and felt to me just like a letter from mother. No, I am very glad to say I am still in France and not in Germany. I won’t mind going to Germany a bit, but I can assure you I shall never go there as a prisoner, for if they can’t kill me I think I have had enough training in that line to do it myself. Not that I mean to commit suicide but I just don’t intend falling into such ruthless and barbaric hands as a prisoner.

“How I would like to be back in St. Paul! Yes, I am sure that everyone at home is interested in we boys in France. I am sure everyone is doing his or her bit to keep us here until we shall have accomplished what we came for. We soldiers know that our people are wholeheartedly behind us---in conservation and saving to the end that this war may be shortened and we returned victorious. You who are putting forth every effort in producing food, and encouraging us by word and deed, are doing just as much towards winning of the war as we soldiers and marines who are actually on the fighting line. So don’t forget that while you loved ones at home are praying and working for our welfare, we will use every inch of our manhood to try to prove ourselves worthy of title of a true American. Write me soon, for your letters are a great relief in time of trouble and sorrow. I am, yours sincerely, John F. Blalock.

And so another bright life has gone into the maw made by the hateful Huns. Doesn’t a letter like the above inspire YOU to fresh resolves to SAVE and WORK and still ore to do your BIT I order that our boys may be unshamed when they return?

Frank P. Graham of Charlotte, who entered the Marines as a private, has been promoted to 2^nd Lieut. He is at the marine training school at Quantico, Va. Frank is a son of Prof. Alexander Graham of Charlotte and is a brother of David S. Graham, who was a few weeks ago killed in action in marine activities on the western front.

Oscar Flowers, colored, on July 13^th was classified in the Emergency Fleet roll. He has gone to the government shipyards.

Grady Garrett, who has been stationed at Camp Greene for some time, in the aviation personnel, is now on the high seas bound for France.

Herbert Stansill Smith, one of the 15 sent to Camp Jackson June 25^th, was on July 12^th given an honorable discharge on account of physical disability.

Fred Taylor’s address is Co. 7, Sec. 3, 2^nd regt. Naval Training Station, Charleston, S.C.

Arthur Morgan, who last week completed a special mechanical course of two months at the State A. & E. College at Raleigh, [now N.C. State University], was sent Saturday to Camp John, Jacksonville, Fla.

Monroe Warburton was to report in New York July 15^th for Y.M.C.A. work overseas as a motor mechanic, but on the 13^th he received a wire ordering him to remain here until further advised. The delay is due to a congestion in headquarters in New York.

Ten of the technicians who have been training at the State A. & E. College for the past two months have been recommended to take a course at the Central Officers’ Training Camp to become officers Among the ten is Leon E. Pender of Moore County.

W.R. Bowles was in receipt of a letter July 10^th from his grandson, Charlie Bowles, who is in France, in Co. L 120^th infantry. The letter was dated June 13^th. Young Bowles writes that they give the soldiers plenty of tobacco, but he was hungry for a plug of good old “Apple.”

Second class seaman Hal Ledbetter writes that the Wrightsville bathing girl is at least making an effort to conform to the regulations laid down by the Beach board of aldermen, and the bare legs of a week ago are now encased in dainty socks that extend almost above the ankle.

Norman D. Bridgers came home from Camp Sevier last week on a furlough, and just before returning to camp Friday night he and Miss Sallie Gertrude Cude of Guilford County were united in marriage, Rev. Mr. Page of Hamlet officiating. Norman is 22 and was sent to Camp Jackson with the “124” May 25^th, and three weeks ago transferred to Camp Sevier.

Allison Page, son of Mr. Frank Page of Aberdeen, was wounded in action in France June 2^nd. He is in the Marine Corps. Allison, who was a freshman at Trinity College [now Duke University], enlisted when only 19 and landed in France June 26^th, 1917. Just a year later, his father, Capt. Frank Page who is with a railroad unit, landed in France for service. He has a younger brother, Frank, who is at a naval training station.

Joseph H. Haywood’s address is Co. 5, section 2, Naval Training Station, Charleston, S.C. He went there last week. In a letter to his parents a few days ago, he told them not to worry about him, that he was liking his new life and getting on nicely.

Mr. Calvin McQueen of Pee Dee mill No. 2 is determined that his son, Alex, shall read the home news; and he has ordered the Post-Dispatch to be sent to the young man, who is in Company b, 120^th infantry, American Exp. Force, France. Alex volunteered two years ago and has seen strenuous service fighting on the Mexican border He landed safely in France about six weeks ago.

Lonnie J. Butler of Hoffman landed overseas over a month ago. A letter written to his relatives June 18^th stated that he is well and enjoying his new experiences,. His address is Truck Co. 1, 1^st Corps Artillery Park, A.P.O. 703, American Exp. Forces, France, via New York.

Dr. P.M. Abernethy has been a practicing veterinarian here for several months. About 10 months ago while in Iowa he put in his application for the Medical Reserve Corps. Last Saturday he received notice that after July 21^st he must hold himself in readiness to report for duty on 24 hours’ notice. A veterinary branch of the army now has 1,700 officers and 10,000 enlisted men.

Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Abbott went to Camp Meade, Maryland, last week to see Mrs. Abbott’s brother, Andrew Jackson Cottingham. Cottingham’s home is in Roberson County but at the time of the registration last year he was working at Camden, New Jersey. He was drafted and sent to Camp Dix by the Camden board six weeks ago, and 10 days ago was transferred to Camp Meade. Last Thursday his division left camp for a port of embarkation and by now they are on the high seas Franceward bound. Quick work that: six weeks training; but then these men will be drilled and trained for two or more months in France before being assigned to actual fighting. Let us hope young Cottingham will be as good a soldier as his namesake, “Old Hickory.”

Shem Kearney Blackley of Hamlet, one of the 1919 registered men, was on July 16^th accepted at the enrolling office of the Navy recruiting station at Wilmington.

Mrs. R.D. Phillips of Laurinburg received a letter from Don Phillips last week stating that he just returned from a week’s stay in a hospital, recovering from a slight gas attack.

James F. Hicks spent Sunday here with his sister, Mrs. E.B. Morse He is one of the May 25^th 124, and is in Co. K, 324^th infantry. If his regiment has not already left Camp Sevier for a port of embarkation, it will leave within the next day or so.

Robert Stansill and David Easterling have been transferred to the clerical department of artillery in 81^st division at Camp Jackson and will be sent north to a port of embarkation within the next day or so. Henry Dockery will also be sent.

George Gladstone Phillips, a telegraph operator, who a few weeks ago applied at the enrolling station at Wilmington for admission into the Navy, a few days ago received a wire ordering him to report at Charleston Navy Yard July 22^nd for duty. He will be in the radio branch. And so another Rockingham young man responds to the call of humanity to do his bit in his chosen field.

Arthur Stanback, colored, is another man who deserves credit for changing his status when he found he could conveniently do so. He lives in Cordova, and was placed in Class four by reason of a dependent wife. He and she appeared before the exemption board a few days ago, and she waived claim for dependency so that he could be placed in Class one and be called to the colors. All this was voluntarily done.

Troop train on which was William Dockery of Company L, 322^nd, passed Charlotte at 7:35 Tuesday northward bound. Ollie Morgan, Co. K, 322^nd, passed Rockingham on train Tuesay night for port of embarkation. It is expected that a large number of our boys at Sevier have gone north in the 81^st division during the past few days, and others will go tonight and tomorrow. The bulk of them are going by the Southern. One troop train from Sevier on which it is expected with be Richmond County boys, will pass Hamlet tonight at midnight. The Rockingham Canteen ladies will serve this train with fried chicken.

Among those who were sent in the past few days to Camp Upton, preparatory to embarkation, is Zoll Oscar Ingram. Young Ingram was sent with the15 squad to “Camp Jackson June 25^th. On July 11^th he was transferred to Camp Sevier and two days later was on a train en route to the port of embarkation. The 81^st division was ready and he and other freshly drafted men were placed therein to bring it to full strength. An American division consists of 20,000; a British, 18,000, French 15,000, German 12,000. Ingram is a son of J. Addison Ingram of Steele’s township, and a margin of but seven months stood between him and “out of the draft.” He was 30 years old Jan. 21^st, 1917.

Several weeks ago the exemption board at Camden, S.C., wrote the Richmond County board that they could induct two Richmond County negroes there, if the local board desired. They were Alex Huff and Will Dyes. The local board sent the proper papers to Camden board and the Camden board inducted them and started them on the train to Camp Jackson. The next heard of the two was at Hamlett, when they were arrested by Chief Braswell. It seemed that they headed north instead of south, and didn’t go near Camp Jackson. And so Chief Braswell was sent with them by the local board to Camp Greene, and they were turned over to the military authorities as deserters.

There is a man in a neighboring county who will probably go through life bewailing the injustice of the exemption board that certified him for service despite the fact that he presented a letter written by his wife to prove that he had a dependent family. Here is the letter:

“Dear United States Army: My husband ast me to write a recommend that he supports his family. He can’t read, so don’t tell him. Just take him. He ain’t no good nohow. He ain’t done nothing but play a fiddle and drink lemon extract since I married him, eight years ago, and I gotta feed seven kids of his. Maybe you can get him to tote a gun. He’s good on squirrels and eating. Take him and welcome. I need the grub and his bed for the kids. Don’t tell him this, but take him”

Wonder if there are any wives in Richmond county who would like to pass a husband on to the army.

North Carolina Soldiers Killed, Wounded, Missing in Action, Weeks of July 18 and 25, 1918

“Killed, Wounded, Prisoners and Missing as Officially Announced During the Past Week for North Carolina and Richmond County” from The Rockingham Post-Dispatch, July 18, 1918

North Carolina

Lt. William D. Robbins, Raleigh, died an airplane accident.

Lt. John C. Wilford, Asheville died in airplane accident.

Private Charles E. Dysart, Senia, missing in action.

Corporal E. McCollum, Wentworth, wounded severly; Marines.

Corporal Allison M. Page, Aberdeen, wounded; Marines.

Private Joseph Clark Jr., Kenton, wounded severely, Marines.

Lt. Presly R. Brown, Morganton, killed in action.

Private Henry K. Burtner, Greensboro, killed in action.

Private Grover K. Spratt, Belmont, died of disease.

Private Andrew J. Higgins, Ennice; killed in action, Marines.

Cook Joseph Wallace Hoce, Salisbury; killed in action.

Private Robert Pressley Falls, Kings Mountain, wounded severely.

Corporal James M. Jones, Williamston, wounded severely.

Richmond County

Private John F. Blalock, Hamlet, killed in action, Marines.

-=-

“Killed, Wounded, Prisoners and Missing as Officially Announced During the Past Week for North Carolina and Richmond County” from The Rockingham Post-Dispatch, July 25, 1918

North Carolina

Private James B. Chapman, Taylorsville, wounded severely.

Private William A. Elkins Fayetteville, wounded severely.

Private Arthur J. Chestnut of Warsaw, died at Camp Jackson two weeks ago.

Corporal Jean Kendall, Elkville, killed in action.

Corporal Jack Hicks, Canton, wounded severely.

Private Charlie Beck, Durham, wounded severely.

Private Claude Fuqua, Burlington, killed in action; Marines.

Private Marvin D. Teague, Gastonia; killed in action.

Marshall C. Smith, Morganton, killed in action.

Clayton C. Somerville, Raleigh, killed in action.

Richmond Ladies Serve Cantaloupe, Coffee, Post Cards, as Troop Trains Pass Through Hamlet, N.C., 1918

“Richmond County Canteen Work” from The Rockingham Post-Dispatch, July 18, 1918

The Rockingham ladies served 10 troop trains at the Canteen at Hamlet Saturday. The day being cool, strong hot coffee was served one train of thirsty boys from a Texas camp. John Dockery had donated 250 cantaloupes, and these were served another train. Chewing gum, postal cards, cigarettes, etc., were served another. Magazines another, and so on. One train was filled with Indian troops and one with colored; and of course these trains received the same treatment the white soldier trains received.

Sunday over a dozen troop trains passed. Monday six, Tuesday eight.

Here is a splendid opportunity for farmers and others to help by donating melons and any kind of fruit they may have. It makes a soldier-lad feel mighty good to be served with something at these Canteens. It shows visibly to them that the people on the outside are behind them with their very hearts and souls.

An instance of appreciation of the soldiers occurred Saturday. So pleased were they that they had been served so well that the troops in one car insisted upon taking up a collection, amounting to $4.95, and presenting it to the Red Cross Canteen. This fund will, of course, be used in providing things for other soldiers.

Mrs. B.F. Palmer had in her garden a dozen thousand sweet potato slips; she had no use for them, and felt that it was a pity for them to be wasted, when someone else might be glad to plant them. And so she informed the editor of this fact. And that accounts for the five-line notice that appeared in our last issue advising the public that free slips could be obtained by calling at the Post-Dispatch office. In response to this, by actual count, 37 applicants were received and given slips. And so grateful was one young lad for the slips that he insisted on giving Mrs. Palmer 50 cents, saying that if she wouldn’t accept pay then to give it to the Canteen work of the Red Cross; and she of course gladly did this.

Only three troop trains passed Hamlet today, two being with colored troops. A train from Sevier is expected at midnight tonight, and possibly some Richmond County boys will be on it. The Rockingham Canteen ladies have prepared an abundance of fried chicken to serve this midnight train.

The Rockingham Chapter of the Red Cross has prepared 5,000 postal cards for distribution to the soldiers passing through Hamlet. On the front of the card is the emblematic Red Cross, and facing the Cross is the picture of an accoutered soldier, bearing aloft the Stars and Stripes. At the bottom of the card, in small type, is “Compliments of Rockingham Chapter, Richmond County, N.C.” The cards are printed by the job department of the Post-Dispatch.

Senator John Sharp Williams recently read to the Senate a poem, “Toast to the Kaiser,” written by George Morrow Mayo, formerly a railroad clerk but now a gunner’s mate in the Navy. This poem is printed on the card, and is beautiful in sentiment.

Here’s to the Blue of the wind-swept North,

When we meet in the fields of France;

May the spirit of Grant be with you all

As the sons of the North advance.

Here’s to the Gray of the sun-kissed South,

When we meet on the fields of France;

May the spirit of Lee be with you all

As the sons of the South advance.

And here’s to the Blue and the Gray as one;

When we meet on the fields of France;

May the spirit of God be with us all

As the sons of the Flag advance!

Photo of African-Americans from Richmond County Enlisting in Army, 1918

“Richmond County Colored Drafted Men Sent to Camp Dix, July 17^th, 1918,” from The Rockingham Post-Dispatch, July 25, 1918

Top Row (left to right Earnest T. Fletcher, Mallow Frierson, Wolter McAskill, Clifford Moore, Joe-Walter Deslie, Silas Stewart, Frank Wall, John Hailey, James Ratliff

Bottom Row (left to right) Thomas Jackson, Will Norwood, William Adams, Robert Roberson, Benjamin F. Reddick.

This picture contains only 14 men, whereas 15 were sent to the camp. George Collins should have been in the picture but was not present when the picture was taken.

Photo by Morgan’s Studio

If you'd like to see the rest of the page, it's below. Maybe you know a way to improve the quality of the photo.

Korean War Begins, July 25, 1950

World War II ended in 1945 but American soldiers were fighting again in 1950 when the Korean War began. This picture of the First Calvary in Korea was taken in July, 1950.

Editorial on War Work, the County Poor House, Roads, Bathing Suit Regulations, 1918

From the editorial page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., July 18 1918, J.A. Sharpe, president.

The colored people of Lumberton are making a good record in war work. They have contributed over $500 to the Red Cross and many of them have purchased Liberty bonds and War Savings and Thrift stamps. Their leaders seem to be keenly alive to the opportunities and obligation to help win the war.

The war loan organization of the Treasury Department has issued a warning against scheming individuals who are attempting to persuade holders of Liberty bonds to exchange the Government securities for commercial stocks or Wall street securities. Owners of Liberty bonds are warned to deal only with reliable persons in transactions of any kind in which their bonds are concerned.

County Poor House

The grand jury which served last week is of the opinion that the home for Robeson’s unfortunate poor is still the “poor house,” despite the change authorized by the last Legislature to the more euphonious “home for the aged and infirm.” It recommends that the county commissioners look into the advisability of establishing a more adequate home. And there the matter will rest, we fear. We somehow have had the impression that the county commissioners have been looking into this matter for quite some time but have not found a solution for the knotty problem this institution seems to present. Maybe something will be done about it some time.

County Roads

The jury also called attention to two bad pieces of road which should be given attention at once, it says. There are citizens in Wishart township who could have told the jury about another road that has needed attention for the longest, but has had it not. The patience of the good people of Wishart has been worn threadbare.

The county road board deserves commendation for two decisions it reached at a recent special meeting: one to put the Lumberton-Bladenboro Road across the Big Swamp in passable condition; two, to make the necessary appropriation to secure $29,800 of Federal aid road money.

The road across the Big Swamp should have been put in good shape long ago, Its condition has been a disgrace to the county, and it has been allowed to remain impassable, to the serious inconvenience of a great many people, while the chain gang has been kept on other roads that did not need working near so badly and that could have waited. For its delay in this matter the board has been severely censured, but if it does a good job right away its former neglect will be forgotten.

In agreeing to comply with the conditions necessary to secure Federal aid road money, The Robesonian believes the board acted wisely. Under this plan $59,600 will be spent in the county during the next five years in building a highway under the supervision of the State Highway Commission, and the county will have to furnish only half the amount.

Bathing Regulations

Down in Wilmington they are going to fine bathers $10 unless they wear stockings and a regular bathing suit. But many a fair bather would be willing to pay that much for the privilege of wearing the sort of bathing suit she wishes.

And there be many of the male persuasion who would be willing to pay the fine of the fair bather for the privilege of sitting on the sand and risking one eye.

Rockingham Methodists Honor Congregation's 42 Soldiers, 1918

“Methodist Service Flag” from The Rockingham Post-Dispatch, July 18, 1918. A.E.F. stands for American Expeditionary Forces, meaning these soldiers are now in Europe.

In patriotic exercises at the Methodist Church last Sunday morning, Rockingham joined the great French nation in celebrating its national holiday, July 14, and at the same time honored our own boys of Methodist parentage who are in the service of our country. The large church was filled, and as the names of the enlisted boys were called the relatives and friends of each soldier arose, sometimes only a white-faced mother, sometimes two or three sisters, sometimes a numerous group, and at one time the whole Sunday School arose in honor of one whose delight it was to be called a leader there.

As each name was called by Mr. F.W. Bynum, Miss Mary Louise Everett and Miss Anna Scales Ledbetter pinned a star on the service flag until it bore 42 names, a full list of which is given below.

The 42 stars on the flag are:

1.       Sergt. Stephen W. Steele, Guard, 3^rd Co., N.C.

2.       1^st Lieut. Robert L. Steele, Aviation Corps, A.E.F., France

3.       J. Robert Waddell, Marine Corps, 89^th Co., Regt. 1, Pa.

4.       Cor. Willie Shakle, A.E.F., France.

5.       2^nd Lieut. Walter L. scales, Inf. Co. G, 55 Pioneers.

6.       2^nd Lieut. John H. Hall, Inf. Co. A, 1^st Pioneers.

7.       2^nd Lieut. Donald Phillips, Inf., A.E.F., France.

8.       1^st Lieut. Bernard Garrett, M.D., X-Ray, A.E.F., France.

9.       Grady Garrett, Aviation Corps.

10.   Carl Garrett, Ambulance.

11.   1^st Lieut. Nathan LeGrand, Inf. Co. K.

12.   1^st Lieut. Nash LeGrand, 156 Depot Brigade.

13.   William L. Covington Jr., 615 Aero Squad.

14.   Jim Folkes, Ambulance, A.E.F., France.

15.   Serg’t. Frank Biggs, Artillery Sec., Q.C., N.C.

16.   Serg’t Robert S. Ledbetter, 156 Depot Brigade.

17.   Vann Covington, Camp Sevier, waiting call.

18.   Cecil Smith, Camp Jackson.

19.   Frank Alden, Coast Artillery.

20.   Frank Smith, Enlisted Medical Reserve Corps.

21.   Clifford Steele, Dental Dept.

22.   William T. Haywood, Engineers, Co. B.

23.   Serg’t. Maj. William B. Cole.

24.   Samuel F. Key, 166 Aero Squad.

25.   William C. Key, Artillery Supply Co.

26.   Robert F. Linker, A.E.F., France.

27.   James. T. Lyon, Quartermaster Dept., Transport.

28.   Alex Monroe, Clerical Dept. On way to France.

29.   Robert N. Stansill, Camp Jackson, clerical.

30.   Walter Parsons Jr., Camp Sevier.

31.   James H. Covington Jr., Camp Sevier.

32.   William Harry Entwistle Jr., Camp Sevier.

33.   George G. Simpson, Camp Sevier.

34.   Hal Ledbetter Jr., Naval Reserves.

35.   William Hall, Y.M.C.A.

36.   Fred Taylor, Co. 6, Sec. 3, 4^th Reg’t, Naval.

37.   Walter Covington, waiting call, naval.

38.   L.T. Nance, has received notice, waiting call.

39.   Dr. P.M. Abernethy, waiting call, received notice, report July 21^st to Camp Lee, Va.

40.   Wm. Leak, acceptance pending; waiting for his physical exam.

41.   Boykin Paschal, son of Mrs. J.W. Leak. Now in France.

42.   Willie Folkes has been called and leaves to-morrow.

Whooping Cough, Smallpox, Measles, Diphtheria, Typhoid Fever, July's Been Busy Month, 1918

“County Health Officer Does a Little of Everything,” from the State Board of Health Bulletin, as reprinted in The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., July 18 1918. Of course they had no way of knowing, but the deadly Spanish flu would hit in the fall and before it was over a third of the world’s population had caught it and the death toll worldwide was 20 to 50 million people.

Has Many Calls in Connection With Work of Making People Healthier and Happier

“The above report does not include a thousand and one inquires and requests ranging from the moving of a dead cat from in front of someone’s house to the prevention of train whistles blowing as they pass through town at night disturbing the quietude, health and happiness of the slumberer.”

So comments Dr. W.A. McPhaul, county health officer of Robeson County, in submitting a report of the health work in that county for the six months ending June 30. Yet included in his report is the record of sufficient activities to have kept him a mighty busy man for the entire period.

Notable in the record of the half-year is work of the life extension unit which 870 grown people have made application, and 648 have been physically examined. In this work very careful physical examinations are given for the purpose of discovering any of the many minor defects that so often give rise to serious troubles when allowed to go without attention. The work is along the same line as that of the leading insurance companies of the country, and it has been estimated that it is the means of adding at least 10 years to the average life.

Hardly second in importance has been the educational work done by Dr. McPhaul during this period. In public schools he has held 49 meetings, with an attendance of 4,424, and 17 meetings in other places with an attendance of 1,658, making a total of 5,082 people reached in this summer. In addition he has written 1,881 letters, secured the publication of 98 newspaper articles and distributed over 12,000 pieces of health literature.

That the health work that has been so intensely conducted in Robeson County has been most beneficial is shown in the report of the quarantine unit, which disclose a very small number of contagious and infectious diseases, the following figures being given:

Whooping cough, 101

Measles, 51

Diphtheria, 15

Scarlet Fever, 0

Typhoid Fever, 15

Smallpox, 42

Infantile paralysis [polio], 0

Epidemic meningitis, 1

There were 53 schools visited, 9,440 examination cards received, 751 children examined and 23 treated for defects discovered.

In addition to these regular duties, Dr. McPhaul lists a number of visits to the county home, the jail and county convict camps, conferences with civic authorities, examinations for commitment to the insane asylum, lectures to midwives, sanitary ordinances secured from town governments, post-mortem examinations, and “the thousand and one” other things that a live health officer is called upon to do.

Pontiac: Building Fast and Building Well...For Liberty, 1943

From Services in New Church to Ice Cream Supper to McLean Wedding, 1918

“Pembroke Points,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., July 18 1918. If you've been wondering how your McLean relative from pokey little Pembroke met and married a Brooklyn girl, you'll get your answer here.

Services in New Church…Ice Cream Supper Friday Night…Mr. Walker S. McLean Marries in New York…Personal

Pembroke, July 17—Rev. Roland Hedgepeth filled his regular appointment here Sunday, preaching at 11 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Services were held in the new Baptist church which is much more convenient and comfortable than the school building, which has been used as a church since the church building was burned some time ago.

There will be an ice cream supper at the school house Friday night, the 19^th. Watermelon and fruit also will be served. The proceeds will be used for the benefit of the Red Cross. The public is very cordially invited.

Mr. and Mrs. Hector Edwards and small daughter, Louise, of Armour, spent Sunday with Mr. Edwards’ sister, Mrs. W.E. Hall.

Mr. and Mrs. J.B. McLean spent the week-end visiting friends near Bellamy.

Mrs. Margaret McCall of Armour visited at Mrs. W.E. Hall’s Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. L.A. Collinsworth and children left Monday night for Roanoke, Va., to visit Mrs. Collinsworth’s parents. Mrs. Collinsworth and children expect to be away about two months.

Mayor and Mrs. L.M. Ansley and children expect to leave tomorrow for Micro, where they will make their home. We all regret to see them leave and hope they will like their new home.

Quite a number from here motored down to Lake Waccamaw  Sunday. They reported a very pleasant time.

Mr. T.M. Brock spent today here with his family.

The many friends of Mr. Walter S. McLean will be interested to learn of his marriage to Miss Charlotte Nicholson of Brooklyn, N.Y., Friday night, the 12^th, at 10:30. Mr. McLean is in the U.S. Army and has been stationed at Ft. Hamilton, N.Y., for some time.

W.V.B. Supplies Readers With Grist From Gaddyville, 1918

“Gaddysville Grist,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., July 18 1918

Dryest Since 1911…Tobacco Can’t Be Too High…Labor Scarcity Teaching Co-operation…No Time for Sharp Criticism…Other News and Comment

Gaddysville (Fairmont, R. 1), July 16—Crops are suffering on account of extreme drought and corn is almost a thing of the past. Tobacco is holding up very well. The people say this is the driest dry since the summer of 1911. Out along Ashpole Swamp a very good rain fell, but a very slight sprinkle here, this being the first since May 24^th.

Tobacco prices are very satisfactory and planters have no cause for grumbling at all. But there is no danger of getting more than it’s worth, considering the cost of supplies and crop.

The labor situation is growing acute. Tobacco is put in the barn now on any day help can be secured. Some planters bring up the family and take two days for the work, while others with large families swap work and bridge it across in one day. The latter plan is very satisfactory and it is teaching a lesson of co-operation. Maybe it’s a blessing, after all.

The roads are extremely bad nowadays as the sand is deep and dry. Little Fords make it through while big cars stay and the occupants walk over the bad places.

Melons are very scarce and high-priced, and so poor codgers like your correspondent have to go with mouth a-watering for melon. Sometimes we wish we were a newspaper editor and folks would set us up to one.

Lots of the housewives are canning all they can, as fruit is very plentiful and waiting to be conserved.

Mr. Editor, some of your correspondents just keep a-howling for “Farmer’s wife” to offer another letter of criticism. In our estimation the city lady is doing all in her power to do the best and the right way. So is the rural lady, and now it’s even. All are trying to do their duty, and what’s the use of some “jagging” the other about her part? Now is no time for sharp criticism, when everybody’s at wits end 

to win the war.

The Pleasant Hill Christian Endeavor Society is on the grow, with Worth Burnes as leader. You are welcome on every Sunday night at dusk.

One time W.V. Branch got the “hoss run over him.” That’s when he was elected teacher of the Pleasant Grove Garaca class last Sunday. You will always find a welcome place in Branch’s class, but he declares he’s not the man for a teacher.

The negroes will go a-fishing if the house was a-fire. Work or no work, they go, and poor is their luck. They could make more in somebody’s tobacco field.

You Lumberton boosters just forgot all about us when you were on your recent trip and really lost the heart of the game by not visiting the greatest tobacco-growing section in Robeson County. Ask anybody what kind of tobacco is made on the S.C. line and they will tell you the best and largest fields of the weed to be found anywhere. Don’t forget so easily. But really we all sell at Fairmont, anyway.

The health of the community is very good and visitors are too numerous to mention, so if you, Mr. Editor, have learned your maxim we’ll quit, even if it’s the driest weather ever.

                --W.V.B.

Mrs. Mabel Thompson Charged With Starting Three Fires in Her Room, 1914

From the Thursday, July 23, 1914, issue of the High Point Review

Greensboro, July 20—Mrs. Mabel Thompson, charged with attempting to burn on July 10 the Public Service Company building, formerly the Benbow Hotel, was this afternoon discharged by Acting Police Judge Swift, rather to the surprise of those who have followed the case.

Evidence of witnesses showed that until late on the night of the fire, young men were in Mrs. Thompson’s room; that at 4 o’clock she was found in a stupor and fire burning at three places in the room. The fire was quickly extinguished. O.A. Starbuck, connected with the internal revenue headquarters at Richmond, father of the woman, was here for the trial.

Fairmont News Letter From The Robesonian, July 18, 1918

“Fairmont News Letter,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., July 18 1918

Tobacco Prices Highest Ever Known…Robbers Entered Bank and Drug Store But Failed to Get Much Booty…Personal

Fairmont, July 16—Never before in the history of Fairmont’s well-established and widely known tobacco market has the price of tobacco been so high. Every farmer is well pleased, more so than ever before. Last week this market sold a total of 597,000 pounds at an average of over 28.34 cents per pound, which is the best that this or any other market has ever averaged. The well-lighted warehouses, floor space, clever warehousemen and a large number of buyers are responsible for such prices, which will continue throughout the season.

Both the Bank of Fairmont and the Pittman Drug Company suffered a robbery Monday night. Entrance was gained at both places by windows. Pittman Drug Co. was loser only of a few dollars, while the Bank of Fairmont’s loss is estimated at $20 cash and two pistols valued at about $35 each. The work showed that of amateurs and one familiar with those places of business.

Miss Maggie Mae Stallings of Pinetops is the house-guest of Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Pittman.

Mr. and Mrs. Sandy Taylor of Norfolk, Va., spent a few days here last week visiting friends and relatives.

Miss Vivian McNeill of Lumberton spent last week as the guest of Miss Mary Belle Ricks.

Mrs. C.B. Thompson and Miss Dorothy are visiting friends and relatives in Beaufort.

Mrs. Harvey Hold has returned to her home in Greensboro after a visit to her sister Mrs. O.A. Reeves.

Miss Sadie McDonald of Maxton is visiting her brother Mr. J.A. McDonald, at the Commercial Hotel this week.

Mrs. H.L. Blue is visiting friends and relatives in and near Fayetteville.

The popular one-cent sale conducted by Miss Elizabeth Baker of the Fairmont Drug Co. has closed, proving a very profitable advertisement to the management.

Mr. Duncan Taylor and family are spending a few days here as guests of Mr. Taylor’s mother, Mrs. M.A. Taylor.

Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Phillips have arrived from Suffolk, Va., where Mrs. Phillips spent the winter.

Mrs. W.T. Sledge is visiting friends and relatives in Elizabeth City and Rocky Mount.

Miss Robinson and Mrs. Miller of Asheville are the attractive house guests of Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Chambers.

Misses Beulah Williams and Evans of Rowland are visiting Miss Kate Ratley this week.

Personal Mention From Across N.C. By Frank Jeter, 1955

“Personal Mention” by Frank Jeter, Extension Service Editor, N.C. State University, as published in the July, 1955 issue of Extension Farm-News

He retired July 1, but every morning about 8 o’clock you see Roy Dearstyne walking in to his office I Scott Hall. “So what,” he retorts. “I didn’t say I’d quit work, did I?” It was a wonderful dinner the college staff tendered Roy at the Youth Center of the State Fairgrounds; 196 of us there by actual count, and a handsome purse presented to the veteran poultry leader, a great fellow who retires full of years and honor.

So does our “Miss Hattie,” the girls in the Division of Ag. Information had a little party for her. There were one or two short talks, gifts were presented, and Mrs. Smith came by the next morning to say goodbye with one of the most original cartoons yet seen in this office.

One of our best Farm and Home Weeks, that 47^th annual event! Only 345 men and 1291 women registered. What to do? If our people are not interested in this type of meeting anymore, despite yards of publicity of every kind, lots of personal letters, and much personal effort, then the event should be dropped from the college calendar. Secretary Fred Sloan, President Loy Howard of the Farmers’ Convention, and Mrs. E.P. Gibson, charming and energetic home demonstration president, did a wonderful job preparing the program and planning the week. Evidently people are getting their information in the various other meetings, achievement days, institutes, short courses, field demonstrations and the like. The old Farm Convention, so long a great event for rural North Carolina, seems a thing of the past. Every year we hold a “wake” over the remains. Every year the new officers dislike for it to die on their hands, so we try again. Here’s a vote to drop it and let’s move ahead with something else. An equal amount of work and nervous energy could well be used to a better advantage in some other area.

The ladies had a wonderful United Nations program at Farm and Home week. It was an all-day affair, broken by a delightful luncheon tendered by Dr. Frank Graham and other speakers in the College Union. Mrs. Theta Barnard of Clay County stole the show. Mrs. J.C. Berryhill of Charlotte, the new president of the State Home Demonstration Federation; Ellis Vestal, new president of the State Farmers’ Convention, wonderful selections.

]

Also wonderful tobacco meetings at the several branch stations, upwards of a thousand growers at each meeting.

A great indoctrination week for youthful, starry-eyed youngsters entering Extension for the first time. It’s good to see them catching something of the spirit of those who have made the Service what it is today. Better still, to see them realizing that a new day is dawning for Extension and on the solid foundation of the past, a still greater superstructure is being erected.

Over 100 farm and home agents here for the three weeks’ refresher course…45 in our course on the effective use of the information media…a sharp group. We had a good time together and learned something from one another.

Glenn Hardesty of Rowan says you get more out of this Extension job than your monthly salary. Glenn happened to recall a job vacancy when one of his club boys had been graduated from high school and despaired of finding a job, badly needed, too. Glenn called, arranged an interview, and the boy got the job. His previous record as a 4-H club member did him no harm at all.

Among the loud anthems of praise over 139 tobacco, Charley Raper plays a cracked record. The variety if susceptible to Fusarium wilt, he says, and one or two Columbus growers have lot heavily for this reason.

“Big Nick” Nicholson of Union finds a pullet, how laying, that was hatched with only one wing. No sign of any rudimentary wing on the left side. We have often heard the old saying,” A bird can’t fly with one wing,” but that’s another story.

Have you heard the one about William Lamm’s cat? Get Steve Lewis to tell you. Steve tells how Bill utilized on of his desk drawers in the Goldsboro Extension office as a kitten nursery.

Radio brings blessings to the old. Bob Love of Transylvania tells about Jim Mull, a 90-year-old farmer with failing eyesight, who keeps up with the latest in good farming by listing to the farm program on his radio.

“General” Grant must not be over-looked in the current series of Extension stories and tells of honey bees which spent the past winter on top of a dead pine The bees, says the General, spent the winter in a comb about the size of a man’s head built late last summer and fastened to the pine. And it was cold in North Carolina last winter.

Bertie, incidentally, will have a real peanut growing contest this season with $100 in cash offered to four prize winners.

Ever heard of “gate fever”? It’s a new disease, prevalent now in Yancey County, says Bill Bledsoe, assistant agent, but it’s a delight to the Extension office as more strong gates are hung to more pasture entrances.

For 33 years and 15 days, Ewing “Shorty” Millsaps has served Randolph County. He retired on July 1 and Ben Jenkins returned to the Extension fold to carry on in Shorty’s place.

They are getting a bit too modern in Randolph, however. Douglas Young, assistant agent, wanted to take a look over the county so he accepted a plane ride from Garland Allen of Ramseur and learned more about the topography of the county in an hour and a half than he ever knew before.

We are happy to have Bill Carpenter back in the editorial office as head of the publications section. Bill earned his Masters at Wisconsin this past winter and is now on the job filling the place made vacant when Lyman Noordhoff accepted a position in Washington.

That piece of red meat given to Governor Hodges by Dean Colvard and Jim Graham of the Hereford Association came from Catawba County. Please don’t forget that or you earn the stern disapproval of Frank Harris. Nancy Johnson of Catawba fed and exhibited the steer and sold it for $40 a hundred pounds after winning the grand champion ribbon at the Catawba-Iredell Livestock Show on May 25.

Pender County will issue $100,000 in bonds for an agricultural building and library. J.N. Honeycutt says a referendum to decide the question will be held on October 1. R.M. Ritchie of our Extension Engineering Office has designed the building.

John Gorman of Leicester, Buncombe County, won the $100 first price this year in the Western Carolina Timber Stand Improvement Contest. Fifty people labored two days to provide a suitable recreation park back on Wilson’s new Agricultural Center and it was here that Bill Lewis and Mrs. Ona Humphrey worked with the farm leaders of the county to stage their very successful countywide farm picnic. A greater occasion than usual because of those two $1,000 prizes for being the outstanding county of the year in rural progress.

Again speaking of progress, the farm folks of Forsyth County hired two big passenger planes to visit the Coker Seed Farm at Hartsville, South Carolina. Sam Mitchiner said they mainly wanted to see how 139 tobacco was being cured and handled.

The home demonstration club women of Mecklenburg County dedicated their special edition of the Mecklenburg Times of B. Arp Lowrance. Bill owns the paper but was powerless, as are we all, when the good ladies told him they were running that particular show.

Forty years after he began the Extension program in Pitt County, June 1, 1915, B. Troy Ferguson, retired district agent, went back to visit old scenes and found few that were as they were when he began to work.

Speaking of veterans, we were glad to have a letter from J.D. McVean, first pig club agent at Chesteron, Maryland.

Finally, a big, big day in Chowan. County elimination contests, a country picnic dinner, recreation, and all sorts of good times arranged by R.S. Marsh and Mrs. Clara Boswell. Mrs. Boswell is now in the florist business as of July 1 and invites you to come by when in Edenton.