Memorial Day Post Card

Duties to Community, State, Nation Continue in Peacetime, Says Memorial Day Speaker, May 31, 1921

Duties to One’s Community, State and Nation

The outlying theme of the memorial day yesterday was the duty one owes to his community, state and nation. In impressive words the speaker of the occasion called upon the women not to follow the example of the men and mix in dirty politics, but to study, think, analyze, and know all about the questions and the individual on which they are to vote, and then to vote their convictions.

One of the prettiest tributes we have heard was paid to two sons of Scotland Neck, whom he held up as examples in politics for all who come after to follow. He urged a love of community, state and nation, and an appeal to all to be ready at any time to make whatever sacrifices were necessary to serve either.

The speaker paid tribute to the man of sour visage who sought not the company of his fellow man, and thought only of his ill gotten gains, stamping him as an undesirable citizen. He pictured the man who is always working for the good of his community as a man of smiling visage and cheerful disposition, always looking for the company of his fellow man.

There were many lessons in this speech which should strike home to this community, all of which should be an inspiration to greater things and a more united effort in building for the future of this town.

From the editorial page of The Commonwealth, Scotland Neck, N.C., May 31, 1921

Durham Integrates Names of Fallen WWI Soldiers

In 1921, Durham leaders erected a statue in the downtown district to honor fallen WWI soldiers from the Bull City.

In keeping with the backwardness of the times, however, the names of white soldiers were segregated from the names of Black soldiers who also served and died during the wartime period from 1917 to 1919.

A century later, the names of the fallen are now desegregated.

From Updated WWI Memorial in Durham Now Honors Black, White Soldiers Together - INDY Week.

Memorial Day Parade in Charlotte, Monday, May 30, 1921

Memorial Day Program Calls for Parade and Speaking Monday Afternoon

The stage is set and everything is ready for the first city-wide observance Monday of Memorial Day ever held in Charlotte. The plans have been made largely by a committee of the Hornets’ Nest Post of the American Legion, composed of Dr. Baxter S. Moore, chairman; Victor Shaw, vice president; Dr. Hamilton W. McKay, Rufus M. Johnston, Louis D. Southerland and Norman W. Lynch, with A.J. Beall, post commander, as ex-officio member.

In honor of the day mercantile establishments in the up-town district will be closed from 1 o’clock onward and many industrial plants also will be closed. The post office will be closed for the day.

Several special events will be staged in connection with the observance of the day here. A special matinee will be given by the Jack X. Lewis players, Lakewood Park will be opened for all comers, Greenville and Charlotte league teams will play ball at Wearn Field and several other events of interest will take place.

The parade will be the biggest event. The line-up as given out Saturday night by Commander A.J. Bealle of the American Legion post follows:

Colors—with color guard

Officers of the Hornets’ Nest post

Shrine band

Members of Hornets’ Nest Post (includes all ex-service men in uniform)

Charlotte Aero Club

Fifth Company, C.A.C.

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Spanish-American War Veterans

Hornets’ Nest Riflemen

Boy Scouts headed by Scout Band

School children

Cars

Speaker Rev. Dr. Plato Durham with Mayor Walker

Confederate Veterans

Disabled Men

Woman’s Auxiliary

American War Mothers

Army Nurses—Red Cross canteen

D.A.R.’s and U.D.C.’s

Representatives of Rotary and Kiwanis clubs

The parade will form before 2 o’clock at South Tryon and Second streets and will move northward past Independence Square to Seventh Street and out Seventh Street to the cemetery.

At the cemetery the order of exercises will be:

Invocation by Rev. W.A. Jenkins, chaplain of Hornets’ Nest Post

Music by the Shrine Band

Address of the day by Dr. Plato Durham of Atlanta

Placing of flowers on graves of soldiers in the soldier’s area

Music

Taps

Members of the Confederate Veterans Camp, U.C.V., have been called by Adjutant H.D. Duckworth of the camp, on order of Commandant J.W. Lewis to report at 1 o’clock at the city hall to be ready to march to the cemetery with the other units in the line of march.

From The Charlotte News, Sunday morning issue, May 29, 1921

Charles Tull, 7, Struck and Killed Sunday, May 29, 1921

Boy Killed When Hit by an Auto. . . Coroner Holds Driver Could Not Avoid Striking Charles Tull

The body of Charles Tull, 7-year-old son of Mrs. C.B. Tull of 1903 Park Drive, who died following injuries sustained when struck by an automobile Sunday about noon, was taken Monday morning to Wadesboro for interment. No inquest will be held by Coroner Frank Hovis as an investigation Sunday by this official and police indicated that the accident was unavoidable.

The car which struck the child was being driven by Charles Nicholson, 17-year-old son of Rev. W.L. Nicholson. The accident occurred near the end of the Elizabeth Street car line on East Seventh Street about 12:30 o’clock as the Nicholson family was returning home from church services. The child was picked up by the Nicholson machine and taken to the Presbyterian hospital, but he died almost immediately after being taken into the hospital and before medical attention could be given.

Several people who witnessed the accident reported to Police Chief Walter B. Orr that the boy ran from behind an Elizabeth Street car into the front of the Nicholson automobile. The machine was said not to have been going at a rapid rate of speed at the time. Young Tull and two other children were said to have been swinging on the rear end of the Elizabeth Street car, and had jumped off and started across the street to the sidewalk when the automobile approached.

The skull of the boy was fractured, his leg broken and the body cut and bruised in several places. Two or three physicians were at the hospital when he was taken to a room, but he died before they could give him medical attention.

Charles Tull is the second son of Mrs. C.B. Tull. His father died during the influenza epidemic of two years ago. Wadesboro is the former home of Mrs. Tull and for that reason the body was taken there for burial. Funeral and interment were to take place Monday afternoon.

From The Charlotte News, May 30, 1921

Col. Archie Miller, Former Commander at Camp Greene, Killed In Flying Accident, May 30, 1921

Victim In Accident Was Located Here

Col. Archie D. Miller, U.S.A., who was one of seven officers and men killed in the disastrous aeroplane accident at Indian Head, Md., Saturday afternoon during a terrific wind and electric storm, which drove their planes down, was for some months located at Camp Greene as commander of the aviation forces and motor mechanics there and is well known to many Charlotte people.

The announcement in press dispatches from Washington of his death brought keen regret to numbers of friends whom he made while in Charlotte. Colonel Miller came to Charlotte shortly after the motor mechanic regiments mobilized and remained here some months as camp commander. He lived while he was camp commander in the Dr. A.M. Whisnant residence on East Trade Street. Mrs. Miller and one little child were here with him.

Colonel Miller was transferred from Camp Greene to Mineola, Long Island, where he had charge of the aviation service there for some time. He is a regular army man and a West Pointer. Dr. Wyn Moore of this city, who was a medical officer in the aviation service, was with Colonel Miller there and was a warm personal friend of his.

From The Charlotte News, May 30, 1921

Can No Longer Raise Hogs at Charlotte City Homes, Will Save Babies' Lives, May 30, 1921

City Calls for Hog Removals. . . More Than 1,000 Animals Have Been Disposed of for Health’s Sake

In continuing the campaign to rid the city of hogs, city sanitary inspectors ordered more than 200 removed last week, according to Dr. W.A. McPhaul, city health officer. More than 1,000 animals have bene taken from the city since the health department first ordered hogs removed in enforcing the “anti-hog law.”

The amendment to the law prohibiting the keeping of swine in Wards 5 and 11, passed by the commissioners a few days ago, will go into effect June 15. Dr. McPhaul said that people in these two wards are preparing now for the disposal of their hogs before the law goes into effect. Among 300 hogs are being kept in these two wards, it is believed.

The removal of twelve or fourteen hundred hogs from within the city limits will lower the death rate in Charlotte by at least 25 babies, Dr. McPhaul believes. He has sued the argument of saving babies all the while as an inducement for doing away with hogs, and he has made the guarantee that with no hogs being kept in the city at least 25 babies under one year of age will die during this year than last.

Most people are found willing to cooperate with the health department in enforcing the ordinance, said Dr. McPhaul. A few have shown a disposition to fight the law and it may be necessary to summons some to court. However, several of those who a few weeks ago refused to obey the ordinance now have expressed a willingness to remove the hogs from about their homes.

From The Charlotte News, May 30, 1921

Hearing in Varner Divorce Case Now Set for June 16, 1921

Varner Hearing Now Is Set for June 16th

Greensboro, May 28—A motion that the divorce suit brought by Henry B. Varner of Lexington against his wife, Florence C. Varner, be removed to Davidson superior court will be argued in superior court here June 16. Judge T.B. Finley continuing the hearing scheduled for today when attorneys in the case appeared before him. It developed that argument would take up more than a day’s time, so a special date was set for the hearing. At the time the motion to remove is argued, argument will also be heard on Mrs. Varner’s request for alimony and legal expense money and for a new bill of particulars on Varner’s charge that his wife and Baxter McRary, a negro, had immoral relations.

From the front page of The Charlotte News, Sunday morning issue, May 29, 1921

Five Williams Women Injured by Flying Glass When Car Strikes Creek Bank, May 29, 1921

Five Injured in Wreck of Auto. . . Miss Mary Williams Drove Car Into Ditch—Flying Glass Does Damage

When their Cole “8” sedan failed to make a curve on Queens Road West Saturday night, crashing into the bank of a stream, Mrs. M.E. Williams of East Liberty street sustained severe cuts and bruises necessitating medical treatment at the Mercy hospital.

It was stated at the hospital at 10 o’clock, an hour following the accident, that none was seriously hurt, though all five were cut about the face, arms and hands due to breaking glass in the windshield and windows of the sedan. With Mrs. M.E. Williams as passengers in the car at the time were Misses Mary, Margaret, Pauline and Nellie Williams. Miss Mary Williams was driving.

The party had been out riding through Myers Park and were en route back to the city over Queens Road West. At the point where the accident occurred a short “lead” runs out for perhaps 25 feet from the main road, while the highway leading to the city forms a sharp curve.

The driver mistook the lead for the main road and continued straight. At the end of this short stretch, 25 or more feet from the main highway, a small stream runs between banks of about three feet in height. As the road continues no further than the branch, no bridge had been constructed.

The front of the car crashed into the bank of the stream, the impact of the collision throwing the occupants of the machine against the windshield and windows. The windshield glass and the glass in all of the windows were said to have been broken. Cuts from the glass and a few bruises was the extent of the injuries sustained.

Several cars were in the vicinity of the accident at the time and transferred Mrs. Williams and the Miss Williams to the Mercy hospital, where they received immediate medical attention.

Considerable blood was found about the machine, owing to the cuts sustained, and many persons who saw the car afterwards reported in the city that a serious accident had occurred.

In addition to the breaking of the glass, it was said the front of the car was hurt due to the impact of the collision with the creek bank.

From The Charlotte News, Sunday morning issue, May 29, 1921

Pineville Bank Is Only 9th N.C. Bank to Fail So Far This Year, May 29, 1921

Pineville Bank in Hands of State. . . Examiner Has Not Completed Investigation, But Thinks Debts Can be Met

The Pineville Loan & Savings bank, which was organized in 1910 and has been in continuous operation since that time, closed its doors at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon at the recommendation of Thurman Williams of Raleigh, state bank examiner, in conference with the offices and directors of the bank. Action followed an investigation of the bank’s affairs that was begun some days ago.

The closing of the institution is attributed by Examiner Williams to a too free extension of the bank’s credit and resources by C.S. Oakley, cashier of the bank, who resigned his position some days ago. It was the opinion of Mr. Williams, expressed Saturday afternoon after two days’ investigation of the affairs of the bank, that it would pay out.

There was no run on the bank and only three or four checks presented for checking out deposits Friday, it was said.

Mr. Oakley is said to have gone to his former home in Ridgeway, Va., to raise funds in an effort to straighten out the affairs of the institution and was expected back at Pineville Monday, although his resignation has been accepted.

DISCREPANCY NOT KNOWN

A representative of Scot, Charmley & company, certified public accountants here, has been at Pineville some days making an audit of the bank’s affairs, and pending the completion of that none of the officials of the bank or the bank examiner would venture an opinion as to the amount of the discrepancy or the extent of the assets as compared with the liabilities at the present time.

The report of the bank’s condition at the close of business on April 28 showed, under the head of resources, loans and discounts to the amount of $66,641.94, over drafts, unsecured, $268.98; furniture and fixtures and bank building, $5,066.85; cash in vault and net amounts due from banks, bankers and trust companies, $3,408.91.

The liabilities were enumerated as follows:

Capital stock paid in, $15,000;

Surplus fund, $7,500;

Undivided profits, less current expenses and taxes paid, $2,798.68;

Bills payable, $7,500;

Deposits subject to check, $21,732.85;

Time certificates of deposit, $20,207.18;

Cashier’s check outstanding, $647.70;

Total, $75,385.91

State Bank Examiner John Mitchell made a trip to Pineville about the middle of the week and called in Examiner Williams from Raleigh after a call came for Mr. Mitchell to go to Elkin.

TO NAME RECEIVER

The process of liquidation of the bank’s affairs, Examiner Williams said, would be the appointment of a receiver by the State Corporation Commission, which appointment is subject to confirmation by a judge of the superior court.

The present officers of the bank are W.M. Morrow, president; Sam Hoover, vice-president; C.S. Oakley, secretary-treasurer and cashier (resigned). S.H. Kell, R.B. Johnston, W.H. Bell and W.C. Barnett, directors, with the officers. Mr. Oakley, the third cashier the bank has had since its organization, filled the position about two years before his resignation several days ago. He is interested in a lumber business at Pineville and a stockholder in a realty and building concern here in Charlotte.

From the front page of The Charlotte News, Sunday morning issue, May 29, 1921

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But Nine Banks Have Closed in North Carolina. . . Five-Month Record of State Banks Is Regarded as a Remarkable Showing

By Jule B. Warren, Staff correspondent of The Times

Raleigh, May 28—Only nine banks in North Carolina have found themselves in such condition that the bank examiners found it necessary to close their doors and ask that receivers be appointed during the past five months, according to information at the office of the Corporation Commission. As compared with bank failures of other states, this is a remarkable showing. And even these banks which have been forced to close their doors have every reason to believe that the depositors and stockholders will not lose money through the cessation of business, for the receivers believe it will be possible to get matters adjusted so that the banks will be able to meet their liabilities.

All the banks, which have been closed under the direction of the state bank examiners have been small ones, and the trouble has been in the main the inability of the banks to collect the money it has loaned to farmers and business men who dealt with farmers. The banks in all cases did not want to push the farmers for payment, realizing that this would result in bankruptcy for the major portion of these who had borrowed money, and this course would have made it impossible ever to have collected any of the obligations.

Chief Bank Examiner Latham is not apprehensive over the situation in North Carolina banking circles. He believes the banks on the whole will workout of the period of depression and all of them will be on a better paying basis in the near future.

CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT

When it is considered that only nine of the 500 state banks in North Carolina have been forced to close down on account of the tremendous drop in farm products and the consequent poor business for the average business man and merchant, it will be seen that the banks have held their own very well. This indicates that as a rule they have been conservatively and wisely managed. The banking department has been keeping close watch on the situation and is in constant touch with all of the institutions which have been having trouble making collections on their outstanding notes.

The condition in other parts of the country is worse than in North Carolina. This is true despite the fact that few staple products of any section have decreased in value as much as the money crops of North Carolina. The bankers generally believe the worst of the business trouble is over and that the coming few months will show marked improvement in conditions.

From the front page of The Charlotte News, Sunday morning issue, May 29, 1921

Billy McClung, Jack Houston, Speight Adams, Edward Copeland Pedaling to Ashville from Charlotte, May 29 1921

Four Boys Will Go On Bike-Hike West to Asheville

A cross country “bike-hike” to Asheville will be undertaken by four Boy Scouts, the get-away to be made Monday morning at 5 o’clock. They are Scouts Billy McClung, Jack Houston, Speight Adams and Edward Copeland.

The scouts will carry all their own equipment on their bicycles. Necessary camping outfits will be in their packs, and the boys will camp out each night on the way. They expect to make the trip to Asheville, spend a day or so in the city, and return to Charlotte the latter part of the week.

The undertaking is but one of many things planned for the coming summer. Now that the scouts have successfully put across their monstrous demonstration, at which it was estimated there were 3,000 people, all faces are turned toward the woods and to the allurement of camp life.

Troup No. 4 will leave for Camp McDonald Monday with about a dozen of their scouts to get the camp in shape for the coming season. A great deal of repairing must be done around the camp, and tents for the scouts to sleep in must be erected. A new kitchen is being built and will be in readiness for Troup No. 3 of St. Martin’s Episcopal church, which will be the first troop to take a camping trip. They will attend the camp under the direction of Rev. J.L. Jackson, scout master, and will remain in camp from June 7 to June 17.

Following this there will be a huge council camp to last from June 18 to 28. Only 35 scouts will be allowed in the camp at one time, and the first 35 to apply will be taken along on this trip. Each scout will be charged one dollar a day for food and incidentals. Several other 10-day camping trips are planned at various times throughout the summer.

Troop No. 8 of the 10th Avenue Prebyterian Church will go Balsam, this state, for a camping trip of several weeks in July. These scouts will be under the leadership of T.W. Pritchard, their scout master. Troop No. 26 will go to Lineville (Linvall?) Falls the first of July and will enjoy the cool mountain air for 10 days under the care of R.K. Babington and his assistants, R.M. Hooper and W.F. Tucker. Troop No. 29, under the direction of H.O. Bangle, will go to Crowder’s Mountain for several weeks during the latter part of June.

Memorial day all Scouts will participate in the parade and will be led by the scout band. They will assemble at the back of Latts Arcade at 1:30 o’clock Monday afternoon. An American flag will be awarded to the troop having the best average attendance. A big representative of the local scouts is expected.

According to John B. Floyd, scout executive, the season has arrived for the scouts to “put the out in outing” and the big outdoors will have the scouts for its guests during the entire summer. Every opportunity that presents itself for a sojourn in the woods will be welcomed, said Mr. Floyd.

From The Charlotte News, Sunday morning issue, May 29, 1921. It’s approximately 100 miles from Charlotte to Asheville, N.C.

Price Cut for Buicks and Shortage of Freight Cars Leads Coddington to Buy a Train to Get New Cars to North Carolina, May 29, 1921

Buick Cars Cut of $300 to $660. . . Distributor Coddington Tells Dealers’ Meeting He Has Bought Freight Train

Several announcements of importance to the automobile industry in this territory were made Saturday when Buick motor car dealers from both Carolinas met here at The Southern Manufacturers club at the call of C.C. Coddington, president, and Lee A. Folger, sales manager, of C.C. Coddington Inc., distributor.

Price reductions on all models of Buick cars of the new 1922 line, which will go on the market June 1, were announced by Mr. Folger. These reductions range from $300 to $660, according to the present price of the various models.

Another announcement which was received with applause was that of the Buick Motor Co., will put a Buick Four on the market about August 1. It was explained that the selling price of this car has not yet been determined, and, in answer to dealers’ inquiries, Mr. Folger said the only information he has relative to the price is that it will be proportionate with the new prices of the six cylinder cars.

Mr. Coddington opened the conference with a brief welcome, and thanked the dealers, numbering more than 80 for their attendance, in response to telegraphic invitation. Mr. Folger followed Mr. Coddingham and made the various announcements. Later he asked the assembled dealers to state approximately the number of cars they would need during the next month in anticipation of a stimulated demand, and almost 200 cars were ordered.

Mr. Folger explained to the dealers that high production again has been reached at the Buick factory. He said the demand has grown so rapidly that 16 different production schedules have been necessary in recent months because of the quick improvement. This steadily growing demand for Buick cars and statements of railway executives that a freight car shortage of seldom equalled proportions seems unavoidable this fall has impressed upon Mr. Coddington the necessity of the shipment of many cars to Charlotte without great delay, said Mr. Folger. To make this possible, Mr. Coddington has purchased an entire freight train from the Mere Marquete railroad and has employed a former railway division superintendent to take charge of it during transit to represent the Charlotte firm’s interest.

After the tabulation of the number of new cars the Carolina dealers will need within a few weeks, Sales Director O’Brien announced at the luncheon, which followed the conference, that a solid train-load of Buick cars would be shipped from the factory at Flint, Mich., just as quickly as it can be loaded, and that delivery at Charlotte may be expected within two or three weeks. For the present, at least, Mr. Folger told the dealers, drop shipments of cars to the individual dealers from the factory will be discontinued and short haul shipments will be made from Charlotte in view of the anticipated difficulties in securing freight cars.

From The Charlotte News, Sunday morning issue, May 29, 1921

G.M. Wilkerson Who Took $4,000 and the Widow Hartline and Her Sons, Fled to Mexico, Leaving Behind His Wife and Five Children, May 29, 1921

Eloping Couple Crossed Border. . . G.M. Wilkinson Left Wife and Five Children to Elope With Widow

Statesville, May 28—Ex-Sheriff J.M. Deaton has returned from a trip through Texas, including Houston, San Antonio, Sanderson, El Paso, and Juarez, Mexico, in pursuit of G.M. Wilkerson of Marion, who is wanted in this state for embezzlement. Mr. Wilkinson was in the employ of Connelly & Teague of Taylorsville, from whom it is alleged he took more than $4,000 in cash and eloped with Mrs. O.A. Hartline of Waynesville, and her two little sons, aged five and nine year, leaving his own wife and five children in Marion. Wilkinson, Mrs. Hartline and her two little boys left Salisbury on a fast train on the night of Tuesday, May 3, and passed across the Mexican border about the 10th of the month, according to information secured by Sheriff Deaton on this trip.

Mr. Deaton had in his possession a letter written by G.M. Wilkinson to R.H. Priestwood of Frederick Hall, Va., father of Mrs. O.A. Hartline, and a letter from Mrs. Hartline to her father and mother. The letters told of the affection each had for the other which led to their decision to leave the country together. The letters bore the postmark of Sanderson, Texas, but investigation showed that the elopers handed the missive to an officer at that point to be mailed as they were passing through on the Sunset Limited. Mr. Deaton had a photograph of Wilkinson and experienced no difficulty in tracing him from New Orleans, on through Houston, Texas, Sanderson, and to El Paso, where the Mexican consul and detectives reported that the man, woman and two children had passed over into Mexico on the 10th of May. Wilkinson and his companion are safe in Mexico as long as they want to remain, unless the authorities consider them undesirable citizens.

From The Charlotte News, Sunday morning issue, May 29, 1921

Dr. Fred Austin to Open New Sanatorium in Old Brenizer Hospital, May 28, 1921

New Sanatorium Will Be Opened. . . Dr. Fred Austin Buys Old Brenizer Hospital Premises

A urological sanatorium, the only institution of its type in the South so far as is known here, will be opened in the near future by Dr. Fred Austin and associates of this city on East Ninth street in the former Brenizer sanatorium building, it was learned Saturday morning.

Dr. Austin, who has maintained a urological clinic in the Realty building for the past 10 years, has acquired the building formerly used as the Brenizer sanatorium and which was originally the A.G. Brenizer residence and later the John S. Blake residence. It is in the third block of East Ninth street.

A deed recording the transfer of the property is on file at the court house. The price named in the deed is the frequently used “$100 and other considerations,” but the stamps on the paper show the value to be somewhat above $20,000. The deal was negotiated by Frank F. Jones, real estate agent of the city.

For some years after the Brenizer family disposed of the property it was used by the John S. Blake as a residence. Later Dr. Addison Brenizer and associates transformed the building into a 23-room hospital. When the United States entered the war against Germany Dr. Brenizer gave up the hospital and organized the Brenizer hospital unit, using his hospital staff and corps of nurses as the nucleus, and went to France. Mr. Blake and his family again took the place as a residence after it was closed as a hospital. The lot has a frontage of 138 feet on Ninth street and a depth of 198.

Dr. Austin said Saturday he and his associates contemplated extensive improvements to the building, including an addition at the rear, and hoped to open the place some time in the near future. About $6,000 was spent by Dr. Brenizer in transforming the building from a residence into a sanatorium, so that it is ready to receive equipment and hospital facilities at present. With the further improvements contemplated it will be an institution of considerable proportions as well as one of distinctive nature.

Several other men will be added to the staff that Dr. Austin now maintains in his clinic in the Realty Building. Among these will be Dr. D.R. Austin, brother of Dr. Fred Austin, who has just finished a year’s study at the Polyclinic Hospital in New York and who will join his brother here shortly.

From the front page of The Charlotte News, Saturday evening, May 28, 1921

Luke Frazier of New Bern Electrocuted at State Penitentiary, May 28, 1921

Luke Frazier Electrocuted

Luke Frazier, a negro of New Bern, was electrocuted at the State penitentiary Friday morning at 10 o’clock. Frazier was convicted of killing another negro. He did not appeal his case to the Supreme Court, and only two letters came to the office of Governor Morrison about the negro. One of these was from a man who said that Frazier had worked for him, and he believed that the ends of justice would be met if the negro were imprisoned for life instead of executed. The other letter was from a justice of the peace in Craven county and told the Governor that if ever capital punishment could be justified it was justified in this case.

The Governor, having no formal application before him and no information about the case, allowed the law to take its course.

From the front page of The Charlotte News, Saturday evening, May 28, 1921

Police Chief Orr Technically Guilty of Improperly Handling Whiskey, May 28, 1921

Chief Orr Held as Technically Guilty; No Fine. . . Judge Harding Rules Whiskey Cannot be Given Out on Orders of Officials. . . Evidence Shows No Part of 63 Quarts in Question Was Improperly Used

Council for Chief Orr announced Saturday morning that there would be no appeal taken from Friday’s decision of Judge W.F. Harding, who found Chief Orr technically guilt of contempt of court and who announced that there would be no fine imposed unless Chief Orr and his counsel decided to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, in which case a nominal fine would be imposed.

A “technical judgment” against Police Chief Walter B. Orr was pronounced by Judge W.F. Harding in the contempt of court proceedings heard Friday afternoon. The court ruled that Chief Orr was in contempt because he failed to hold for the higher court the full allotment of 103 quarters of liquor placed in his possession, after two defendants had appealed from the decision of the lower court, then skipped their bonds.

Judge Harding ignored affidavits and statements as to the dispensing of the whiskey, contending that it was the duty of chief Orr to hold the whiskey for higher court when he knew that it was to be used as evidence.

Expressing surprise at the practice of police officials, court officials and other officers of the law in giving out whiskey on prescriptions of physicians, as brought out during the hearing of the proceedings, the court contended that no one—probably not even a superior court judge—has the right to given an order about liquor other than for its “destruction.” By destroying whiskey he explained that he meant pouring it out.

No punishment was imposed upon Chief Orr by the court, the explanation being made that he had no desire to punish him for a technical offense. No claim was made that the police court head had committed a “willful violation.” The court expressed the desire to emphasize, however, by his decision that officials of the law must obey the law’s mandates specifically.

ORDER NOT RECORDED

After pronouncing the “technical judgment,” Judge Harding asked Col. T.L. Kirkpatrick, council for Chief Orr, if he wished to appeal the case to the supreme court. Should an appeal be taken, the court explained that he would impose a light fine as a case cannot be appealed when no punishment is imposed. He offered to hold the case open until Saturday in order to allow the attorney and Chief Orr to decide in the matter.

After the finding of the judgement, Colonel Kirkpatrick asked Judge Harding if any additional evidence might be introduced which would cause him to alter his decision. Only the producing of records from minutes of the recorder’s court showing that City Recorder J. Lawrence Jones had given specific orders for liquor, naming the persons to receive it, would have any effect on the case, the court said. Colonel Kirkpatrick replied that this was impossible, as an order issued by Judge Jones as specified in a signed statement by the recorder’s court head, was a blanket order and instructed the chief to give out whiskey to all persons producing prescriptions of physicians.

Judge Harding contended that the respondent had failed to give strict account as to where the 63 quarts of whiskey, which were missing from the 103 quart allotment went. Colonel Kirkpatrick held that no attempt had been made to account for it as he recognized the case as bearing solely upon the failure of Chief Orr to turn all the whiskey over as ordered by the court and not a ?? what disposition was made of it. He offered to produce signed statements and affidavits accounting for the full amount if it would cause the court to alter its decision. Such a move would have no effect on the decision, Judge Harding held as he contended that the chief was in contempt when he gave out whiskey which he knew was being held as evidence, regardless of what cause the whiskey went to.

AFFIDAVITS PRESENTED

A batch of affidavits, prescriptions and statements were introduced by Colonel Kirkpatrick wen the case was opened in the superior court room Friday at 2:30 o’clock. Something more than 100 prescriptions, singed by physicians and calling for whiskey, were presented, in addition to statements by Judge Jones, former Public Safety Commissioner George A. Page, W.B. Bradford, assistant postmaster; Dr. J. R. Alexander, superintendent of the Presbyterian hospital; former Sheriff N.W. Wallace, Deputy Sheriff V.P. Fesperman, Bishop John c. Kilgo, Deputy Clerk of Court J.M. Yandle and others.

Statements as to the character, both official and private, of Chief Orr were introduced from between 30 and 40 of the leading business men of the city. Testimonials from Mrs. W.B. Lindsey, president of the local W.C.T.U., and a federal revenue official as to the persistency of Chief Orr in enforcing the prohibition laws were also presented.

Colonel Kirkpatrick based his claim for the dismissal of the proceedings against Chief Orr on the ground that it was physically impossible for the chief to turn over the full allotment of 103 quarts of whiskey to the court because he had only 40 quarts remaining in his possession. The respondent’s counsel contended that a man could not be held in contempt of court for failing to do a physical impossibility. The colonel hinged his case on this point and argued at length, citing numerous passages from Supreme Court decisions tending to bear him out in the contention.

TOUCHED ON “REPORTS”

Colonel Kirkpatrick touched on recent activities against Chief Orr and to street-corner whispers and rumors as to the manner in which he had been conducting his office. He declared that the police chief had been forced to withstand the villifications of certain men because of the stand he had taken in the past. He sought the dismissal of the case against him in order that the finger of scorn might be pointed at the villifiers and enemies of the chief, whom Colonel Kirkpatrick held to be an efficient officer.

Solicitor George W. Wilson, replying to the hour or more of argument by Colonel Kirkpatrick, contended that the chief was in contempt when he allowed whiskey which he knew was being held as evidence to leave his possession. Police officials and other officers of the law must obey the law’s mandates, otherwise they will not command the respect which they should have, the solicitor contended.

He expressed regard for Chief Orr, but declared that it was his duty to prosecute the case to the extent of his ability, and to bring out the facts which held placed the police head in contempt of court.

Judge Harding made a talk of perhaps 10 minutes in announcing his decision. The apparent tendency of court officials and officers of the law to give out whiskey on prescriptions of physicians was held by the court to be in direct violation of the law. He read a passage prescribing that whiskey should be “destroyed.” He emphasized that the only way in which it would be destroyed would be to pour it out. Counsel for Chief Orr had intimated that whiskey might be considered as “destroyed” when it was taken from retailers and placed in the hands of the law.

SUPERIORS WITHOUT RIGHT

In answering the claim of Colonel Kirkpatrick that Chief Orr in giving out whiskey was acting under orders from his superiors, Judge Harding contended that superiors had no right to issue such an order. Colonel Kirkpatrick asked if Superior Court judges did not have the authority, he having introduced affidavits to the effect that Superior Court judges sitting on the local bench had ordered whiskey dispensed to the sick. Judge Harding expressed doubt that they had, although, he said he ordered 20 gallons of whiskey turned over to physicians during the 1918 influenza epidemic. At that time, he said, he made a specific order on the court records, and instructed physicians to personally administer the whiskey.

Had Judge Jones made a recorded order, naming the specific cases in which whiskey was to be dispensed, the claim might have been made that he was within the law, although he doubted that even this proceeding would be strictly legal.

The court room was crowded to capacity when the case was called by Judge Harding. Throughout the three and a half hours consumed in hearing the evidence offered and the arguments of the attorneys, people were jammed into the room.

Considerable interest throughout the state attaches to the case by reason of the reported tendency of court officials and others to dispense whiskey on prescriptions of physicians or to turn it over to hospitals. Evidence introduced during Friday’s hearing indicated that Chief Orr had been acting upon a precedent of long standing at the city hall, and one which had existed for years throughout the country.

ORDERS CITED

Colonel Kirkpatrick cited the order issued by the secretary of war during the influenza epidemic turning over whiskey in government warehouses for use in army hospitals. Statements of Sheriff Wallace, Deputy Sheriff Fesperman, Deputy Clerk of Court Yandle and others stated that it had been customary for whiskey to be dispensed to hospitals and individuals on prescriptions.

Many favored sending the case to the supreme court in order that the higher tribunal might render a decision in the case, thereby giving emphasis to specific regulations governing the handling of contraband whiskey by court officials.

The affidavits on the character of Chief Orr were signed by men who said they had known him for various numbers of years, ranging from five to 25. Those giving affidavits as to his character were Wade H. Harris, J.C. Patton, B. Rush Lee, Frank Alexander, D.L. Probert, J.A. Durham, J.A. Fore, W.C. Dowd, C.W. Johnston, A.J. Beall, T.T. Allison, J.H. Wearn, F.B. McDowell, Rev. J.A. Sharp, W.R. Robertson, E.D. Latta Sr., W.W. Watt, A.T. Summey, W.H. Twitty, Joseph Garibaldi, Dr. C.A. Bland, T.W. Wade, J.W. McClung, J.E. Murphy, J.H. Little, C.L. Black, C.W. Parker, W.C. Wilkinson, J.A. Stokes, E.C. Marshall, T.E. Hemby, James A. Houston and Sterling Graydon.

From the front page of The Charlotte News, Saturday evening, May 28, 1921

Take Note of Walter Stanley's Pants When You See Him Marching in Memorial Day Parade, May 29, 1921

Stanley’s Pants Trail Him Home. . . Charlotte Man Leaves Them in England, Then Discovers Them Here

The most surprised and astounded young man in Charlotte is Walter F. Stanley, connected with the Clark Publishing Company on South Church street. Friday afternoon he went to an army salvage store and bought the same pair of trousers he wore October 7, 1918 at Bellecourt, France, when he helped the Thirtieth (Old Hickory) Division of the A.E.F. to break through the far-famed Hindenburg line.

The tail of the strangest that ever befell him, and everybody to whom it was told agreed that it probably wouldn’t happen again in a thousand years.

Mr. Stanley was a member of the 119th Infantry (originally a part of the North Carolina national guard), and on the morning of October 7 went over the top with his regiment and other units of the Old Hickory division, smashing the supposedly impregnable Hindenburg line of the German defense.

Stanley was wounded in the face and about the hip, and gassed. He was taken back to a first-aid hospital and afterward to a British hospital (the Old Hickory division fought with the British Second Army, composed of Britons and Australians.)

There was a blood spot on the hop of the trousers when Stanley was taken to the hospital and a torn place on the side of the right knee. The most distinctive mark of all, though, was his own name, which he himself had written on the band of the trousers with indelible ink.

Arriving at the hospital, the American soldier was placed in a ward for treatment, his own uniform and other clothes being taken away and British hospital clothes put on him. When he recovered and was ready to rejoin his unit, new clothes were given him. In due time he came back to the United States and back to Charlotte.

Friday afternoon he went to the store on West Trade street, at Graham,where he sought a khaki uniform to wear Monday in the Memorial Day parade. He was shown a pair of khaki trousers and found that a patch, cleverly inserted, adorned the right knee. There was also a dull brown spot on the hip.

“By George, that looks like my pair of trousers,” exclaimed Mr. Stanley.

He turned the garment about to have a look at the waistband and was astonished to find still plainly written his own name. Then he uttered a full-fledged, lusty-lunged exclamation of good old army surprise such as he and his buddies used in camp and on the battlefield. He was not long in acquiring that particular pair of trousers. He will wear them in the Memorial Day parade Monday with his former buddies of Hornets Nest Post No. 9 of the American Legion, which is staging Memorial Day exercises here.

It was nearly two years and nine months from the time he parted with the trousers at the Rouen hospital until he picked them up here again. He says he will keep them as long as they hold together.

From the front page of The Charlotte News, Saturday evening, May 28, 1921

Fireless Cooker Demonstrated at Little River and Cotton Mill Clubs, May 27, 1921

New Clubs Formed

Miss Yvonne Ward, home agent, has organized two new clubs—one at Little River, the other at the Cotton Mill.

Miss Ward has recently been instructing her pupils in the art of making fireless cookers, which she said are quite effective and cost very little.

From the Brevard News, May 27, 1921. The photo is from a Henderson County extension article by Renay Knapp-- Did You Know…About the Fireless Cooker? | North Carolina Cooperative Extension (ncsu.edu). You can also see the plans for the homemade fireless cookers being promoted by home demonstration agents and two recipes used in these fireless cookers at Foodie Friday: The Fireless Cooker | NC State University Libraries (ncsu.edu).

Shuford Bridge Is Safe, May 27, 1921

Shuford Bridge Safe

Hearing comments and questions in regards to the safety of the covered bridge over the French Broad River at Penrose, known as the Shuford Bridge, the county road commissioners requested J.M. Kilpatrick to make an examination of the bridge and report conditions. Mr. Kilpatrick recently visited the place, made a thorough inspection, and reported the bridge in good condition and perfectly safe for travel.

From the Brevard News, May 27, 1921. The bridge in the photo is actually from Randolph County. To read about it, go to One of the last Covered Bridges in North Carolina - YouTube.

Because Rain Prevented Work on the 20th, Davidson River Cemetery Will Be Decorated on Memorial Day, 1921

Work at Cemetery

There will be a meeting of people at the Davidson River Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 30th, to work on the grounds and decorate graves.

The work which was intended to be done on the 20th was stopped by rain.

From the Brevard News, May 27, 1921

Roy DeLong Purchases Variety Store on Broad Street, May 27, 1921

Roy DeLong Purchases the Variety Store Stock

Roy DeLong has purchased the stock of the variety store on Broad street from Mrs. Cook and Mrs. Brodie will go into business for himself at the same stand.

He will add to the variety stock already in the store with a stock of five and ten cent goods and expected also to keep a line of magazines, books and newspapers.

The sporting goods business, started at the W.H. Allion store building, will be carried on in connection with the sale of variety articles at the Broad street store.

From the Brevard News, May 27, 1921

Joyner, Scoggin, White, Downey, Wilder, Bobbitt, Pearce, Harris, Yarborough, Jones Support School Bonds, May 27, 1921

Letters to the Editor Supporting School Bonds

The following paragraphs are expressions from the citizens of Louisburg Graded School District on the subject of the school bond election to be held next Tuesday.

I am strong for the bond issue because the Superintendent has said and I happen to be in a position to know that the increased facilities are imperative if we expect the children of this community to keep pace with those of other communities in the improvement of both their bodies and minds; and the further fact that I have heard many excuses why the matter should be deferred, but absolutely no valid REASON why every ballot deposited on the 31st of May should not read “FOR BONDS.”

--L.L. Joyner

I am for Graded School Bonds because Mr. W.R. Mills, our Superintendent, says we need a new building and better equipment and I am willing to trust his judgment.

--L.E. Scoggin

I am for Graded School bonds because, notwithstanding “hard times,” I have not lost faith in the future nor the children of Louisburg Graded School District. My taxes are heavy and all of my property is situated in the Louisburg Graded School District but from a material as well as a moral standpoint I feel that an improved Graded School will be worth immeasurably more than the additional tax and if there were any doubt in my mind I would decide the doubt in favor of our boys and girls and vote in favor of School “Bonds on May 31st.

--W.E. White

I am in favor of School Bonds.

1. Because our schools need to be enlarged and better equipped.

2. Because these needs can be met more promptly and satisfactorily by a bond issue than any other way.

3. Because I desire that Louisburg shall go forward and not backward. To vote against bonds is to vote against better schools. And to vote against better schools is to vote against all the best interests of the town—against the best interests of all the boys and girls of this and the succeeding generations.

4. Because the bond issue equalizes the financial burdens, if to any it seems to be a burden. He who is worth $100—with him who is worth $100,000 and so on.

--W.B. Morton I will vote for school bonds because I believe that our boys and girls should have an equal chance and opportunity with the boys and girls of other communities.

--S.Z. Downey

My reasons for voting for school bonds:

First a selfish one, I would like to have my children educated in as good schools as any town of this size could afford.

2nd, I expect to always make my home in this town and wish it to be able to have good schools, which it can, if its citizens will united to make it so.

3rd, I want to see the town grow. If our schools are not as up-to-date as other places afford, people will not consider this town as a home. More people bring more business, so the merchant, lawyer, doctor, in fact every one who has a business must look to the future, do all you can to make our town so attractive in raising this standard of right living, others will take notice and want to be among us.

--Mrs. S.T. Wilder

As a citizen of Louisburg, I am for Graded School Bonds because I know that a bigger and better Graded School will mean a bigger and better town and community. As an individual, I am for Graded School Bonds because my only child has just graduated at the Louisburg Graded School and if I voted against bonds I would feel that I was a selfish traitor to every other man’s children in the Louisburg Graded School District.

--R.A. Bobbitt

I am in favor of Graded School Bonds because they mean an improved Graded School and an improved Graded School is the best assurance that my children will be educated and the education of my children means more to me than anything else except their salvation.

--Mrs. D.G. Pearce

I am for Graded School Bonds because I am for better schools and a vote in favor of school bonds, in my opinion, will be a vote in favor of better schools.

--J.P. Harris

I am for school bonds because times are hard and threaten to continue so for a long time to come. I can see no chance for our children unless we educate them at least as well as the children of other communities. Geniuses sometimes succeed without education and fools usually fail even with education, but most men and women occupy that station in life for which they have been fitted by education and training. I have only one vote, but I read in the face of every child I see an appeal to me to cast it for school bonds, and it will be so cast.

--W.H. Yarborough

One of the principal reasons why I am for school bonds is because with the money available from the bonds we will be able to build and maintain a school that will carry the average child a long way beyond the point to which he can now do. Only a very small percent of the children ever get to college and the training they get in high school is only academic, and while it lays the foundation for the teacher of a profession, it does not teach any child any profession, therefore, when the average child leaves school he leaves with a good foundation to build upon but with no material to build with.

In the school which will be built, if the bond election is successful, not only will the regular courage be given but the children will be taught professional courses. The girls will be taught domestic science, etc., and the boys will receive courses in agriculture and commercial professions, such as they can now get only when they attend a college and which, of course, the average will miss.

As to the statement that is put forth by some that is not the time for voting bonds to enlarge our school, I can only say that scarcely a week passes in which there is not an account of one or more elections held for school bonds and I have yet to see the account of one that was not successful. If other towns can afford them now Louisburg can and knowing the need for a better and larger school here I would feel that I was untrue to myself and my neighbors if I voted against Graded School Bonds.

--Joseph C. Jones

From the front page of the Franklin Times, Louisburg, N.C., May 27, 1921

Centerville News in Franklin Times, May 27, 1921

Centerville Items

Guess you think old Centerville is dead as you haven’t heard from it in so long but it is still living and lively as ever.

Misses Eva and Emma Duke of Angola visited their sister last week, Mrs. Robert Radford. Miss Bertha Neal returned home from her school a few days ago.

Miss Ruth Parrish is still teacher school at Centerville and has a good attendance she is doing fine with her work. She is one of the Franklin County’s best teachers.

Misses Nellie Radford, Emma and Eva Duke and Clayton Burnette took a flying trip to Louisburg and Bunn on last Thursday. All report a good time.

Mrs. Jodie Gupton entertained all the young people in the community at her home on last Thursday night. The music given by Mrs. Carl Cathy was enjoyed very much by all.

Messrs. Lynn Leach, Ben Currin, Jack Duke, Bunton Brewer and Harry Tuck left for Weldon on last Thursday to build a new road in that section. We are sure that they will be greatly missed in this county, especially by the girls. We are quite sure some of them will be real lonesome.

Mr. Clyde Sterrin says he will complete one of the bridges that is being built on the state highway road in this month. Guess everybody will be glad when it is completed. I am quite sure there will be some traveling done from Centerville to White Level then, as some of the people around Centerville are crazy about White Level and Center Rock.

There were two girls at Centerville that passed the County examination and that was Misses Katie Belle Griffin and Clayton Burnette. They are real glad that they finished public school and are now ready for high school.

Mr. Jack Brewer and Miss Clayton Burnette visited Miss Ida Parrish of Alert on last Sunday afternoon.

Miss Katie Belle Griffin is visiting her sister, Mrs. Melvin Fuller, of near Henderson.

Our Sunday school is progressing nicely and we have real good attendance but would like to have better and would be real glad to have new members. Come and join every Sunday. We have a very good Superintendent in Mr. Arthur Shearin and we also have some very fine teachers. They are doing splendid work.

Sunday night was the regular night for our Missionary meeting but on account of the rain we didn’t have it.

Our new state highway road will soon be completed and it has helped the looks of our little town very much. It is the prettiest road in the County. Everybody just come and take a joy ride over it.

--Blue Eyes

From the Franklin Times, Louisburg, N.C., May 27, 1921

Robert Whitmire To Build Filling Station Near Smith's Garage, May 27, 1921

To Build Filling Station

Robert Whitmire, who recently came from Greenville, is preparing to erect a filling station and washing rack on the site of the old laundry building near Smith’s garage.

From the Brevard News, May 27, 1921

Martin Memorial Hospital Will Graduate Nurses May 30, 1921

Martin Memorial Hospital Graduates Nurses

Invitations have been issued for the graduating exercises for the training school for nurses at Martin Memorial hospital, these exercises will take place Tuesday evening, May 31, in the High school auditorium at 8 o’clock.

Solicitor S.P. Graves will deliver the address to the graduates, and Atty. W.F. Carter will speak on “The Value of a Hospital to a Community.” Diplomas will be delivered by Dr. Moir S. Martin to the five young ladies composing the class.

The public is cordially invited to attend these exercises.

From The Mount Airy News, Thursday, May 26, 1921. I don't know the date of the postcard of Martin Memorial Hospital.

Rev. J.W. Frank, Missionary in Japan, Writes Home, May 26, 1921

Letter from Japan

By Rev. J.W. Frank

With your permission I will use your paper to reach our friends in Mount Airy. We wish them to know that we still cherish in our memory the pleasure of having their fellowship while living among them, and of their affection which we feel still abides.

One year of worship with the congregation of the Central Methodist church, where we were privileged to hear preaching and singing in our native tongue, was a most helpful experience. Nevertheless, we had goodly fellowship with other communions; and our denominational loyalty must not be misunderstood for sectarian bigotry. The fact that the Central Methodist church and its Sunday school are paying our salary and devoutly praying for us is very comforting and helpful to us in our reflections and activities. In moments of meditation and ecstasy we delight to think of our friends as communing with us by way of the throne of God while fervently praying for us. God’s children have been using the wireless telephone for ages. How blessed are they whose unceasing petitions and supplications reach the sympathetic ears of a loving Heavenly Father! And how poor and unwitting are those who have been taught about the true God and yet are not on speaking terms with him through unceasing prayer!

Mr. Editor, when you once suggested to me that the missionaries should, or might, have feelings or visions of rapture not common to others, I may not have seemed to corroborate your surmise as you expected, inasmuch as I have always felt that missionaries, in common with all Christian workers, should think of themselves as unprofitable servants after they have done their utmost.

However, I have repeatedly stated my conviction that missionaries are the happiest people I know. Furthermore, recent experience leads me to agree with you that we are entitled to special ecstacies, not because of superior goodness, but possibly as a gracious compensation for deprivations. If our deprivations have their remuneration then we may not be making such great sacrifices as our friends sometimes think.

Mrs. Frank contracted influenza about the middle of February. Before recovering from that she took something like inflammatory rheumatism caused by poisoning from septic tonsils. While this was ats worst she took pneumonia in her left side, though not of a very malignant form. Though confined to her bed for two months, with fever much of the time, she did not fail to eat a single meal. We are 13 hours’ ride by boat from our nearest American friends, and 33 hours’ ride by boat from the nearest white doctor. But Mrs. Demaree and Miss Bennett came by turns to stay with her and to prescribe suitable diet. A good trained nurse was sent from Kobe, and two Japanese doctors proved to be efficient. After she was able to leave her bed we all came to Kobe that she might be under the care of Dr. Barker and to have a chance. She is now well except her tonsils where she may have taken out when we pass through here in July en route to our summer home.

We are enjoying our stay in this city with a population one hundred times as great as that of Mount Airy.

Kobe, Japan, April 29, 1921

J.W. Frank

From the front page of The Mount Airy News, Thursday, May 26, 1921

Community Ice Plant Would Be Good Deal for Mount Airy, May 26, 1921

A Community Ice Plant

Some Western communities in which ice is strictly a manufactured product are interesting themselves publicly in the subject of ice manufacture. There is a type of small district or city which justifies the establishment of one local ice plant, but does not contain room for two, says The Scientific American. The operator of the one ice manufactory enjoys the nature of a monopoly. Of course, ice can be shipped in, but ice is a very bulky and heavy commodity, and its free flow between communities, in commerce, is never apt to be very great.

Many communities have protested and complained a great deal about ice prices. One community, Lindsay, in California, has acted. A local plant was on the market, and last spring the local Chamber of Commerce got an option on it, organized the Lindsay Community Ice Company, sold stock to some 300 local people, and took over the plant.

The first season’s record of this company is illuminating. It is in the center of a district where retail ice prices, platform basis, have been up around $1 a hundred. At Vislia, ice was 80 cents at retail, at Exeter 90 cents, at Portersville and Lemon Cove, $1 a hundred. At Lindsay, the community company sold ice at 50 cents a hundred.

The plant manufactured 1,000 tons of ice the past summer. Granting consumers would otherwise have paid 85 or 90 cents, the company saved them something like $7,500. At this rate, the replacement value of the plant being $20,000 to $25,000, the plant would pay for itself in less than four years.

The plant has a capacity of 1,000 tons a year, and storage space for 100 tons. The low prices have stimulated demand, and the coming year the capacity will be increased to 2,000 tons, which the management says can be easily sold. Storage room for 1,000 tons will be put in. Farmers on trading visits to Lindsay are good customers.

The past season, Lindsay community plant manufactured ice and put it on the platform for about $3.80 a ton. Retailing ice, however, it figured it must sell for 50 cents the cwt. in order to break even.

An ice plant requires considerable initial investment. The competition of private enterprise in local ice manufacture is not keen, and retail prices naturally are high. The community ice plant seems an obvious remedy for the situation, under some circumstances.

From the front page of The Mount Airy News, Thursday, May 26, 1921

Elkin Furniture Company Fire Put 100 Out of Work, May 26, 1921

The Elkin Furniture Co. Destroyed by Fire. . . Loss Is Placed at $100,000 With $21,000 Insurance—Over 100 People thrown Out of Work

Elkin, May 19—A disastrous fire occurred here last night, which totally demolished the plant of the Elkin Furniture Company, one of the most important manufacturing enterprises of the town. A small blaze under the engine-room was discovered by the night watchman about 10:30 o’clock, but owing to the fact that the water main had not been extended that far, the firemen were powerless to fight the flames. In addition to the building and equipment, a quantity of furniture were ready for shipment and a great amount of lumber on the yards were consumed by the flames. Nothing was saved except the books and important papers of the office and some mirrors, these being recovered at a terrible risk of life. The plant was located in east Elkin, about three fourths of a mile from the center of the town. The plant was running on full time, employing about 100 men, to many of whom the loss of a job just now is a serious matter. The loss to the company is estimated at $100,000 with $21,000 insurance. The officers of the company are W.S. Gough, president; A.G. Click, vice-president; R.L. Hubbard, secretary and treasurer and general manager. Other stockholders are H.F. Gray, M.A. Biggs, E.G. Click, Cooper and others.

The company manufactured bed-room suites and old pieces of furniture, making regular shipments to more than half the states of the union.

From the front page of The Mount Airy News, Thursday, May 26, 1921. The photos were shared on the internet at The Tag On This Vanity Says "Elkin Furniture Company", Elkin, NC And Was So... | My Antique Furniture Collection. The dressing table would have originally been sold with a mirror.

Proposal to Put Small-Time Jitney Drivers Out of Business, May 26, 1921

About Jitney Drivers

The jitney is a new institution for this country and one that can hardly be dispensed with now. No man is more needed in a modern community than the man who has a good car and is ever ready to come at your beck or call. He serves at all times of the day or night and no weather is too bad for him to respond. We suspect that he has a right to claim that he us under paid even if the general public does claim him to be in the same class as the plumber and electrician as to charges.

But along with this legitimate business of operating jitneys had developed, a business that we hesitate to mention. About a town the side of this will be found a few men who get credit for operating jitneys for hire when in fact they are not in the jitney business at all. They put in most of their time serving the criminal element of society in the various ways that if demands service.

If current reports are true the modern criminal could hardly get along without the fellow who has an automobile.

Just how society is to deal with this class is a live question among law abiding people. It is now currently reported that the officials of this town will require of jitney drivers a certificate of good character and a bond of $3,000 for the faithful performance of his duties as a public servant. A man who has long been in the jitney business in this city was discussing this report this week and gave it as his opinion that it would be one of the greatest means of protecting the general public that can be made. He said that a move of this kind would stop some men from operating cars for hire in this part of the country and no body would be the loser when they quit. He gave it as his opinion that only a small part of the jitney business about town like this is really legitimate and that the public badly needs protection.

All of which is food for thought for the new town officials.

From The Mount Airy News, Thursday, May 26, 1921. Adjusted for inflation, $3,000 in 1921 is equal to $40,279 in 2021, according to www.dollartimes.com.

'Tragedies' of Hugh Bowman, Sid Vaughn and Woman Raising Chickens, May 26, 1921

A Bunch of Tragedies

If we failed to be interested in the misfortunes of our fellows we would not be human. Real tragedies happen all about us and from them the thoughtful ones learn lessons that are no doubt helpful.

Here is one. Hugh Bowman, well known to the police circles, has been under indictment for various charges such as assault, violation of liquor laws, etc. Recently he failed to appear in court when he was due to be there and thus forfeited a bond of $1,000. One day this week he ventured near town and was partaking of the contents of an ice cold bottle of pop. Some fellows went and told the police and sheriff, and they hastened to the place where he was regaling himself. He tried to get out his gun when the officers approached, but, to use the term of the officer, they beat him to it, which means that the officer grabbed him before he could draw the gun. Big handcuffs were placed on his hands and a rope about his body and he was carried to jail at Dobson where he is very likely to remain until next October at which time he can get a hearing in the Superior court.

Here is another. Sid Vaughn lives out near the Sulphur Springs. He has a wife and children. Last Sunday night at the hour of two in the morning Deputy Ashburn and Chief Lawrence made a search of his premises and found 26 pint bottles filled with liquor. They also found empty bottles and empty jugs and all things needful for a retail business. Vaughn frankly told the officers that he had a wife and babies and could not get a job and that he had to make a living some way. He will get a hearing in the local court next week and will leave his case to a jury of his countrymen. And here is still another. A thrifty housewife of this this city, one of these energetic ones who is not afraid not work and who gets busy and brings things to pass, well this woman has been busy all this spring seeing that a goodly bunch of young chickens were in no way delayed in getting ready for the table. One night this week she noticed five big two-pound fellows who appeared to be plenty large to care for their own feathers and so they were not huddled into the tight house as had been the custom. Imagine her surprise next morning when she found that the pesky rats had killed all five of them. Now she is on the war path and is as busy poisoning and catching rats as she has been raising chickens.

No doubt this will suffice for the present.

From The Mount Airy News, Thursday, May 26, 1921.

Thelma Sherrill, Bertha E. Howard, Maggie M. Howard Are Now Nurses, May 25, 1921

Three Young Women to Get Diplomas

Graduating exercises of three young women completing the course of training at St. Peter’s Hospital will be held Thursday night at 8:30 o’clock at St. Peter’s Parish House, Miss C.E. MacNichols, superintendent of the hospital, announces.

L.R. Anschutz, assistant rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal church, will deliver the address to the graduates. Dr. Brodie C. Nalle will present the diplomas and Dr. J.G. Johnston will present the prize to the young woman making the highest average during the year.

Miss Thelma Sherrill of Raeford, Miss Bertha Elizabeth Howard of Monroe, and Miss Maggie Matilda Howard of Charlotte are the graduates.

From The Charlotte News, May 25, 1921

Celeste Henkel's Home and School Improvement Campaign Praised, May 25, 1921

A Better Homes Campaign

May 2 marked the close of one of the most remarkable and successful campaigns ever held in North Carolina. This was the home and school improvement campaign conducted in Iredell county under the management of Miss Celeste Henkel, Home Demonstration Agent of the county.

The campaign was launched last September when the club presidents of the county met with Miss Henkel and formulated plans for improving the schools and homes in every possible way. Progressive citizens and business firms added further incentives to the campaign by offering liberal prizes. Home and school improvement was talked on every occasion and each community set to work to make the homes and communities of Iredell model places in which to live. The expenditure of money to any considerable extent was not a prime requirement of the movement. It was more a matter of incentive for the exercise of taste and energy. The home with very limited means had as much chance to win as the home with abundant means. The degree of improvement was what won this or that prize.

A list of some of the prizes offered gives an idea of the campaign. There were prizes for the community making the greatest improvement in its schools, homes and grounds; for the most convenient kitchen; for the greatest improvement in a one-teacher school; for the woman in the county writing the best composition on “Why I need electric lights and waterworks in my home;” for the best composition on “\the value of the tractor to the farmer;” for the community having the most screened homes; for the housekeeper reporting the greatest number of inexpensive labor saving devices. A prize was offered to every school boy and girl in the county over 12 years of age writing a composition of not less than 400 words on “How Electricity Improves Farm Life.” A county-wide debate was also held. The query was, “Resolved that the automobile and tractor are more necessary to the farm family than electric lights and power.”

Everywhere great interest was shown. Old yards and school grounds were made over.

Rubbish was removed and shrubbery and flowers put in its place making the premises much more attractive. In the homes and in the school buildings the changes were even greater. Conditions were made more sanitary and the work of the housekeeper and teacher were made easier by the addition of more conveniences and by more effective arrangements.

On May 2 the campaign came to a close with the awarding of prizes and the final debate. At this time Governor Morrison delivered a most inspiring address.

The results of the campaign were gratifying. During the campaign $20,092 was spent on improvements in the homes of the county, but this does not include the value of labor or the amount of interest aroused in better homes. Moreover, with its close the campaign has really just begun. The Statesville Landmark well expresses it when it says, “Those who have not joined in the improvement, seeing what others have done will feel the irresistable urge to join in the good work; and the others, stimulated by what they have done, will see other improvements that can be and will be made.”

It was a great movement that Miss Henkel started. It might well be followed by other counties in the State. Such campaigns as this will do much to promote home-making intelligence, a better educated, and a nobler citizenship. It will make our State a happier place in which to live.

The University of North Carolina News Letter, May 25, 1921

Jones, Ledyard, Combes, Montague, Harkins Obituaries, May 25, 1921

Deaths-Funerals

MRS. STUART JONES

Salisbury, May 25—A brief message received in Salisbury announced the death of Mrs. Stuart Jones at Laurenceville, Va., death being caused by appendicitis. Mrs. Jones was formerly Miss Nan Buford and was a daughter of Captain Andrew Buford, who for years was agent of the Southern Railway Company here.

MRS. ANNIE M. SAMPLE

Mrs. Annie Moore Sample, wife of Adrian M. Sample, formerly of Mecklenburg county, died Tuesday at her home in Fort Pierce, Fla., according to a message received by friends in the city. Interment will be in Fort Pierce Wednesday.

Mrs. Sample was a daughter of John W. Moore and the late Mrs. Margaret Gibbon Moore. She was reared at the Moore homestead in the Hopewell section of the county. She moved to Fort Pierce 30 years ago.

She leaves five children, four sons and one daughter, and two sisters. Three brothers also survive.

HENRY B. LEDYARD

Detroit, Mich., May 25—Henry B. Ledyard, chairman of the board of directors of the Michigan Central Railroad, died at his home here today. Mr. Ledyard was taken ill with heart trouble Friday night and later pneumonia developed. He was born in the American embassy at Paris in 1844, and had spent the greater part of his life in Detroit.

Three children, Henry and Hugh Ledyard and Baroness von Kettler, all of Detroit, survive.

SENATOR EMILE COMBES

Pons, France, May 25—Senator Emile Combes, French premier from 1902 to 1905, died here yesterday, aged 68 years.

While premier and minister of the interior, Mr. Combes devoted his energies to securing separation of the church and state, and under his guidance France in 1904 took the first definite steps toward this end. When the law separating the church and state finally was adopted, all the leaders of the radical party openly recognized M. Combes as the real originator of the movement.

DWIGHT PRESTON MONTAGUE

Chattanooga, Tenn., May 25—Dwight Preston Montague, retired capitalist and manufacturer, dropped dead in his office here this morning of apoplexy.

Mr. Montague was a native of Chester, Meigs county, Ohio. He was born July 20, 1853 and had lived in Chattanooga since 1875. During the active years of his life, he was president of the Roane Iron company, the Newoddy Coal company and identified with various other industries of this section. His home here was designed after an Italian castle and is one of the show places in Chattanooga. One of his daughters married County Nirino Rasponi, an Italian nobleman, and another married Major Richard Kimball of the United States army. Countess Rasponi is here now on her annual visit to the family.

RIGHT REV. MATTHEW HARKINS

Providence, R.I., May 25—The Right Rev. Matthew Harkins, Roman Catholic bishop of the diocese of Providence, died at his home here today. He was 75 years of age and had been bishop for 34 years.

From The Charlotte News, May 25, 1921

Liquor Seized in Pineville, May 25, 1921

Ownerless Liquor Found in Pineville

Deputy Sheriff Vic Fesperman and Rural Policemen C.G. Brown and Louis E. Johnston went to Pineville Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock on the call of citizens of that place to look into allegations of a whiskey transaction.

The officers found nine gallons of corn liquor in the woods, several persons from Pineville aiding them in the search. The liquor was brought to Charlotte by the officers. There was no clue as to whom the whiskey belonged to.

From The Charlotte News, May 25, 1921

Since Teachers Aren't Paid Living Wage, Communities Are Providing Subsidized Housing, May 25, 1921

The City Teacherage

With only nine ballots against it, Lumberton has carried a bond issue of $30,000 for the purchase of a site for a high school and to pay for a teacherage already erected.

Lumberton is a good town, but the best thing about it is the evident determination it has to make itself better yet. And it is going about it in a sensible way when it undertakes to take care of its schools by paying early, if not first, attention to the teachers.

Greensboro might well take a leaf out of Lumberton’s book in this respect. Every year there is a wild scramble here to secure suitable accommodations for a hundred or so teachers. Even with the enormous amount of building going on, Greensboro is a crowded town, and there is no immediate prospect of any great relief.

If the city were to provide an apartment house for the exclusive use of teachers in the public schools, it would make the profession in Greensboro many times as attractive as it is now. It is not altogether, or even chiefly, a matter of expense; the city might charge rental enough to recover interest on its money, and still finds its quarters in great demand.

But even if such a building were a dead loss, from the financial point of view, it would be well worth while in that it would tend to strengthen the teaching staff of the schools; it would make it easier for the superintendent to secure good teachers, and very much easier for him to retain them, once secured.

From The Greensboro Daily News, as reprinted in The University of North Carolina News Letter, May 25, 1921

Reasons Why Republicans Want to Become "Whites Only" Party, May 24, 1921

Means Life or Death to Party

By Maxwell Gorman

Raleigh, May 24—In the interest of straight news told in an unprejudiced statement by one who is familiar with the facts and present situation, the following extracts therefrom, as recited to me today, are printed purely as News. He said.

“If one will ask a given number of people, including Democrats (officer-holders excepted, if they believe a strong opposition political party is a good thing for any state to have, an overwhelming majority will decisively say ‘yes.’ Most of them in North Carolina, Tennessee, and other Southern States will add—‘provided neither is dominated by or has a monopoly of the negro votes.’” Many will go further and say that it is not feasible or desirable otherwise, in states where the bulk of the negroes line up with either party or against the other. “Now, then, that view of (words obscured) was held by Chairman Linney and other Republican committeemen in the last campaign, when the Republicans polled 23,000 votes more than 200,000 of the votes being white men and women.

“The demonstration that so many white votes could be polled in a Southern State for the Republican candidates, state and National, greatly impressed some Republican leaders, including President Harding, who have long been interested in the organization of a militant and formidable Republican party in some of the Southern states.

“It had been so repeatedly shown to these leaders in previous campaigns that no such party could be organized or maintained in North Carolina with the negro vote forming its basis, that the development of a white Republican party was regarded most favorably at Washington generally—with the exception of some Senators and Congressmen hailing from the states in the North and West where there is a considerable negro vote, which they fear may be used against them if they openly and officially endorse the ‘Lilly Whites,’ political trimmers and a few who still hate the South.

“President Harding appointed Mr. Linney, knowing about the white party attitude he and his committee maintained in last year’s campaign. “If he is confined by the Senate, the prospects are that the Republican party will be greatly strengthened in North Carolina, because the people will have positive proof that the white-domination principles now professed by Republican leaders can be practically carried out—with the National administration backing the movement.

“If the protests made by the several negro politicians (Bishop This and Professor That) against Mr. Linney’s confirmation serve to defeat him, and to cause the withdrawal of his nomination by the President, it will be a great blow to Republican National prospects in North Carolina, the chances being that the State could not be reasonably expected to vote for a Republican elector in the future----and that, even if Mr. Linney stands by his guns and insist that his attitude and record were correct and will be maintained.”

THE “DEFENSE”

The above statement, made from a non-partisan standpoints, represents that viewpoint fairly well. As to whether Linney will be confirmed, the following extract is taken from a Washington correspondent’s story this week:

“That the present idea of Linney forces is to base the fight to save Linney upon three grounds is evident. First, it will be declared that the only way to build up a decent Republican party in North Carolina is to divorce it from the negro; second, that the Democrats in 1920 were making use of a statement said to have originated in Republican headquarters in which the negro women were called upon to register so to offset the registration of white women; third, that attacks were being made on the ancestry of Senator Harding, Republican nominee for President, and that the anti-negro declaration will be intended to give that matter a black eye. And this last line of defense, it is rumored, will be made the strongest.

From the Commonwealth, Scotland Neck, N.C., Tuesday, May 24,1921

Scotland Neck Committee To Meet With Wm. A. Hart, Tarboro, May 24, 1921

Chamber of Commerce Committee to Road Meeting

The Chamber of Commerce appointed a committee to confer with Mr. Wm. A. Hart, Highway Commissioner of Tarboro, relative to State Highway to pass through Scotland Neck. This committee was as follows: Messrs. A. McDowell, G. Hoffman, S.A. Dunn and J.H. Alexander Jr. These gentlemen left this morning for Tarboro to meet with Mr. Hart. This committee will also discuss with Mr. Hart the proposed bridge across Roanoke River at Edward’s Ferry.

From the Commonwealth, Scotland Neck, N.C., Tuesday, May 24, 1921

North Carolina News Briefs, May 24, 1921

Condensed News From the Old North State

Maxton—The residence of Mr. C.J. Lide was badly damaged by fire during the electrical storm.

Charlotte—Charlotte is to have a new bank. The Charlotte Bank and Trust company with a capital of $1 million is a new baking institution for the city.

Greensboro—R.C. Kelly, junior member of the law firm of Brooks, Hines & Kelly, will go to Winston-Salem June 1 to become attorney for the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco company.

Winston-Salem—The Salvation Army here will put on a campaign to raise $9,000, this being the amount desired for the work outlined for the coming year.

Carthage—County Agent M.W. Wall states that both the cotton and tobacco acreage of Moore county has been reduced 30 to 40 per cent this year and that both crops are very backward, taking the county as a whole.

Salisbury—The 78th annual session of the Grand Lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows of North Carolina has convened here. The credential committee made its report and past grand degrees were conferred on 58 new past grands.

Redisville—Geo. T. Smith, a well-known citizen and Confederate veteran, died at his home, aged 82 years. Wm. A. Reid, one of Reidsville’s oldest citizens and a well-known Confederate veteran, died at his home, aged 81 years.

Newton—The Catawba News-Enterprise says that Mr. W.N. Mebane, who recently died in Burlington, did not die of blood poisoning. It says “instead of blood poisoning, Mr. Mebane literally bled to death from two teeth that had been removed.

Wilmington—James M. Stevenson, insurance man of this city, ended his life by firing a bullet from a 38-caliber revolver into his heart. Winston-Salem—Dr. H.L. Hill, aged 84, who served a surgeon in the war between the states, and who was perhaps the oldest living surgeon who served in the Confederate army, died at his home in Germantown.

Greenville—The illicit whiskey traffic of this section of the state was given another effective blow when Deputy sheriff Thad Williams, accompanied by C.T. Wooten, succeeded in capturing a 130-gallon copper still at Hardee’s Run.

Lumberton—A cyclone struck the Long Branch community, five miles south of Lumberton demolishing three or more dwellings and seriously injuring several people.

Charlotte—George L. Keller, grocer, 1214 East Seventh street, was shot dead from his wagon as he was passing in front of the Fidelity Mills on West Eleventh street by two negroes, who took from his body the money from the day’s sales at his store.

Asheville—J.E. “Babe” Burnett, wanted for the alleged killing Prohibition Officer Rose, which occurred following a prohibition raid near the Burnett home in Swain county November 25, 1920, surrendered to the sheriff of Swain county.

Gastonia—At a joint meeting of the county commissioners and county board of education, Miss Faye Davenport of Mount Holly, daughter of chairman R.K. Davenport, was selected county superintendent of public welfare.

Fayetteville—The 42nd annual conference of the Woman’s Missionary conference of the North Carolina conference of the Methodist church convened here with approximately 300 delegates.

Monroe—Contract for the new high school was let to R.L. Goode of Charlotte for about $75,000. Eleven contractors had bid in with the school board. The new building will consist of 19 class rooms, auditorium, lavatories, etc., and will be of brick construction.

Kinston—The corporation commission closed the Bank of Pink Hill in March because there was no other course to pursue, and its action appears to be amply justified by the detailed audit of the institution’s affairs just completed.

Hickory—Hickory Rotary club has received its charter from the hands of District Governor Buck Perrin of Spartanburg at a ceremony at which Rotarians from Asheville, Gastonia, and Statesville lent a willing hand.

From the Polk County News, Tryon, N.C., May 24, 1921

News Briefs From Tryon, Sandy Springs, New Hope, Melvin Hill, May 24, 1921

Tryon Items

Don’t fail to list your taxes. Morgan Morris motored to Columbia Tuesday.

T.W. Balew transacted business in Greenville, S.C., Monday.

Miss Mardelle Lilly will leave for her home in Georgia Saturday.

G.E. Bell attended the Shriners meeting at Asheville last week.

Mrs. A.E. Bevens of Florida is visiting her friend, Mrs. B.D. Williams.

Miss Alva Jackson entertained her Sunday school class Tuesday picnicing.

Misses Alva Jackson and Margie Capps spent Wednesday in Spartanburg.

Miss Edith Miller, one of the teachers in our school, returned home Wednesday.

Eugene Brownlee spent the week-end with Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Miot at Columbia, S.C.

Miss Kathleen Morris who is attending school at Greenwood, S.C., is expected home Monday.

Mrs. Richard Carpenter left last week for Port Chester, N.YH., where she will spend the summer.

Miss Austin Wilcox, who has been attending school in Maine, has returned home, arriving Tuesday.

Miss Ollie Freeze has finished her work as teacher in our school and returned to her home in Salisbury.

Mrs. A.A. Edwards and little son, Marion, of Mill Spring, spent a short while with friends in Tryon Monday.

For Sale—Purebred S.C. Rhode Island Red eggs, $1.25 per setting. Mrs. Thos. E. Pace, Fish Top, N.C.

Miss Effie Gudger has finished her work as teacher in the Tryon school and returned to her home at Madisonville, Tenn.

Beginning with the first Saturday in June the Lanier Library hours will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Miss Odell Hamlin of Barnsville, Ga., who has been teaching in our schools the past term, returned home Tuesday.

Mrs. J.B. Reynolds has returned to her home at Sumpter, S.C., after teaching in our school for several months.

Mrs. Beach of Chicago, after spending some time in Tryon with her daughter, Miss Annie Beach, has returned to her home.

Elmo Caldwell, who has been visiting his mother, Mrs. C.J. Lynch, for the past 10 days, left Sunday for Great Lakes Training Station, Illinois.

C.A. Lightner, who has been spending some time here with his family, returned to his home in Detroit, Tuesday. The family will leave for that place soon.

Valhala Tea House has a few choice pieces of hand decorated china for sale, suitable for wedding presents, also tatting, jewelry, etc. Open every day. Phone 33-2. Tea, lunches, etc. served any time.

Mrs. C.J. Reich and daughter, Miss Geneva, left yesterday for Silver Springs, Maryland. Mrs. Reich has disposed of all her property here and will make her future home in that state. All of her many friends in Tryon regret to see her leave.

SANDY SPRINGS

Rev. S.L. Blanton filled his appointment at Sandy Spring church Sunday afternoon. He preached an excellent sermon to a large and attentive audience. His subject was the home.

There will be Children’s Day at New Hope church next Sunday.

W.W. Rogers is home from A. and E. College.

A number of young people enjoyed a singing at the residence of D.B. Lancaster Sunday evening.

Miss Mamie Cantrell was the guest of Miss Annie Westbrook Sunday.

C.L. Rogers has been indisposed for several days.

Misses Cora and Eula McMurray were the afternoon guests of Miss Elsie Tanner Sunday.

NEW HOPE

Miss Eva Lancester gave a singing at her home Sunday.

Bomar Davidson called to see Miss Cora McMurray Sunday afternoon.

Miss Etta Jackson gave a party at her home Saturday night. The boys reported a good time.

C.W. McGinnis and Osborn Morrow called to see the Henderson girls Sunday.

Ed Green and Clarence Steadman had a grand time Sunday with Misses Annie Westbrook.

Miss Cecil Splawn and George Davidson were at Miss Lancaster’s singing Sunday night.

Wellford Rogers and Millie went to Spartanburg on business Wednesday last.

C.W. Splawn is repairing his new ground for planting.

(Newspaper spelled Miss Eva’s last name Lancester on first reference and Lancaster on second reference. I don’t know which is correct.)

MELVIN HILL

Farmers are busy replanting their cotton fields.

The heaviest rains for a long time fell here on the 15 inst. Fields were badly washed, and much damage was done to planted crops. Born to Ed Johnson and wife on Friday, a boy.

A little child of G.C. Feagan and wife, who has been so sick for several weeks, is much improved.

Evelyn, the little daughter of Mrs. Emma Cole, is quite poorly. Hope she will soon be well again.

Germane Huntley and family visited relatives at Spartanburg last week-end.

Mrs. Branscome was able to be out at church Sunday evening for the first time in several months.

The debates have been discontinued for the present.

From the Polk County News, Tryon, N.C., May 24, 1921

Jail, Courthouse, Work Gangs Okay But Conditions at County Home Are Terrible, Says Grand Jury, May 23, 1921

Inmates Live on 18 Cents a Day. . . Grand Jury Critical of Conditions at Home Operated by County

The 69 inmates of the County Home have existed on 18.2 cents a day for food and clothing for each person since the last grand jury report was made and the asylum department of the home “is in worse condition that at the time of our former report, if such a thing is possible.” This is according to the report of the Mecklenburg county grand jury filed with Judge W.F. Harding Saturday afternoon, just before the close of the one-week term of criminal court.

The report was the subject of general comment about the court house when it was learned that some of the paragraphs contained rather scathing references to features of the County home’s mode of operation and its present condition. The report covers 12 pages, including an itemized statement of food costs at the home. The itemized statement is in the last paragraph, under the subject of “general remarks.”

Investigation as to the daily cost of food and clothing for each of the inmates indicated that each received on average this for groceries, 9 ¾ cents; for fat meat, 2 1/3 cents; farm food and expenses, 2.4 cents; clothing, 3 ¾ cents.

The report adds that “the food now served, though plentiful, is of the plainest and coarsest sort.”

The report exonerates Mr. and Mrs. White, keepers of the home, by saying “in justice to them, as far as the above criticisms go, we wish to state that they are to our belief, managing the home as efficiently as the means provided them allow.”

LIGHTS ARE POOR

The paragraph of the report telling of conditions in the part of the asylum where the white inmates stay reads:

“If such a thing could be possible, this department is in worse condition that at the time of our former report. This building is a brick structure, poorly lighted and ventilated, without screens at either doors or windows, and with in sanitary arrangements whatever. The floor is of concrete and is below the level of the ground at the entrance, and is often flooded in wet weather. It is heated by a single stove and is equipped with iron and wood cells.

“The stench that arises from this unsanitary condition is nauseating and repulsive. Flies are in this building in swarms. We are informed that trays of food are shoved under the door to the inmates, being pushed along the floor on a level with the filth and the assistant in charge suggests that an opening should be cut higher in the door to permit the food being handed to these unfortunates in a rational manner.”

The grand jury adopted the system of dividing its membership up into sub-committees to examine each building and the farm home separately. Otto Haas was chairman of one committee, W.B. Blythe of another, S.W. Dandridge of another and F.E. Harlan of another.

CAMPS ARE APPROVED

The report finds little to criticize in the management of the county’s convict camps, gives the county jail a clean bill of health, complains of the overcrowded conditions in the clerk of the court’s and the register of deeds’ offices and says the court house is fairly well kept, considering that it is antiquated and hard to keep in condition. One recommendation is made in regard to better facilities at the jail kitchen and the screening of doors.

The report calls attention of the commissioner of public safety of the city to dangerous railway crossings and approaches to the Mercy and Good Samaritan hospitals. Most of the voluminous report is taken up with the county home, its length being, in part, due to the fact that the name and condition of each inmate of the asylum is described.

From The Charlotte News, May 22, 1921. A dollar in 1921 would be worth about $14.80 today so the county was paying the equivalent of less than $3 a day to feed and clothe the “worthy” poor.

Extend War on Motorcycles to All Reckless Drivers, Say Editors, May 23, 1921

War on Motorcycles

Asheville newspapers are making war against the reckless running of motorcycles through the streets of that city. It is a form of warfare which almost any community can righteously promote, but it should not be confined strictly to this specific form of motor madness. There are other kinds. The average manner of automobile drivers is reckless at one time or another. The laws are not enforced any too rigidly and the laws themselves are such as to make violations not only easy, but almost unavoidable. There should be a series of statutes regulatory of the driving of machines which conform to reason and then they should be enforced without favor, in every community in North Carolina and along the highways of the county as well as the streets of the city.

From the editorial page of The Charlotte News, Monday, May 23, 1921