Friday, December 31, 2021
Industrial Building at Biddle University Gutted by Fire, Dec. 31, 1921
Only four jagged, smoke blackened walls were left as a grim reminder of the fire which swept the industrial building of Biddle University early Saturday. The structure, standing somewhat apart from the other buildings on the college campus, was completely gutted. Valuable equipment was reduced to ashes and rendered useless. A property loss of $100,000 was entailed.
Starting at 2 a.m. from causes as yet undetermined, the flames, aided by a high wind, quickly spread and for a time the whole of Biddleville was believed menaced.
The central fire department responded to a general alarm, but was unable to prevent the destruction of the building. However, prompt work of the fire-department forces were instrumental in saving several private dwellings in the immediate rear of the burning building.
It was the second disastrous fire Biddle has experienced within a year. An early morning blaze destroyed Logan Hall early in the Spring.
The origin of the fire is puzzling college authorities and fire chiefs. There had been no heat in the building since 2 p.m. Friday when the midday meal was served the 100 students spending the holidays in the institution.
When the night watchman first saw the flames, the roof of the building was ablaze. Smoke was pouring from every window and fire was bursting forth from holes in the roof.
In addition to the kitchen, in the basement, and dining room on the first floor, the building contained some of the college’s most valuable equipment, including printing, chairmaking, broom and mattress departments.
In the chemical and physics departments, also located in the burned structure, college authorities siad were equipment and materials of highly inflammable nature.
Persons at the college scout the theory that the flames originated in the kitchen. There had been no fire there, they say, for almost 15 hours and besides the floors are of cement.
Inside the four walls debris is piled high. Canned goods, pieces of printing presses, table ware and other articles are strewn about, most of them burned almost beyond recognition.
Dr. H.L. McCrory, president of Biddle, said no steps would be taken to replace the building or its contents pending word from representatives of the Northern Presbyterian Church at Pittsburgh. The college is controlled by this branch of the Presbyterian church.
Only a few days ago the college board awarded the contract for two new buildings at Biddle. One is to be a dormitory for theology students to cost $50,000 and the other a dining hall to replace Logan Hall, burned last Spring. This will represent an expenditure of approximately $15,000.
From The Charlotte News, Dec. 31, 1921
-=-
Biddle University Is Scene of Fire
By Associated Press
Charlotte, N.C., Dec. 31—A loss of $100,000 was entailed in the destruction by fire today of the industrial building of Biddle University maintained by the Northern Presbyterian Church.
In the building were valuable records, loss of which were counted irreparable.
From The New Bern Sun-Journal, Dec. 31, 1921
-=-
Biddle University did survive these two fires, and it is now Johnson C. Smith University. To read the history of the university, which was founded in 1867, go to Johnson C. Smith University - Our History (jcsu.edu).
Number of Lynchings Has Almost Doubled, 63 in 1921
63 Lynchings During Year. . . Report Made Public Today—Four in North Carolina During 1921
By Associated Press
Sixty-three persons were lynched in the United States this year, as compared with 35 in 1920, said a statement issued today by the Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Four were publicly burned alive; five were burned after death. Two lynching victims were women—one in Georgia and the other in Mississippi. And six victims of the mobs were white men, the statement said.
It attributed 13 lynchings each to Georgia and Mississippi; six each to Texas and Arkansas; 5 each to Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina; four to North Carolina; two to Alabama; and 1 each to Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.
Murder was assigned as the cause for 18 of the reported lynchings and 19 were attributed to alleged assaults on women.
From The New Bern Sun-Journal, Dec. 31, 1921
British Schooner Messenger of Peace Seized by Coast Guard, Dec. 31, 1921
British Schooner Went Ashore With Big Liquor Cargo. . . ship Went Aground on Shoal Yesterday, Was Floated and Taken into Custody by Coast Guard Officials. . . Vessel Had Grounded There Before. . . Was Famous “Mystery Ship” Which Went Ashore Off the Island Last August and Was Floated With Difficulty
By Associated Press
Seizure of the British schooner Messenger of Peace, with a cargo of liquor off the North Carolina coast, was reported to the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Clifford today by the coast guard station at Elizabeth City, N.C.
The ship, the report said, was stranded on Ocracoke bar, off the coast of North Carolina, but was floated yesterday. Immediately the vessel and its crew were taken into custody by the coast guard cutter under command of Boatswain J.H. Garrish of the Ocracoke station.
The prohibition director at Salisbury, N.C., and the collector of customs at Wilmington have been notified of the seizure.
-=-
By Associated Press
Ocracoke, N.C., Dec. 31—The Messenger of Peace, three-masted British schooner, which was seized off the North Carolina coast by the coast guard cutter, is the vessel which was known as the “mystery ship” which came into Ocracoke inlet last August and went aground on a shoal just inside the inlet. The ship was then in command of Captain A. Coleman of Jacksonville, Fla., who had a crew of nine West Indian negroes. A search of the vessel was made at that time but no liquor was found. Captain Coleman explained he came into the inlet to make a landing at Ocracoke to replenish his supply of drinking water.
The Messenger of Peace is a very old vessel and coast guardsmen said she was barely seaworthy.
-=-
Over long distance telephone this afternoon, the Sun-Journal communicated with the coast guard station at Ocracoke in the effort to get further information relative to the seizure of liquor.
It was stated over the phone that the Messenger of Peace had 1,036 cases of high-grade liquor aboard. The vessel is now afloat and the officers and crew are being held, awaiting the arrival of instructions from the state revenue office.
From The New Bern Sun-Journal, Dec. 31, 1921. I searched unsuccessfully for an image of The Messenger of Peace but I did find an interesting article by Philip Howard about the ship’s rum running days, which you can read online at Messenger of Peace Archives - Village Craftsmen of Ocracoke Island.
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Build More Schools, Says Pilot Newspaper, Dec. 30, 1921
Build More Schools
As long as farmers consider the digging of potatoes, the topping of beets, the shucking of corn or the weeding of a garden of more value than school work or as a substitute for the exercise that comes with play, just so long are we going to have a class of citizens under-privileged and unable to appreciate the full value of service to the county in which they live. Of course boys and girls must not grow up in idleness, but we want the children of this generation to have better educations, better trained minds, than any generation that has gone before. This cannot be done until all of our rural communities put into effect a real health program, and do away wherever possible with the little, isolated schools. Let our counties be dotted with consolidated schools, offering not only better facilities for education but also a wider chance for human intercourse and the development of that play spirit so much needed by our fine rural communities.
From The Pilot, Vass, N.C., Dec. 30, 1921
News From Jackson Springs and Lakeview, Dec. 30, 1921
Jackson Springs
Christmas passed off quietly around here; or rather it is dull to those young people from colleges and towns. There have been no accidents, but parents should be more careful in allowing their small boys to hunt. Boys who should not be allowed to leave their yard feel grown when they are allowed to go hunting with their new air rifle and pet dog, and before they put on long pants, which is early, they are hunting with a sure enough gun, are usually very careless and thoughtless, and go in crowds.
On Wednesday evening of last week the sophomore class of the local high school entertained the senior class at the girls’ dormitory.
Among the college boys at home are Shelton Poole and Ferman Patterson, State college; Edgar Graham, Elon; Eugene McCaskill and John McCrimmon, Davidson; and Dan McCrimmon, University of N.C.
Miss Maggie Clark, who is a welfare officer at Durham is at home for the holidays.
A very appropriate Christmas exercise was carried out at the Presbyterian church on Sunday night.
Representative Geo. R. Ross came home Wednesday from Raleigh, for a short stay before joining his family in Graham, where they will spend the holidays, returning via Asheboro.
Gordon Matheson is at home for the holidays from Columbia, S.C., where he is instructor in mathematics in the city high school.
Miss Truit Jones, who is a student at Flora McDonald College, will return there this week to resume her work.
Among those who are teaching away from home and are here for the holidays are: Misses Mary Patterson, Dover; Bessie Loftin, Farmville; Eva Jones, Zebulon; Lola Thomas, Mt. Carmel; Vysta Markham, Grover; and Irene Woodley, Philadelphus Farm Life School.
Misses Walker Woodley and Agill Clark are home from State Normal College.
Messers. L.C. McCaskill of the Raliegh Times and W.B. Jones Jr. Of the Fayetteville Observer were at home Christmas day. Both young men are making good in the newspaper world.
Misses Birdie, Rela and Helen Thomas, who hold positions in High Point, returned Monday to resume their work.
Miss Dorothy Jones of Durham is at home for the holidays.
Messrs. Herbert and Colton Carter are spending the holidays in Albemarle.
All the teachers of the local high school have gone to their homes for the holidays, with the exception of Miss Helen Martin of Florida, who is passing the holidays with Miss Patty Marks in Albemarle.
Chas. Dilling Jr. Is at home for a few days from Norfolk, Va.
Revenue officers were successful in a raid in Montgomery on Tuesday, a few miles north-west of here, capturing one still, and destroying several barrels of beer at two sites. Two men were arrested; one was in this county when the arrest was made. It was thought he was not in the community, and upon finding him papers were served upon him. He was recently married, and it has been understood that he, with his brother, were following in the footsteps of their father, who was the other man arrested.
Frank Blue, colored, is at home for the first time in 11 winters. He was captured at a still near here, and after being released on bond he disappeared along with the other man arrested. One negro escaped, leaving his artillery behind, and never returned to claim his weapon. There is quite a difference now with the blockading business increasing. No one leaves, and the officers do not make such raids. It was on a Sunday morning at the break of day when this still was captured. The cold rain and sleet made it uncomfortable for the officers, who were lying in wait for the light of dawn to make the capture of the men with the still. Officers do not care to suffer with the cold now, and the captured men are sometimes, if convicted, released with a fine that they can recover in a short time by the manufacture and sale of whiskey.
LAKEVIEW NEWS
The Seward Inn is in receipt of quite a number of inquiries from parties in the north desirous of spending the balance of the winter here.
The Rev. Mr. Taffe will preach next Sunday evening in the Lakeview church, services beginning at 7 o’clock.
The rush of tourists by the automobile route seems to have considerably slackened during the past week.
Mrs. Samuel Stutts is entertaining her brother and sister from the North.
Miss Bacon, postmistress here, handled a larger amount of postal matter of all kinds during the last few days than she ever did before in the same length of time.
From The Pilot, Vass, N.C., Dec. 30, 1921
E.V. Graves Family Joins Miss McQueen in Community Work, Dec. 30, 1921
New Community Workers
E.V. Graves, wife and daughter, are at the Hotel Vass, where they have located for some time while they are engaged in helping Miss McQueen in community work in the county. They come from Virginia. It is the desire to extend this community work to reach as many possible of the children of the various communities of the cunty, and also the grown-up folks where the work will allow. The character of the work has far to aim to bring the people closer together in their work, entertainments, and the children in their plays and training. The plans Mrs. McQueen is working out are rather comprehensive, and will be a part of the general state and county educational scheme.
-=-
Community Work in Vass
The Vass community club will begin an active program after the holidays are over, and it is the intention of the club to take up some substantial things for the new year which will aid materially in expanding the attractive side of the community’s custom and method. The program will be announced later, but it is comprehensive and wholesome.
From the front page of The Pilot, Vass, N.C., Dec. 30, 1921
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Social News From Wilmington Morning Star, Dec. 28, 1921
Society News
By Miss Athalia Banting
God With Us
There were three lights that night:
The star above the darkness, crystal fair.
The foremost angel’s garment flaming white,
The baby’s circled hair.
Three Sounds upon the hill:
A sudden song; low rawn, a woman’s sign;
And, when the midnight deepened gran and chill,
A little, little cry.
Three woes: a witless lamb
Lost from the scattering flock; its mother’s grieving;
The long, deep slumber of the townfolk—blind
And deaf and unbelieving.
Three wonders: dark-browed kings,
Rising from far; young shepherds’ lifted faces;
The silver beauty raining from the star
On Bethlehem’s dark places.
There were Faith, Hope and Love:
Faith that had known, Hope that had waited well,
Love that had wrought; and in their trembling midst,
Immanuel!
--Nancy Byrd Turner in Good Housekeeping
Dr. W.J. Bryan Orr, who has been spending the Christmas holidays with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.B. Orr of Currie, passed through the city yesterday en route to Iaeger, W.Va., where he has been practicing for the past year.
John Lee Rorrison of New York is visiting his aunt, Miss Serena Chadbourn.
Roy Craig, who is now living in Florida, is here on a visit to his father.
J.W. Thompson Jr. of Southport arrived in Wilmington yesterday to attend the Christmas dances.
Eric Norden has returned from Lake Waccamaw where he spent Christmas with Mrs. J.P. Council and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Long of Supply returned home Monday after spending Christmas with their son, G.F. Long.
Hon. Joseph Kyle Orr, grand master, Knight Templar York Rite Masonry, will arrive today to attend the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Plantagenet Commandry, No. 1, Knights Templar, which will be held this evening at the Masonic temple. While in the city Mr. Orr will stop at the Orton.
Miss Margaret Jewett and Miss Sophie Northrop were the guests of Miss Emma Thompson in Southport yesterday.
Miss Margaret Heinsberger and Raymond Wallace from Washington and Lee University, who are visiting Philip Heinsberger, celebrated Christmas in an unusual and certainly not a warm way. The Heinsbergers spent the day at their cottage on Wrightsville Beach, and Miss Heinsberger and Mr. Wallace took a genuine surf bath. They reported that it wasn’t bad at all, and they are still in good health.
Roland C. Davies of Medford, Mass., will arrive this morning to spend a few days with Claude Cooper. Mr. Davies is a newspaper man and has been with the Boston Transcript for the past two years, and is now on his way to New Mexico.
St. John’s Sunday school will have its Christmas tree this evening at 7:30.
T.G. Gladney, formerly of this city, is visiting J.L. Becton at the Colonial apartments. Mr. Gladney is professor of engineering at the Mississippi A. and M. College in Starkville, Miss.
Friends of Mrs. H.T. Cooley will be sorry to learn that she is quite ill at her home in Sunset Park.
Claude Cooper of Boston is spending the holidays with his parents.
Miss Nellie Peck of Baltimore and Arthur Coddington of Atlanta are the guests of their sister, Mrs. Herbert A. Coddington.
Mrs. H.P. West of Macon, Ga., arrived in the city yesterday to visit Dr. and Mrs. T.M. Green.
Miss Eleanor Bowen of Raleigh is the guest of her aunt, Mrs. R.E. Patt.
Mr. and Mrs. I.W. Murphy of Greensboro and Miss Katie Sutton of Fayetteville are visiting Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Covington.
Mr. and Mrs. William James Middleton and William James Jr. of Warsaw are spending the holidays with Mr. and Mrs. D.L. Dobson and other relatives in the city.
Rudolph Sanders of Norfolk, a student at Virginia Tech., is spending his holidays with friends in Wilmington.
Miss Katherine Harper of Winston-Salem is the guest of Mrs. Joe Fox, at Sunset Park. Miss Harper will return to Converse college on January 4.
Mrs. Marion Harriss charmingly entertained the members of her Tuesday Afternoon Bridge club yesterday at her apartment on Chestnut street.
Hopkins-Holmes
Yesterday evening at 6 o’clock at the home of her sister, Mrs. Robert B. Slocum, in East Wilmington, Miss Caroline Green Holmes, daughter of Mrs. A.H. Holmes, became the bride of Dr. Philip Bird Hopkins of Bel Air, Md. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr. William H. Milton before an improvised altar beautifully decorated with smilax, ferns, narcissus and candles.
The bride’s only attendants were her sister, Miss Nesfield Holms, and her niece, little Miss Ann Slocum. The maid of honor wore a lovely dress of nile green tulle over apricot taffeta and carried pink roses. The little bridesmaid’s frock was of white organdie, and she carried a basket of narcissus and ferns.
The bride, who entered with her brother, Edward Holmes, who gave her in marriage, was gowned in white satin with a court train, and her veil was caught with a wreath of orange blossoms. She carried a shower bouquet of bride roses.
The best man was Hasting Hopkins of Baltimore, brother of the bridegroom.
Immediately after the ceremony, which was witnessed only by members of the family and most intimate friends, an informal reception was held. The dining room was attractively decorated in pink and white and pink candles burned on the mantle.
Delicious punch was served, the cakes and ices carrying out the color scheme.
Dr. and Mrs. Hopkins left on the evening train for Richmond, where they will spend a few days before going on to Bel Air, Md., where Dr. Hopkins is located.
Mrs. Hopkins, who left Wilmington several years ago, is a registered nurse and has been engaged in this work in Maryland for several years. Dr. Hopkins is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hopkins of Baltimore.
-=-
Party for Sunday School Class
Monday afternoon at 5 o’clock the members of the Merry Maids Sunday school class of Masonboro Sound were entertained at the home of their teacher, Miss Maude McGowan.
The house was tastefully and attractively arranged with the decorations of the season.
Many games were greatly enjoyed, after which delicious refreshments were served.
Miss McGowan’s guests were Misses Dorothy Teachey, Irene King, Maude and Pearl Benton, Myrtle Herring, Alice Capps, Genie Kirkum and Helen Wells.
-=-
Bryan-Cavenaugh
One of the loveliest church weddings of the winter season was solemnized yesterday afternoon at 5:45 o’clock at Grace Methodist Church when Miss Anna Cavanaugh, daughter of Eli Cavenaugh of this city, became the bride of Joseph Shepard Bryan of Wilson, formerly of Wilmington.
The church was beautifully decorated with southern smilax, palms and ferns, forming a most attractive setting for the ceremony, which was performed by Rev. W.A. Stanbury, pastor of the church, in the presence of a large gathering of friends and relatives. The wedding music was rendered by Miss Mattie Chasten, who presided at the organ, and just before the ceremony, Mrs. L.J. Meredity exqusitely sang “At Dawning.”
The bride had as her maid-of-honor her sister, Miss Mary Cavenaugh, who was charming in a gown of nile green satin with silver trimmings, carrying Russell roses tied with green. The bride’s maids were Miss Madge Cavenaugh, Miss Annie Herring, Miss Katherine Von Glahn, and Miss Vannie Craig. Miss Cavanaugh and Miss Von Glahn wore lovely dresses of orchid satin with silver trimmings, carrying pink snap dragons tied with orchid tulle, while Miss Craig and Miss Herring were gowned alike in smart frocks of rose satin trimmed in silver and carrying bouquets of pink snap dragons tied with rose tulle. The dainty little flower girl, Miss Mary Lilly Davis, was dressed in pure white and carried a basket of maidenhair fern and white rose buds, while the little ring bearer, Master Edward Toon, wore a suit of black satin with blouse of white.
The bridegroom had as his best man Claude Boseman of Enfield, and the groomsmen were John Perdew, William. M. Shaw, Albert E. Bakr, and Ernest Cavenaugh.
The bride entered the church on the arm of her father, Eli Cavenaugh, who gave her in marriage. She was lovely in her wedding gown of white duchess satin trimmed with rose point lac, and her veil of tulle in coronet style with a wreath of orange blossoms encircling her face. Her shower bouquet was of bride roses and lilies of the valley.
Immediately after the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Bryan left on the northern train for a trip of some days to points north, after which they will be at home in Wilson, where Mr. Bryan holds the responsible position of principal of the Wilson high school.
Mrs. Bryan, who possesses unusual sweetness of disposition and charm of manner, has for the past three years been a faculty member of the Hemeway school faculty, winning for herself scores of friends throughout the state.
Mr. Bryan, who is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, is well and popularly known both in this city and throughout North Carolina. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. R.K. Bryan of Scott’s Hill.
For several years he was principal of the Hemeway school of this city, resigning from this place last year to accept work in Wilson.
From the Society News page of the Wilmington Morning Star, by Miss Athalia Bunting, Editor, Phone 61, Dec. 28, 1921
Al Ventrees to Meet Hanson Friday, Dec. 30, 1921
Al Ventrees, who proved himself the fastest man to ever appear in Wilmington when he pinned Hanson in 12 minutes in their one fall match on the Academy mat Monday night, has been matched to meet the Swede in a two out of three-fall decision match at the Academy Friday night of this week.
Ventrees, who hails from Hartford, is an American; a wiry youngster who works as though he is charged with electricity. He showed more stuff during the dozen minutes it required to toss Hanson than any other man ever showed here, not excepting Joe Turner and Pink Gardner, and made the Hanson-Ellis bout look like tame and pitiful.
Climbing Hanson like a lizard climbs a tree, he proceeded to go through him with speed that was dazzling. Fritz was swept off his feet and never regained them. It was a match fans will never forget and in their finish match Friday a rare treat is held in store for fans who love speed, action and science. Ringside tickets have already been placed on sale at Newman’s Café.
From the Wilmington Morning Star, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1921.
Coroner's Jury Holds John Jones for Killing His Brother Herman, Finds John Grady Died Accidentally, Dec. 28, 1921
Coroner's Jury Holds Jones for Murder. . . Theory of Third Party Exploded—Negro Stabs Self Through Heart
The explosion of the theory that a third party was responsible for the death of Herman Jones, killed in a fight Monday morning with his brother, John Jones, was held in the county jail without bond on a charge of murder, and the accidental death of John Grad, 30 years old negro, who is said to have fallen on a knife while running down hogs on the Sutton place, Wrightsville Road, yesterday afternoon, constitute the developments in the series of fatalities that have attended the Christmas holidays here.
A coroner’s jury, which sat in the case of John Jones yesterday morning at the courthouse, returned a verdict holding him entirely responsible for the death of his brother and consigning him to jail without bond to await the next criminal term of superior court to open here January 16.
At the request (inquest?), Dr. Herbert A. Coddington, who held an autopsy over the body of Herman Jones in an effort to settle the contention as to whether death had resulted from the blow on the right temple by a brickbat, said to have been thrown by John Jones, or from another cause, the belief being expressed by some that this blow would not have caused death, reported that there were no evidence of wounds other than those said to have been inflicted by the brother of the deceased.
John Grady, the third negro who has met death since Christmas eve night, died late yesterday afternoon at the James Walker Memorial hospital, as the result, it is said, of self-inflicted wounds.
According to reliable information, last night Grady was chasing some hogs that he intended to kill and in the chase he stumbled and fell upon the knife he was carrying, the blade penetrating his heart. He was rushed to the hospital where an operation was performed in an effort to save his life. Several stitches were taken in his heart but he died a few hours after his arrival at the hospital.
Acting Coroner J.J. Furlong viewed the body last night and it is believed that an inquest will be held this morning.
From the Wilmington Morning Star, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1921.
News Around Wilmington, Dec. 28, 1921
Marshal Goes to Atlanta
United States Marshal George H. Bellamy, of the eastern district of North Carolina, leaves today for Raleigh, from which place he will take a number of federal prisoners to the Atlanta penitentiary. The prisoners were convicted and sentenced at the recent five weeks’ session of the court held in the capital city. Marshal Bellamy will leave Raleigh for Atlanta tomorrow.
Christmas Pageant Tonight
A Christmas pageant, “The Day Is Come,” will be given at 8 o’clock tonight at the Immanuel Presbyterian church by the Sunday school of the church, all departments from the beginners to “home work” taking part. Sunday school pupils, all members of the congregation and friends of the church are invited to attend. No admission will be charged. An offering will be taken, the proceeds of which will go to ministerial relief.
Oyster Roast Friday
At 2 o’clock Friday afternoon at the Catherine Kennedy home, J.A. Riggs, local merchant, and Edmund Alexander will give an oyster roast to the inmates of the home. The president and board of directors are respectfully requested to be present and each occupant of the home may invite a friend.
Hawkins Case Continued
Roy Hawkins, 17-year-old white boy, who was arrested following an accident in which a truck driven by him is said to have hit a small negro boy, breaking his leg, appeared in recorder’s court yesterday morning and was required to return for trial January 4, the case being continued to that date. Hawkins is charged with reckless operation of an automobile.
Two Steamers Arrive
Two steamers arrived in port yesterday, these being the Clyde liner Lake Gilboa and the American steamer Munsomo. The latter came from Texas City with a cargo of 1,855 tons of sulphur for the Virginia-Carolina Chemical Company, and is unloading at Navassa. Capt. C.G.A. Sanlin is the master. The Clyde liner, Capt. W.R. Forrest master, came from New York with a general cargo.
From the Wilmington Morning Star, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1921. The Caroline Kennedy Home was an independent living retirement home for women. It was one of the oldest retirement communities in the country when it closed in 2000.
19 Men Sentenced in Harriss Court, Dec. 28, 1921
Negro Gets 6 Months for Alleged Assault. . . John Jones Shot at Another Negro But Said It Was Accident; Other Cases
“It wuz ‘n accident, yo’ honor,” declared John Jones when he took the stand in his own defense in recorder’s court Tuesday morning on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon, it being alleged that he shot at another negro.
“It was a six months’ accident,” said Recorder Harriss by way of modification, and Clerk A.L. Meyland made a notation of “guilty, six months on the county roads,” after Jones’ name in the minutes. Jones started serving his sentence yesterday.
However, that was but one of the 43 cases which the recorder and his court officers struggled Tuesday morning, the court facing one of the heaviest dockets in its history.
A negro sporting the distinguished title of “John Wesley,” was called on a charge of violating prohibition laws. “Four months on the roads,” was the verdict in his case.
Defendants in most of the other cases got fines. Malical McFadden pleaded guilty to a charge of carrying concealed weapons and a $50 fine with the costs was assessed against him.
C.A. Rice, white, charged with shooting within the city, was found guilty and fined $10. J.D. Riggs, white, carrying concealed weapons, $25 and costs. Herbert Jordan, negro, carrying concealed weapons, $50 and costs. Jason Capeheart, assault with a deadly weapon continued to January 3, bond of $500.
Four were fined $10 and costs for speeding: S.L. Crowler, S.H. Hill, Joseph W. Little, and John Williams, negro.
Scott Bradley and Leo Boyd, negroes, were brought before the recorder on charges of affray, growing out of a fight said to have taken place at a negro dance hall Monday evening. Boyd was found not guilty, while Bradley was held entirely responsible for the affair and he drew a $5 and costs judgment, together with a $10 and costs assessment upon being found guilty of assault on a female.
N. Washington, D. Washington, Willie Smith, Calvin Kelley, D.L. Sidbury, Steve Nixon and Albert Harriss, all charged with gambling, were found guilty and their cases were continued for 12 months on a promise of good behavior, except in the case of D.L. Sidbury, who in addition to paying the costs of his trial must not be convicted of gambling again in two years if he would avoid the serving of a 30-day sentence handed down by Judge Harriss yesterday morning.
From the Wilmington Morning Star, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1921
Alderman, Harrison, Curtis Deaths Reported Dec. 28, 1921
Mrs. Mary E. Alderman Dies From Paralysis. . . Widow of George F. Alderman Passes at Hospital
Death came to Mrs. Mary E. Alderman, widow of the late George F. Alderman, at 7 o’clock yesterday morning at the St. John’s hospital. Mrs. Alderman was removed to the hospital from her home, following a stroke of paralysis on Friday of last week and she sank slowly until the end came.
Funeral service will be conducted at 3 o’clock this afternoon at the First Baptist church, Rev. John Jeter Hurt officiating, and interment will follow in Oakdale cemetery.
Mrs. Alderman is survived by a son, George A. Alderman, of Columbia, S.C., a grandson, P. Harris Alderman of this city, and two brothers, N.F. Highsmith of Harrell’s Store, N.C., and J.H. Highsmith of Currie, N.C.
Pallbearers will be: Honorary, W.H. Yopp, Dr. A.M. Baldwin, John C. Heyer, D.H. Penton; active, W.A. Whitney, W.R. Taylor, B.T. Hopkins, J.R. Hanby, L.W. Moore and D.H. Howes.
Mrs. Alderman was a devoted member of the First Baptist church of this city and was prominently identified with its activities up to the time of her illness. She has many friends here who will learn with regret of her death.
-=-
MRS. SALLY ORMSBY HARRISON
Mrs. Sally Ormsby Harrison, wife of R.J. Harrison, died at 8 o’clock last night at Hampstead, N.C., according to a telegram received by relatives in this city. Funeral arrangements, it is said, have not been completed, but burial will be made at Scott’s Hill Wednesday afternoon.
Besides her husband she is survived by two step-sons, David Ormsby of Wilmington and John Ormsby of Lakeland, Fla.; and one step-daughter, Mrs. Annie James of Rocky Point, N.C.
-=-
Mrs. M.A. Curtis Dies as Result of Injuries. . . Said to Have Been Injured by Street Car Last Summer
Mrs. Moses Ashley Curtis died shortly before 5 o’clock Tuesday afternoon at her home, 308 church street, following a lingering illness which has extended over the past five months. She was in her 77th year.
Mrs. Curtis’ death is said to have been result of injuries sustained when she was struck by a street car at Wrightsville Beach last July. The body was removed to the Woolvin-Andrews undertaking establishment, where it will be prepared for shipment to Hillsboro, N.C., where (a) funeral service will be held Thursday.
Besides her husband she is survived by a son, M.A. Curtis Jr. Of Washington; two daughters, Mrs. Sue Alexander of this city and Mrs. L.E. Norfleet of Tarboro; three brothers, S.S. Nash of Tarboro, Henry Nash of Wilmington, and Edmund S. Nash of New York; and one sister, Mrs. Hill Burgwin of this city.
From the Wilmington Morning Star, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1921.
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Victoria Harper's Foot Smashed When 6-Year-Old Was Playing at Seaboard Air Line Railway Yards, Dec. 27, 1921
Negro Child’s Foot Smashed in Accident. . . Said to Have Been Playing Around Turntable
While playing around a turn table in the Seaboard Air Line railway yards early yesterday afternoon, Victoria Harper, a 6-year-old negro child, who is said to reside in MacRae alley, was in some inexplicable manner caught in the “table” and suffered fractures of the metatarsal bones in the left foot and severe laceration of the tendons in both feet.
She was taken immediately to the James Walker Memorial hospital where an operation was performed in which her injured extremities were sewed up and last night she was reported as resting as comfortably as could be expected. No other information as to how the accident occurred could be obtained last night.
From the Wilmington Morning Star, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1921.
Christmas Celebrated at County Home, County Stockade, City Jail, 1921
Yoke Fellowship Band Entertains the Poor. . . Christmas Dinner Served at the County Home
Inmates of the county home were guests of the Yoke Fellowship band of the Young Men’s Christian association at a Christmas dinner served there Sunday noon, the menu for which included everything from turkey and cranberry sauce to cake and fruit. It was the ninth Christmas dinner served to the prisoners of the county by the band.
Cake and fruit was also given to the prisoners at the county stockade and those in the city jail. Supt. and Mrs. W.C. Page, of the county home, lent their assistance in the making of a very happy Christmas day for the unfortunate inmates of the county stockade.
Following the dinner the regular Sunday service was held and on Monday Christmas services were given at the institution followed by the band, which conducts the religious programs at the institution every Sunday afternoon.
From the Wilmington Morning Star, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1921. Interesting that the poor in the county home are called prisoners.
Dr. Herbert Taylor Continuing Malaria Research in Lenoir, Pamilco Counties, Dec. 28, 1921
Continue Anti-Malaria Work
Kinston, Dec. 27—the International health board will continue its experiments in malaria in at least two eastern Carolina counties the coming year. The board during the past few months has conducted extensive surveys in Lenoir and Pamlico counties. Headquarters were established here with Dr. Herbert A. Taylor in charge. Dr. Taylor has extensive experience in South America, Louisiana and elsewhere. The experiments at Grainger, in Lenoir county, have not developed average infection of the population, though numerous varieties of mosquitoes, mostly of non-malarial species, have been found in the vicinity. The work in Pamlico has shown a considerable percentage of infection. Educational work on a large scale will be done there, aside from the main purposes of the work, which is intended to be primarily experimental.
From the Wilmington Morning Star, Dec. 28, 1921
Police Looking for Meta Waters, Who Stabbed Charles Evans and Lillie Belle Jenkins, Dec. 27, 1921
Negro Seriously Cut by Woman Last Night
Charles Evans and Lillie Belle Jenkins, negroes, were carried to the James Walker Memorial Hospital last night suffering from knife wounds said ot have been inflicted by Meta Waters, another negro, for whom the police were searching, but who had not been arrested at 1 o’clock this morning.
It is said that Evans and the Jenkins woman were in a room at 1213 North Tenth street when the Waters woman entered, and after an argument began the knife play. Evans was said to have been stabbed in the left breast and other parts of the body, while the Jenkins woman was cut about the neck and face. Her injuries are not thought to be serious whole those of Evans may turn out that way.
Sergeant W.C. Moore and Officers Grey, Burton and Spooner are in charge of the case, it was announced last night.
From the Wilmington Morning Star, Dec. 28, 1921
With Americans Spending $750 Million a Year on Movies, Is Industry on Brink of Collapse? Dec. 28, 1921
Washington, Dec. 27--The American people spent from $750 million to $1 billion a year to see motion picture shows, the senate finance committee was told today in the course of arguments for and against a high tariff on foreign made pictures. The investment in the industry totals about $250 million and employment is given to abut 250,000 persons.
Paul M. Turner of New York, speaking for the Actors’ Equity association, testified that the idea that everybody connected with the industry made “big money” was erroneous; that 96 per cent of those engaged in making films received only “a living wage.”
Mr. Turner and John Emerson, an independent producer of New York, speaking for himself and for D.W. Griffith, urged a duty on imported films of 50 to 60 per cent ad valorem in place of the 30 per cent in the Fordney bill. They said the industry was in bad shape with many studios and a large number of the 18,000 motion picture theaters over the country closed.
Declaring that only a high tariff stood between the industry and extermination, Mr. Turner declared that at this time 54 German-made pictures were being exhibited in this country and that four or five of these had yielded the exhibitors $2,500,000. American producers can not compete with the Germans, he said, adding that pictures which cost from $200,000 to $300,000 to produce in this country could be made in Germany for from $10,000 to $12,000.
Saul E. Rogers of New York, speaking for the National Association of Motion Picture industry, opposed the duty in the Fordney bill, urging that the present rate of 3 cents a foot be retained. He declared that only a few foreign films and those depicting great spectacles had been successful in this country.
An attack on the Eastman Kodak company featured the hearings, Mr. Rogers, William A. de Ford of New York counsel for the International Film Service company, In., Frederic R. Coudert of New York, counsel for Pathe Exchange, Inc., and other witnesses charged that this company through a monopoly of the “raw” film product would be able to control the motion picture industry if imports were shut out. They consequently opposed the 20 per cent ad valorem duty on “raw” films proposed in the Fordney bill.
From the front page of the Wilmington Morning Star, Dec. 28, 1921. The advertisements for picture shows are from that day's newspaper.
Lila Dale Russell, 23, Found in Hospital, Dec. 27, 1921
Albemarle Woman Missing In Baltimore Found in Hospital
Baltimore, Dec. 27—Miss Lila Dale Russell, 23, of Albemarle, N.C., who disappeared from the south branch of the Young Women’s Christian association, was found this afternoon at a local hospital where she was admitted shortly after her disappearance on Christmas night. The girl’s condition is not thought to be serious.
Hospital officials were puzzled over the girl’s identity until today when she revealed her name.
From the front page of the Wilmington Morning Star, Dec. 28, 1921
Monday, December 27, 2021
Dolls, Lablanche Face Powder Ads from Ladies Home Journal Magazine 1921
B.L. Harsell's Body Found in Mitchell County, Dec. 27, 1921
Harsell’s Body Is Found in Mitchell
Asheville, Dec. 27—Mystery which for months surrounded the disappearance of B.L. Harsell, wealthy clubman and sportsman of New York, who has been missing since last April, is believed to have been solved with the identification of a body found in the woods of Mitchell county, North Carolina, as that of the missing clubman.
Detective Elmo W. Brim of Galax, Va., reports having tracked the clubman over 1,500miles, 240 of which he made on foot through the Appalachian mountains, and claims to have information that Harsell was murdered by parties in the Pigeon Roost Creek section of Mitchell County.
Upon leaving New York, Mr. Harsell announced he would walk from Roanoke, Va., to North Georgia for the purpose of hardening his muscles and preparing for a big game hunt in a foreign country, which he contemplated with other New York clubmen. He was to write his brother each 30 days of his whereabouts, and after more than a month had elapsed and no word had been received, a hunt was started.
Detectives arrived here about six weeks ago and began to work upon a new clue which led them over Mount Mitchell, highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains, through the mountainous sections of Yancey county and into a remote section of Mitchell, where the body was found.
From the front page of the Charlotte News, Dec. 27, 1921
Bootleggers Arrested After Officers Find Underground Room With Still, Dec. 27, 1921
Short Freedom for Blockaders. . . Take Shot at Officers Digging Up Pipe Line and Land in Jail
Asheville, Dec. 27—Merrimon and Baird Whittemore, two men released from the county jail yesterday on $1,000 bond each on charges of manufacturing whiskey, followed the capture by deputies Thursday morning of five men in a dugout shielding a 60-gallon still, are back in jail. Guy Metcalf, a neighbor also living in the Barnardsville section where the men were captured, is also behind the bars.
While John Bunn, a county officer, and two other men were digging up a pipe line which ran nearly a quarter of a mile from a spring to the dugout, near the Whittemore home, Thursday night, they were fired upon by one of the three men now in jail.
A pistol duel between Bunn and the three men objecting to the removal of the pipe line resulted in the retirement of the attacking party. Deputies of Sheriff John A. Lyerly’s department Sunday night located the three men and landed them in jail where they are to be arraigned on charges of resisting an officer, carrying concealed weapons and assault.
Further investigation of the dugout reveals the fact that it is one of the most complete still sites ever discovered by the officers in this section. Entrance to the 12 by 12-foot room carved out of the mountain side was had by means of a tunnel about 30 feet long.
Heavy timber supports braced the sides and roof of the underground room. Running water piped from a spring a quarter of a mile from the dugout made it possible for persons to carry on distilling without going out of the cavern.
From the front page of the Charlotte News, Dec. 27, 1921
Country Home Destroyed by Fire Christmas Day, Dec. 27, 1921
Country Home on River Was Burned
The handsome country home, built several years ago by John Bass Brown on the bluff overlooking the Sloan’s Ferry bridge and Catawba River and now belonging to Lewis Long, was destroyed by fire Sunday night. The fire was first seen about 8 o’clock by the caretaker, an aged white man, who had gone down to the country store a few yards away. He rushed up to the house but found the flames had made too much headway to be stayed.
The family that had recently occupied the house moved to Gastonia a few weeks ago, and it was occupied by no one but the caretaker. The flames are said to have originated in a rear bedroom.
The house was built by John Bass Brown as a summer house and had all modern conveniences. It cost about $8,500 six or seven years ago. It had changed hands several times, being owned at one time since Mr. Brown sold it by S.W. Dandridge of Charlotte, and John C. Rankin of Lowell. Later it came into possession of Lewis Long and John Staton of Charlotte, and at the time of its burning was the property of Lewis Long.
About $6,500 insurance was carried on the house, it is said.
From the Charlotte News, Dec. 27, 1921
Miss Lila Dale Russell, 23, of Albemarle Missing, Dec. 27, 1921
No News Received of Albemarle Girl
Baltimore, Md., Dec. 27—No news has been received this morning of the whereabouts of Miss Lila Dale Russell, 23, of Albemarle, N.C., who disappeared Sunday night from the south branch of the Young Women’s Christian Association here.
Miss Russell, a student of designing and costuming, vanished from the home presumably about 9 o’clock Sunday night as that was the last time she was seen there. She left a half-finished gown, her purse and jewelry on the table.
The police are inclined toward the theory that she may have wandered off as the result of some suddenly developing illness.
-=-
On Her Way Home
Albemarle, Dec. 27—Miss Dale Russell, of this city, reported missing since Saturday in Baltimore dispatches, is on her way home in Albemarle, according to a message received by her mother. The mother of Miss Russell was not seen this morning, but a neighbor stated that the young woman had sent such a message.
From the front page of the Charlotte News, Dec. 27, 1921
R.H. Hamilton, 30, Shot and Killed While Driving Near Raleigh, Dec. 27, 1921
Raleigh Man Killed on Public Highway
Raleigh, Dec. 27, 1921—R.H. Hamilton, 30 years old, railroad section foreman, was shot and killed in his automobile on a highway one mile from Raleigh shortly after 8 o’clock last night as he was driving into the city with Miss Irene Guess, a young woman of Raleigh. According to Miss Guess, two negroes, whom she is unable to describe, fired three shots into the car just after it had passed them on the road.
From the front page of the Charlotte News, Dec. 27, 1921
Sunday, December 26, 2021
Pritchard Home on Pine Street Burned Dec. 26, 1921
Mrs. T.W. Pritchard Loses Residence
The home of Mrs. Thomas W. Pritchard at 409 North Pine street was almost completely destroyed by fire Monday afternoon in the absence of the family. Mrs. Pritchard and her sons were away for the day, spending Christmas at the home of Mrs. Frank Herz in Dilworth.
Because there was no one in the house to give the alarm before the blaze made good headway, the fire was beyond control when discovered. Neighbors carried out the piano and a few other things after the firemen had held the nozzle of a hose line on the house for a few moments. Other furniture was badly damaged by fire and water, and the house itself was almost a total loss. Some insurance was carried, but not enough to cover the loss, it is said.
From the Charlotte News, Dec. 27, 1921
Masked Ball at Myers Park Club, Dance at Charlotte Country Club to be Held Dec. 27, 1921
Ace of Clubs Bal Masque
The interest of society is centered on the bal masque to be given by the Ace of Clubs Tuesday evening at the Myers Park Club. Music will be furnished by the Serenaders of Lancaster, Pa. Dancing will begin at 9 o’clock.
-=-
E.L.C. Club to Entertain
Charlotte’s younger set is anticipating the dance to be given Tuesday evening by the E.L.V. Club, at the Charlotte County Club. The organization, which numbers nine members, has invited over a hundred guests for the dance.
From the social news page of the Charlotte News, Dec. 27, 1921
Alexander Family Reunion Dec. 26, 1921
Alexander Family Reunion
The family of Mrs. Sarah A. Alexander assembled at her home on the Providence road in the county Monday for their annual reunion and family dining, an event for Christmas for 18 years. Mrs. Alexander is near her 80th birthday.
The families represented were those of Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Alexander, who live at the same place with Mrs. Alexander, Mr. and Mrs. John O. Ross of Charlotte, Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Hood Sr. of the county, Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Campbell of the county, Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Ross of Charlotte, Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Hood Jr. of the county. About 45 persons were present. Guests of the family day included Miss Mary McAfee of Charlotte, Miss Eula Coffey, James Sample, and J.C. Reid Sr.
From the society news page of the Charlotte News, Dec. 27, 1921
John Hicks Charged With Forgery After Changing $5 into $50 Bills, Dec. 25, 1921
Counterfeiting Is Charge Preferred
John Hicks, white, is at liberty under $1,000 bond in Asheville, after being arrested on a charge of forgery by United States Secret Service Agent H.E. Thomas here. He was arrested after Mr. Thomas had worked up the alleged case against him. He was arraigned before a United States commissioner in Asheville and held for the Spring term of Federal court at Asheville.
The defendant is accused of raising $5 bills to $50 bills. He stated before the commissioner that he bought a gallon of liquor from a man and the man with whom he traded alleged that he was guilty of counterfeiting.
From The Charlotte News, Dec. 25, 1921
Saturday, December 25, 2021
Surprise! Daisy Griffin and Charles Turner Were Married August 7, 1921
Turner-Griffin Marriage
Announcement of a marriage that the contracting parties had kept secret from friends was made Friday afternoon by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Desser Turner, whose marriage occurred at the home of the bride in Mineral Springs Sunday, August 7th. They will be at home in Charlotte after January 1.
Mr. Turner has been living in Charlotte for some years and is traffic manager for the McClaren Rubbner Company. He is a native of Shelby.
Mrs. Turner is a native of Mineral Springs and was also employed here for seven or eight months at the McClaren Rubber Company, where the romance began that ended in her marriage to Mr. Turner.
The cards issued Friday read:
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Griffin announce the marriage of their daughter, Daisy, to Mr. Charles Desser Turner, on Sunday, August 7th, 1921, Mineral Springs, North Carolina.
At home after January 1st, Charlotte, N.C.
From The Charlotte News, Dec. 25, 1921
Rube Lee Charged With Assaulting Another Man, Dec. 25, 1921
Charged With Assault
Rube Lee, white, was locked up last night at the police station after being arrested by a special officer at North Charlotte, and will be charged with assault on another white man with a deadly weapon. It is said the two men engaged in a fight while they were drunks and that Lee’s opponent was so badly cut he had to be taken to a hospital.
From The Charlotte News, Dec. 25, 1921
Mrs. T.B. Harton in St. Peters Hospital With Gunshot Wound, Dec. 25, 1921
Seriously Wounded by Husband’s Pistol
Mrs. T.B. Harton was brought to St. Peters Hospital Saturday night seriously wounded as the result of the accidental discharge of a pistol early Saturday evening at her home on the Statesville road. Just how the accident occurred could not be ascertained. A physician at the hospital, who answered the telephone injuries after Mr. Harton had sent a request that no mention be made of it, said that Mrs. Harton was seriously injured.
It was understood from other sources that a shooting had taken place and that Mr. Harton had brought his wife to the hospital for emergency attention.
From The Charlotte News, Dec. 25, 1921
Santa Sees Violets Blooming in North Carolina, Dec. 25, 1921
Old Santa Sees Violets Bloom. . . Christmas Unique in Way of Weather and Brisk as Before the War
Santa Claus has come! There was no snow to crunch under the hoofs of his Reindeer, but in some manner the jolly old fellow has made his aerial trip and opened his packages beside the chimney. Some time during the wee hours of the morning, he slipped in with his gifts unheard and as noiselessly when back up the chimney and off to his unknown hiding place. There all alone he will sit and make his toys and wait until the time is ripe for him to gladden the world again.
The weather man was taken by surprise. Certainly he was asleep at his switchboard. So uttlerly had he forgotten to prepare for Santa Claus that he actually permitted the violets to hold up their heads in the yards of scores of Charlotte residents. Not once during the long Fall has he permitted Jack Frost to get a good wallop at the little purple flowers, and they have clung on to their stems, seemingly defiant to all the elements of Winter. |Those in whose yards the violets are still blooming declared that never bhefore have they seen them linger on as they have. It is scarcely believable that they should continue in the open with proud heads right up until Christmas Day.
But they have! And, perhaps, old Santa got the surprise of his life when he beheld them Christmas Eve night. With the mercury rather bold in its attempt to scale the thermometer and the violets waving in the breeze, it is indeed an unusual Christmas for this section. In truth, it is an Indian Summer Christmas.
Saturday found the streets crowded with shoppers and the stores packed tightly all day. Merchants fairly overdid themselves in an effort to deliver their orders before nightfall. The usual Christmas rush was experienced everywhere in the city. Santa Claus in disguise mingled at will among the people. The stores remained open until nearly midnight to satisfy the late comers.
Christmas Eve night itself was full of revelry. Not since pre-war times have fireworks been displayed as they were during the evening. Dances in various parts of the city attracted those who felt that they wanted to “shake a wicked hoof,” and the streets and houses took on a holiday aspect from one end of the place to the other. Funmakers by the score worked their ways in and out among the shoppers until the crowd began to thin. Merriment echoed everywhere. All but the tired business man joined in the mirth, and even he had a smile on his face as he started with weary step to tumble in his bed.
Monday will be the holiday proper in the city. Many of the city offices and departments chose to take WSaturday off, but the majority of the city preferred to designate Monday. The post office, banks, freight houses and other such places will remain closed throughout the day. It will be a day of rest and recuperation from the rush of the holiday shopping season.
From The Charlotte News, Dec. 25, 1921
James Walker, 5, of Hiddenite Seriously Injured by firecracker, Dec. 25, 1921
Child Injured by Giant Firecracker
Statesville, Dec. 24—James Walker, 5-year-old son of N.M. Walker of Hiddenite, Alexander county, is in a local hospital probably fatally injured from his experience with a large firecracker. When the cracker exploded, the lad’s left hand was blown off, the ball of his left eye perforated and a hole was torn completely through his abdomen, just above the liver, and a piece of cloth was forced into the liver.
From the front page of The Charlotte News, Dec. 25, 1921
Christmas Eve Tornado Kills 34, Injures 75, Damages Property in Arkansas, Louisiana, 1921
Tornado Takes Heavy Toll in Central South. . . 34 Deaths as Result of Storm in Mississippi Valley. . . Villages Destroyed. . . Two Towns Almost Completely Wiped Out; Large Property Damage
New Orleans, Dec. 24—A toll of 34 lives was taken by a storm which swept the lower Mississippi valley last night and early today, according to reports received here tonight.
More than 75 were injured, several probably fatally.
Property damage was estimated at more than $300,000.
The villages of Clarksdale, Ark., and Spencer, La., were almost completely destroyed, reports stated. One white man and six negroes were killed at Clarkdale when a store filled with Christmas shoppers collapsed. More than 50 persons were reported injured there. Several negroes, injured there, were taken to Memphis hospitals for treatment, where it was stated several probably would die.
Seven persons were killed at Spencer, La.
In Morehouse Parish, La., Mrs. Mary Spain, white, and six negroes residing on the Spain plantation were killed. Two other members of the Spain family were badly injured.
Thirteen—three whites and 10 negroes—were killed and more than a score injured in Quitman, in Lefloure and Yazoo counties, Mississippi.
The storm first struck in eastern Arkansas and, continuing southward, passed through northwest Mississippi and northern Louisiana. A number of plantations and small farming communities were completely wrecked by the gale which at times reached 75 miles an hour, according to unofficial reports.
With wires down and virtually all communication cut off, reports are only fragmentary.
The village of Spencer, Union parish, 15 miles from Monroe, on the Monroe and Little Rock branch of the Missouri Pacific lines, was practically wiped out. Hardly a building is left standing and seven persons perished. The storm came up suddenly and many families were caught asleep in their homes. Few had time to escape. Many of the injured were hit by falling timbers, which were carried for yards by the wind.
Information of the Spencer disaster was brought to Monroe by Thomas Douglas, who set the number of dead at seven and the injured at 25.
Doctors and nurses were rushed to the little hamlet and relief parties organized for other sections in the path of the storms.
The Spain house on Bayou Bartholomew four miles northwest of Bastrop, Morehouse parish, was completely demolished. Mrs. Mary Spain, wife of Manager Spain of the Tisdale Plantation, on which the house was, and six negroes were killed.
W.L. Wall, agent for the Missouri Pacific at Spencer, and his wife, are reported dying. The depot, a store and five homes were razed. The population of Spencer is only about 100.
In addition to the seven killed, at least two others are near death. A dwelling was torn apart and the contents scattered for miles along both sides of the bayou.
Mrs. Spain was blown for 100 feet from her home against a tree, meeting instant death. Her daughter was blown against her and is in a critical condition. A small son was found some distance away from the home, apparently dead. He was revived, however, but is in a serious condition.
The exact loss of life in Morehouse parish cannot be estimated, but it is believed that the casualties were confined mostly to negroes.
William Turner, white, and four negroes were killed on a plantation near Marks, Miss.
In the town of Marks, swings and posts were blown down and a heavy rain flooded streets and ran into stores, doing much damage. All wires are down on rural telephone lines.
As an aftermath to the tornado, Quitman county lost one of its most prominent citizens, M.V. Turner was returning home after relief work among his tenants. Half a mile north of his home, he came in contact with a live wire on the Marks-Belen electric light line. He was on horseback. The horse was killed and its sudden fall threw Mr. Turner across the wire, causing instant death.
From the front page of The Charlotte News, Dec. 25, 1921
Friday, December 24, 2021
Hackney Buggy Plant, 125 Automobiles Destroyed by Fire, Dec. 24, 1921
Hackney Buggy Plant of Wilson Destroyed by Fire. . . $400,000 Damage Was Caused by Fire to Big Plant This Morning. . . Over 125 Automobiles, Stored in Building, Were Totally Destroyed by the Early Morning Blaze. . . Entire Loss Covered by Insurance. . . Rocky Mount Fire Department Was Called Upon for Assistance and Rendered Aid in Fighting Fire
By Associated Press
Wilson, N.C., Dec. 24—Fire, starting in the automobile department of the Hackney Brothers buggy manufacturing plant here at about 5 o’clock this morning completely gutted the front of two three-story buildings owned by that company, and destroyed about 125 new and old automobiles stored in them. The loss on the buildings is estimated at $100,000, and their contents at $300,000, fully covered by insurance.
One of the buildings destroyed was used by the buggy company as a repair shop and the other as a storage warehouse for automobiles. The machinery and automobiles in the structure were destroyed.
The blaze had gained such headway when it was discovered that it was only by the heroic work of the firemen that it was prevented from spreading to other property. The heat from the fire caused about $2,500 damage to the Welfare Automobile Company’s building, located next to the Hackney plant, but did not catch on fire.
The Rocky Mount fire department was called upon for assistance, and one truck, in charge of Chief Daughtridge, made the trip to Wilson in record time, the firemen rendering valuable aid to the local fighters. The blaze was brought under control at 8 o’clock.
From the front page of The New Bern Sun Journal, Dec. 24, 1921
Burglaries Reported at Jackson, McCall, Stallings, Hooker, Daniels Homes, Dec. 24, 1921
More Efforts Made to Break Into Homes. . . Robbers Are Keeping Busy—Officers Shot at One Man Last Night
And the burglars still pursue them!
Attempts were made to enter five more homes last night. Burglaries were reported at the following places:
The Jackson residence, 10 Chango street.
E.E. McCoy, 50 Metcalf street.
Durham Stallings, 52 Metcalf street.
C.E. Hooker, 106 Broad street.
Tom Daniels, corner of Pollock and Broad streets.
This brings the total list of burglaries to 13 for the past week, which is believed to be a record for New Bern that never has before been equaled or surpassed.
The police caught one of the men last night and gave chase. Several shots from the officers failed to halt the man. All the bullets went wild.
From the front page of The New Bern Sun Journal, Dec. 24,1921
Elon College Football Squad, Dec. 23, 1921
Left to Right—Standing: Coach Corboy, Mark McAdams, Henry White, Sam Perry, John Smith, “Footsie” Fesmire, “Hap” Perry, “Brickyard Blonde” Whitesell, Ghee Fix, Bill Stoner; Kneeling: Jimmy Cameron (Captain-elect), Dewey Underwood, Pat Flynn, Johnny Johnson (Captain), “Snag” Farley, Frank Allston, Joe Newman, Hal Clark; Seated: “Chubby” Kirkland, “Country” Gorman.
From Maroon and Gold, the Elon College Student Newspaper, Dec. 23, 1921
Chief Piner Captures Wagon of Hootch Driven by H.C. Willis, Dec. 24, 1921
Caught Wagon Full of Booze. . . Well Known Citizen of Morehead City Arrested by Police
Morehead City, Dec. 24—A wagon of hootch was this week captured by Chief of Police W.C. Piner when a little after 12 o’clock Monday night he caught H.C. Willis, well known citizen of Morehead City, driving a wagon up 14th street in which were three kegs and a number of jugs with “corn likker,” the total amount of which was about 40 gallons. The mule, wagon and driver were taken to the city hall and locked up for the night and on Tuesday the mule was turned over to its owner, Uncle Bennie Willis, father of the driver of booze wagon. At a preliminary hearing Tuesday before Judge James. R. Bell, Willis was released under a bond of $300 for his appearance at the January term of Superior Court.
From the front page of The New Bern Sun Journal, Dec. 24, 1921
Toler Hearing Postponed, Dec. 24, 1921
Toler Hearing Postponed. . . Boys Will Not Be Given Hearing Before Mayor Until Next Week
Braxton and Garrett Toler and Garney Gilbert, who were arrested Thursday night on the charge of breaking into several business houses in the city and wo were also suspected of having been connected with some of the residential burglaries which have been committed in New Bern recently, were not given a hearing this morning. Their case has been held over until next Tuesday. In the meantime the police are following up several lines of evidence which they expect to introduce at the hearing next week.
From the front page of The New Bern Sun Journal, Dec. 24, 1921
The Moon Is Inhabited by Dr. Frank Crane, December 1921
Here is an editorial that I might have written myself, but I didn’t. It is from the pen of Dr. Frank Crane, writing in December Current Opinion. It comes in right handy for this editor who is just back from a week’s visit to New York and not inclined to write much himself this week. I quote Dr. Crane:
“On Sunday, the 16th of October, there was an eclipse of the moon. It came around exactly on time and we all felt a thrill of price in the human mind that could so accurately predict the movement of the hands upon the face of the celestial clock.
“Speaking of the moon, some interest has recently been excited in a theory proposed by Professor Pickering that vegetation exists on some of the floors of some of the lunar craters.
“The mass of scientific opinion leans to the view that the moon is a completely dead world. But Professor Pickering’s reputation as an astronomer is too high to permit his observation being lightly dismissed.
“Professor Pickering’s theory is correct. This does not need proof, because we admit it.
“It is more than correct. For there is not only vegetation on the moon, but there is human life on the moon.
“It may be interesting to have us tell you about this; and you may take our word for it that it is true. And if you deny that it is true, we will deny your denial, and so there you are.
“As a matter of fact, in the bottom of these craters there exists a stunted, half-savage form of human beings, the last remnant of a race which once peopled the whole surface of our satellite.
“For you must know that the moon was once as pleasant a place as this planet. It was covered with vast forests, oceans, rivers, animals and people.
“There were great cities there and they had railroads, telegraphs, flying machines, phonographs and suffragets.
“The moon, however, was divided into separate nations, each one of which was governed by a monarch who was declared by his subjects to be the Son of Heaven. And each nation was peopled by a race that considered itself superior to all other races.
“They had no nonsense in the moon. Every nation was practical and had its Monroe Doctrine and was too clever to trust any other nation.
“Of course, under these conditions they had wars periodically. With the growth of science these wars became more and more deadly, until finally a certain professor named Snigglefritz discovered a gas that would absolutely destroy everything: people, beasts, houses, crops—everything.
“So they had a grand war finally and they shot off all their gases at each other and the result was that the entire surface of the moon, with the exception of a few crater holes, was reduced to rock and cinders.
“What people remain are now gathered in these holes, and have degenerated into a short of ape.
“The moon is a shining example of the triumph of common sense, military preparedness and practical, sound statesmanship over the tom-fool idealism that is now making so much trouble upon Tellus.”
From the editorial page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Dec. 23, 1921, W.O. Saunders, editor. Dr. Frank Crane was a popular speaker, writer and Presbyterian minister.
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Dear Santa Letters from Charlotte Area, 1921
December 16, 1921
Dear Santa Claus--
I am seven years old. I wish you would please bring me a pair of skates and a big cap pistol and some caps, a drum, horn and some fruit, candy and nuts. A merry Christmas to every body. Lovingly yours.
WALLACE WOLFE
-=-
Charlotte, N.C.
December 14, 1921
Dear Santa Claus--
I am a little girl 9 years old and go to school every day I am in the sixth grade. I want you to bring me a baby doll with long curly hair, also a bed for it to sleep in, a carriage to roll it in, also a tea set, and a pair of boudoir slippers and a nice big horn and lots of fruit, candy and nuts. A merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Your little friend.
EUGENIA LOVE
907 W. First St., City
P.S. Please don’t forget my little Friend Jack as he wants a squirt gun, a kiddie car and a horn and a shoot pistol.
-=-
Marshville, N.C.
December 17, 1921
Dear Santa Claus--
I am a little girl nine years old. I am going to tell you what I want for Christmas. I want a doll and a doll carriage and be sure to put lots of candy, fruits and nuts in my stocking. Yours truly.
WILLIS DEAN
P.S. Be sure and come Christmas night. My Box is 75.
-=-
Charlotte, N.C.
Dec. 16, 1921
Dear Santa Claus:
I am a little girl 9 years old. I want you to bring me a little doll trunk full of clothes and a pair of little skates a little stove to cook on and fruits and nuts and candy, and I want you to bring me a hat and a coat and a pair of shoes 13, a pair of little red bedroom slippers 13. Don’t forget my little brother he is 3 years old. He wants you to bring him a cowboy suit he wants you to bring him a b c books. Don’t forget mother and father. Your little friend.
LEEROY HELMS, MYRTLE HELMS
Slie Street 1407
-=-
1219 S. Tryon st., Charlotte, N.C.
Dear Santa Claus:
I am a little boy 7 years old. I want you to bring me a pair of skates, a coaster. Billy whiskers book. Some fruits and candies. I am yours truly.
John Walter Spanow
1219 S. Tryon street
-=-
Charlotte, N.C.
Dec. 15, 1921
Dear Santa Claus:
I am just a boy 7 years old going to school. I am in the second grade at Long Creek school. My teachier is Miss Whiteside. We are going to have a tree with Xmas program. I would like you to come and bring me a Bible story book, a pair of gloves, and also a black board. Don't forget Howard, my brother. He wants a horn and a drum and little puppie dog. Don’t forget daddy. Your little friend.
Fred and Howard Sing
My address is Paw Cheek, N.C., R. 10, box 114
-=-
Charlotte, N.C.
Dec. 15, 1921
Dear Santa Claus:
I want you to bring me a doll that says “Mamma”, a trunk and a ball, a horn and lots of fruit, and candy. Your little friend,
Dorothy E. Smith
1023 W. Trade st.
-=-
Charlotte, N.C.
Dec. 15, 1921
Dear Santa Claus:
Please bring me a doll bed, a doll that says “Mamma”, some nuts, fruits, and candy and a horn. Your good girl.
Margaret Smith
1023 W. Trade street
-=-
Charlotte, N.C.
Dear Santa Claus:
I am a little boy 12 years old. I don’t say bad words, or any thing. I want a popgun, and some spark plugs and a book on how to write my abc’s, and please bring my friend Estell a baby doll that will talk, and a little cradle, and a powder puff, and some apples, nuts, and oranges.
From your little friend,
Taylor Fowlkes
501 N. Brevard street
-=-
Charlotte, N.C.
Dec. 26, 1921
Dear Santa Claus:
I am a little girl seven years old, and I want you to bring me a baby doll, tea set, a little table, and a horn. Don't forget my little brother, A.T. Jr., he will be two years old Xmas morning. Bring him a little drum and horn, also lots of fruit, and nuts.
Your little friend,
Virginia Lawing
207 Burns avenue
Charlotte, N.C.
-=-
Cramerton, N.C.
Dear Santa Claus--
I want you to bring me a big sleeping doll, a ball, a rocking chair.
ARUSS WALLACE
From The Charlotte News, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 1921
Church of Zion News from Charlotte, Rockingham, Dec. 23, 1921
Vicinity Items
Much interest is centering in the forthcoming production of the modern morality play “Every Woman,” which the Y.W.C.A. will present under the direction of J. Caesar Bryant of Detroit, Mich. An unusual cast has been assembled to interpret the masterpiece, which includes Misses Fanny Beatty, Edna Pride, Mildred Tate, Queen Washington, Hattie Davis, Morease Chisholm, Nannie Leary, Ogeechee Perrin, Edna Morris, Messrs. G. Brodie, H. Brodie, Hill, Richardson, Harris, Toles and Bryant. Admission, 25, 50, and 75 cents. Place and time of production in later issue.
Among the recent visitors to our office were Drs. J.S. Allen and W.G. Walls of Chester, S.C.; Prof. Whitehead of Goldsboro, N.C.; Dr. and Mrs. W.H. Vick and daughter of Toronto, Canada, and Mrs. Hargrave of Wilson, N.C., and Mr. Oglesby of Asheville.
Dr. W.J. Walls returned today from a trip to Washington, Philadelphia and New York. He was away eight days and reports churches and people in normal and fine condition.
Miss Josephine Price, one of the graded school teachers of Statesville, is home to spend the holidays with her mother, Mrs. Mary Price of Washington Heights.
Mr. Mayo Houston is in the city for the holidays.
The newly elected officers of the various departments of the A.M.E. Zion church are as follows:
Sunday School—Mr. W.M. Little, superintendent; Mr. J.A. Alexander, assistant superintendent; Mrs. Susie Murdock, secretary; Mrs. Lusian Brown, assistant secretary; Mrs. Cora Goomly, treasurer; Misses Ella Goomly, Nellie Jamison, Messrs. Hannibal Fisher and Turner Jamison, librarians.
Christian Endeavor Society—Miss Josephine Lowry, president; Miss Ethel Jamison, vice president; Miss Abberree Thomas, secretary; Mr. Lucian Brown, assistant secretary; Mrs. Dora Jamison, treasurer.
Music Committee—Mrs. Bessie Henderson, Miss Ethel Jamison, Mr. Reginald Fisher, Mr. William Etheridge.
A Christmas Cantata will be rendered Monday evening at the First Baptist church.
Every one is invited to come out to the 6 o’clock service Christmas morning at Grace A.M.E. Zion church. The Holy Communion will be administered.
Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Foster of East Liverpool, Ohio, are in the city to attend the 50th anniversary of their parents’ marriage, Mr. and Mrs. F.H. Foster of Washington Heights.
Misses Maggie and Estelle Arthur will spend the holidays visiting friends and relatives in Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Mr. Andrew Alexander left the city Tuesday for Baltimore, Md., to spend the winter.
Mrs. Edmonia Saunders has returned to the city after spending a few weeks in Hot Springs, Ark.
Mrs. Cora Gilyard died at her home on North Caldwell Street Mondy morning at 4 o’clock after an illness of a few days. Mrs. Gilyard was a loyal member of Grace A.M.E. Zion church and the death of this good woman is widely felt in the community in which she lived and the church of her choice. Deep sympathy goes out for the members of this bereaved family. The funeral services were conducted at the church Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock by Rev. Mitchell, Dr. S.D. Watkins and others.
The umbrella social given under the direction of Mrs. Morris Walker in the basement of Grace church on last Monday evening was a decided success. Mrs. Walker is an excellent church worker and every effort she attempts is crowned with success.
-=-
Work in Rockingham, N.C.
By Rev. O.J. Covington
Mrs. M.E. Taylor gave a surprise party for her husband Nov. 4 in honor of his birthday. A large number of members and friends attended, and all had a good time. Among the guests were Dr. and Mrs. F.D. Quick, Rev. O.J. Covington, C.R. DeBerry, Thomas Lilly, J.P. Wall, Jas. Freirson, F.C. Stocks, G.W. Jackson, Aaron McRay, Mr. and Mrs. G.M. Freison, Misses Bessie Steele, Fannie Ellerbe, Odessa Steele, Ella B. McCain, Willie Leak, Pecolia Wall, Missouri Leak, Mrs. Martha A. Leak, Mrs. Carrie McCain, Mrs. Hall of the Normal School faculty. Mrs. McCain, Miss Willie Leak and Miss Ella B. McCain assisted Mrs. Taylor in serving. The flowers were beautiful. Rev. Taylor received a number of beautiful presents and a purse of money. They all wished him many more years of a successful life.
Sunday night was our sixth monthly pleasant Sunday. The musical program was in charge of the senior choir and of a high order. Prof. Bell, Supt. of the Public Schools of Richmond County, made the principal address. After paying a glorious tribute to the Rev. W.H. Taylor for the work he is doing in the church and community, he made a splendid address, which was timely and helpful to the citizens of Rockingham, commending their good works and urging improvements where needed. It was a high day in Zion. Visitors were Dr. Robinson of Hamlet, Prof. H.H. Falkner of Greensboro of the graded school, and Prof. Everett.
From The Star of Zion, Charlotte, N.C., Dec. 23, 1921
Prohibition, NYC Garment Strike, Competition from St. Lawrence Lower Prices for Live Eels, Dec. 23, 1921
North Carolina Eel Fishers Out of Luck. . . Garment Strike and Prohibition Combine to Wreck a Usually Good Market
Prohibition and the garment strike in New York City are blamed for the low price of live eels on the New York market this week. This fact is of peculiar significance to thousands of readers of this newspaper because Eastern North Carolina fishermen ship thousands of pounds of live eels to New York market at Christmas time. In former years they have received 45 to 75 cents a pound for live eels. Their returns from the New York dealers this week will be considerably below the lower figure of former years.
But what has prohibition and a garment strike got to do with the price of eels? The answer is full of human interest. Italians, from time immemorial, have considered live eels the piece de resistance of their Christmas menu. No one knows—not even the Italians themselves—why they eat eels at Christmas. But big, fat, wriggly live eels are to an Italian what a turkey is to an American. The large Italian population in New York has regularly consumed all of the live eels shipped to that market at Christmas time.
Now within the past two or three years, Italians have largely replaced the Jews in the great garment industry in New York. The great garment strike in New York this winter has hit the Italian colony hard. New York’s Italian population hasn’t the money to pay fabulous prices for live eels for the Christmas dinner of 1921.
And then Prohibition. A lot of the eels from Eastern North Carolina are small eels, known as shoe string eels. They were formerly bought up by packers and delicatessen firms, smoked and sold as a relish to saloons. Every saloon had its lunch counter and smoked shoe string eels went well with a lunch washed down with imported beer. With the passing of the saloon went also the saloon lunch counter where smoked shoe string eels were always in demand. Likewise went the biggest market for this class of eels.
The garment strike and prohibition combined have therefore helped to unsettle the eel market. At the same time New York has more eels this week than ever before. Boats bult especially for the catching and transportation of eels on the St. Lawrence River and its Canadian tributaries have brought 275,000 pounds of live eels to Fulton Wholesale Fish Market in New York City last week. And that is another reason why our local fishermen will not bank such big checks for their eel catch this season.
From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Dec. 23, 1921
Capt. Simmons and His Crew Keep Elizabeth City Streets Ship-Shape, Dec. 23, 1921
Keeps Us Looking Good to Visitors. . . That Is the Daily Job of This Busy City Employee
The subject of this story is Capt. W.J. Simmons, the “boss” of Elizabeth City’s street forces. Capt. Simmons is 67 years old and going strong. He hasn’t had must newspaper advertising; his name isn’t paraded around on the occasion of every municipal political campaign; he doesn’t ask any recognition from the public, but for five years he has been Elizabeth City’s sanitary inspector, and his conduct in office, his application to his duties, and the public approval in general he has merited and won entitle him for once to break into print.
The fact that Elizabeth City is one of the cleanest towns in the state because of its orderly and well-kept streets is often emphasized by the favorable comments of enthusiastic visitors.
Why Elizabeth City is so clean and orderly looking is because Capt. Simmons, with his street cleaning force, takes 20 cartloads of trash a day off its streets. He also sees that six to eight tons of garbage are taken away daily, and superintends the dozen men in the force who do it.
Capt. Simmons’ force works 9 ½ hours a day. There are four miles of paved streets to clean up besides the 10 miles more or less of unpaved streets. He keeps four carts going all the time and a fifth one on special occasions. In his equipment he has a motor garbage truck also, as well as a sprinkling wagon and a sweeper.
It costs the city about $25 a day to keep this gang and equipment working. It isn’t cleaning streets all the time, for under the direction of the City Manager, repair work to paving and drainage is done. It takes about two days to sprinkle and sweep the whole city. That is quite a task compared with the little lawn of a city home, the sweeping and cleaning of which is the dread of every housewife. Capt. Simmons’ gang could clean up an acre lot in 30 seconds.
Besides being sanitary inspector, Capt. Simmons has for 15 years been weather observer here for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is he who receives every forecast from Washington, and hoists his flags by day and lights by night on the tower at the foot of Fearing Street to warn the shipping of what the weather may do. In other words, he is the “weather man.”
Capt. Simmons doesn’t claim any credit for keeping the streets so clean. He says he just helps the city manager. But the old Captain is altogether too modest. He believes that Elizabeth City can best advertise itself by its appearance, because the casual stranger is apt to be a critical observer and not so lenient in his judgment of a new place. The strangers are the ones to look out for because nothing so disgusts the visitor at the beginning of his stay than disorderly and unsightly streets. The streets make the impression as they are kept, and Capt. Simmons’ force is co-operating to give Elizabeth City a good name.
From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Dec. 23, 1921
John Twiford Shoes the Family; Barlow Harrell Wins Silverware, Dec. 23, 1921
John Shoes the Family
John W. Twiford of East Lake was in town Wednesday and, among other things, he purchased 16 pairs of shoes. Asked if he expected to start a shoe business at East Lake, Mr. Twiford explained that he was only “shoeing up his family,” a pair of every day shoes and a pair of Sunday shoes for himself, his wife, and six children.
From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Dec. 23, 1921
-=-
Barlow Takes the Prize
Barlow Harrell of Elizabeth City has just been awarded a prize of a massive chest of silverware given by the Pan-American Life Insurance Co. The prize was given in a competition among 40 agents in the Pan-American in North Carolina and Virginia for the largest volume of business written during the months of September, October and November.
From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Dec. 23, 1921
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Letters to Santa from Donald, Matlee, Mary, Purnell, Leslie and Elizabeth, 1921
302 N. McDowell St.
Dear Santa Claus--
I would like you to bring me a black board, and some chalk and some nice fruit. Please don’t forget my little brother, Bernard.
DONALD WHITWARTH
-=-
Matthews, N.C.
December 16, 1921
Dear Santa Claus--
I hope the snow will not be so deep that you can not stop by my house. I want you to please bring me some apples, oranges and candy and some nuts and sparklers and some fire crackers. Your little friend.
MATLEE BENTON
-=-
Charlotte, N.C.
December 18, 1921
Dear Santa Claus--
I am a little girl 10 years old in the six grade at school. Please bring me a pair of woolen socks, black and brown hair ribbon, one yard long, taffeta kind, bed room slippers, gloves and tinker toys, and a few other toys, some skyrockets, sparklers and fire crackers, some books, and games, nuts, fruit and candy, don’t forget my sisters, Cora and Willie. Your little friend.
MARY HARDEN
-=-
Charlotte, N.C.
December 14, 1921
Dear Santa Claus--
I am a fine little boy. I go to Sunday school and day school. Please bring me a Kiddie Kar, an Alabama Coon Jigger and a Baloon and a great big horn, lots of fruit and nuts. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Your little friend.
S. PURNELL ELAM
E. 5th St., City
-=-
Charlotte, N.C.
Dear Santa--
I am ten years old. I want you to bring me a pair of skates and a foot ball.
LESLIE HOLLOWELL
415 N. Caldwell St.
-=-
Marshville, N.C.
December 17, 1921
Dear old Santa Claus--
I will write you a short letter to tell you what I want for Christmas. I am a little girl six years old, and I want you to bring me a baby carriage, and a robe, a pair of bed room slippers, a pair of kid gloves and a doll trunk. I want lots of candy, fruits, nuts and tangerines. I remain your little girl.
ELIZABETH LONG
From The Charlotte News, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 1921
Personals and Other Bits of Information From The Roanoke News, Dec. 22, 1921
Personals. . . And Other Items Told in Brief Form
Mr. Casper Gregory of A.&E. College is home for the holidays.
Mr. Jack Anderson of Hendersonville is home for the holidays.
Miss Katherine Ward has returned home from a visit to Norfolk.
Miss Virginia Inge of Robersonville is spending the holidays here.
Mr. Early Neville of Aurelian Springs paid this office a visit last week.
Mrs. Pierce Johnson and little daughter are visiting relatives in Oxford.
Mrs. S.B. Pierce and little daughter are visiting relatives in Durham.
Mr. M.M. Drake has moved his family to town and is occupying the District parsonage.
Miss Mabel Vincent of High Point is spending the Christmas holidays with relatives here.
Mr. Walter Allen of Fork Union Military Academy is home for the holidays.
Miss Mary Anderson has returned home from Southern College, Petersburg, to spend the holidays.
We are requested to state that the next regular meeting of the U.D.C. will be held at the residence of Mrs. Geo. D. Hawks on January 11th, 1922.
Another good thing about phonograph music is that you don’t have to brag on it unless you feel like it.
We hope the Recording Angel turns a deaf ear to some of the hunting stores that are being told nowadays.
Counterfeit $50 bills are said to be in circulation, but so far none of them have been found in the church collections.
About this time of the year how fervently father wishes there was a Santa Claus for fathers—one that would pay all the bills!
And some men who object to their wives paying $10 for a new hat will pay $40 for a new automobile tire and never bat an eye.
The shortest days of the year come just before Christmas. But you’d have a hard time making the average small boy believe that.
We’ve seen, and you probably have too, some autoists who drove as if their life insurance was paid up and they were anxious for their heirs to collect.
If all the children in the country got all they asked for or wanted for Christmas there would be no unemployed men or women. They’d all be busy making Christmas toys.
From The Roanoke News, Weldon, N.C., Dec. 22, 1921
Happy Birthday to Mr. Fred Poole, Dec. 22, 1921
Birthday Supper
Saturday night found several young men wending their way to the home of Mr. Fred Poole. As these guests arrived, they were met by Mrs. Poole, who immediately began to separate the sheep from the goats. Two of the party were ushered into the parlor, while the others were inducted into the kitchen by way of the back door, from thence to the dining room.
Mr. Poole, Mr. Walton, and the two people who entered the front door, were allowed to enter the dining room, where to Mr. Poole’s great surprise, he found all of these other guests in waiting. Each one found his place by means of a Christmas place card. In the center of the richly laden table stood a miniature Christmas tree artistically decorated with silver tinsel. Over the roots of the tr4ee was placed cotton which held in concealment several different ridiculous presents, such as poppers, toy balloons, etc. Each present was tied by a ribbon which each pulled at the designated time to find his gift.
A delicious dinner was served which was very much enjoyed by all those hungry men.
Supper being over, Mr. Poole began opening his presents and gifts which consisted of toy balloons and one lone chocolate almond. Mr. Poole was then presented with a nice fountain pen and an ever-sharp pencil, gifts from the company as a whole.
At 8 o’clock all departed, withing Mr. Poole many happy birthdays and declaring Mrs. Poole a charming hostess.
Those enjoying Mrs. Poole’s hospitality were Messrs. Joe House, Hugh House, Robert Cordon, C.F. Gore, F.H. Clark, R.L. Williamson, W.C. Walton, H.M. Morrison, W.P. Davis and W.B. Edwards.
From The Roanoke News, Weldon, N.C., Dec. 22, 1921
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)