Notes of Interest at County Playground, June 30, 1923

Many Notes of Interest at County Playground

An interesting party of picknickers at the Playground recently was in the nature of a reunion of the Meador family of Reidsville Route 5. Mrs. Meador had with her five daughters and their respective families and one son, besides several friends.

The party consisted of Mrs. E.P. Meador, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Butler of Danville, Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Burton and sons, Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Wobley and children, Mr. and Mrs. T.J. Meador and children, Mr. and Mrs. (article left in mid-sentence).

From the front page of the Tri-City Gazette, Leaksville, N.C., June 30, 1923

Condition of State Prison Camps Reported, June 30, 1923

Conditions Of Various Camps Under Health Board

Raleigh, July 24—Sanitary conditions in the camps maintained in various sections of the state by the State Prison are excellent according to the findings of the inspectors of the State Board of Health.

Official inspections by representatives of the health department have recently been completed of nine of the 12 camps which are now in operation. Durham leads with a 99 point efficiency, with Mount Olive and Hiddenite Second with a 98 point efficiency. Timberlake camp brings up the rear with a score of 93. The average military score is 96.4.

The points scored are based on location, construction, water supply, food and nutrition condition of prisoners, clothing, bedding, bathing facilities, sleep and recreation privileges, disposal of sewage, absence of vermin, screening against flies and mosquitoes, physical records of prisoners, vaccination against typhoid fever and smallpox, and absence of tuberculosis and syphilis.

From the front page of the Tri-City Gazette, Leaksville, N.C., June 30, 1923

Social and Personal by Miss Ruth Farrell, Leaksville, N.C., June 30, 1922

Social and Personal

Miss Ruth Farrell

The Woman’s Missionary Society of the King Memorial church of New Leaksville met Monday evening at the home of Mrs. R.A. Simpson. Mrs. Simpson served refreshing lemonade to the guests as they entered. The meeting was presided over by Mrs. H.A. Webb, the subject for discussion being “Evangelistic Work of the Foreign Mssions Board.” The Scripture lesson was read by Mrs. S.J. Beeker, a reading “Over the Border” by Miss Eunice Barham; reading by Mrs. B.F. Parker; a talk by Mrs. Diahl on Evangelistic Work. At the close of this interesting program, Mrs. Simpson, assisted by her daughter, served delicious ice cream with cherries and cake.

Mrs. J.H. Lane returned to her home in Leaksville yesterday after a six weeks visit to her relatives and friends in Ashville, Greensboro and Reidsville.

Mr. and Mrs. P.V. Godfrey and visitor, Miss Meyers, spent yesterday afternoon in Reidsville.

Mrs. E.D. Pitcher is visit5ing Mrs. Pete Scales in the Meadows for several days.

Miss Kittz of |Danville is spending several weeks in Spray.

Miss Mary Brown of Salisbury is visiting Mrs. McCall on Boone Road for several days.

Mrs. George H. Clark is spending the day in Danville shopping.

Miss Mary Sue Farrell, who has been visiting friends in High Point for the past week will return to her home in Leaksville today.

Miss Pearl Moore who has been visiting friends in Danville for the past two weeks, returned to Leaksville Monday.

Miss Hattie Robertson and Miss Rowena Robertson and Miss Rowena Robertson spent yesterday in Greensboro shopping.

Miss Roy Moore and Miss Mary Wilson spent yesterday in Winston-Salem.

Mr. B.F. Ivie left this morning for Richmond to attend the Merchants Association which meets there this week.

Mrs. J.B. Ray, Mrs. A.W. Dunn, Mr. Philip Ray, Philip Wall and James Richardson spent yesterday in Danville shopping.

The Blue Bird Circle of the Leaksville Baptist church will meet Wednesday afternoon with Miss Vivian Hundley.

Miss Elizabeth Brader of Danville is visiting Miss Pearl Moore for several days.

Miss Jones, a nurse from Dr. Edmunds Hospital in Danville, is spending her vacation in Spray with friends and relatives.

From page 4 of the Tri-City Gazette, June 30, 1923

Tri-City Gazette, Leaksville, June 30, 1923

D.M. Nobles Dies Harder Than Most in Electric Chair, June 26, 1923

Nobles Pays the Death Penalty. . . Lapses Into Coma, But Dies Harder Than Most Predecessors

Raleigh, June 26—Protesting his innocence with his last conscious breath, and protest against the current with his physical body, Daniel Milton Nobles died in the execution chamber of the State Prison yesterday morning. He was in the grip of the current three minutes and 46 seconds.

So intense and prolonged was the voltage required to kill the shrinking, scared little figure that crouched within the straps that livid flames broke out from the electrode strapped on his legs and ran around the knee, lapping at a ripped open trouser leg, and another leaped out from under the chin strap and curled up over the ears. The warden hastily checked the current and the flames died.

The sickly smile that played uncertainly over his face as he came through the door vanished as he sat down in the chair. His fingers sought the end of the arm of the chair and felt their way back. He glanced down with a faint show of interest as the electrode was strapped against his leg. There was a moment’s delay as the attendants reached for the helmet and the breast straps.

“You can say what ever you want to say now—you haven’t much time,” Rev. S.J. Betts reminded him.

“Well, I hope I’ll meet you all up yonder,” he began slowly, “I have made peace with the good blessed Lord, and I know my time has come. I am innocent”—his voice trailed off into a long drawn sigh.

From the front page of the Farmville Enterprise, Friday, June 29, 1923. Compare this reporter's description with that of another reporter's--www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8493267847537044513/8121041253623349839.

Prominent Lady Has Passed Away, June 22, 1923

Prominent Lady Has Passed Away. . . Mrs. Mamie Little Smith Died Friday June 22nd After an Extended Illness

As day dawned on the morning of Friday June 22nd, 1923, the spirit of Mrs. Mamie Little Smith passed to the land of Eternal Life.

So gently did the Angel of Death enter that those who have watched so lovingly and patiently for many months, scarcely knew.

Mrs. Smith was born on November 2, 1862 at Pactolus, N.C. She was the daughter of W.W. and Harriet May Little. She was married on December 19th 1888, to Mr. R.W. Smith of Farmville. Until their recent coming to this town, they had spent their married life at the old Smith Homestead five miles from town. Their children, who live with Mr. Smith, survived her, are, Chester of Fountain, N.C., Robert, Farmville, N.C., Durward and Heber of Oak City, N.C., and Mattie, Mamie Ruth, Julius and Lillian, all from Farmville. Also surviving her are two brothers, George and Alonzo Little of Pactolus and a sister, Mrs. Sam Harris of Terraceia, N.C. One little daughter, Alma, died in infancy.

Mrs. Smith joined the Methodist church at an early age and remained in that church until 1912 when she with Mr. Smith (words obscured) Presbyterian Church at Kings X Roads. Since moving to Farmville in 1919 they have been members of the local Presbyterian Church She was an earnest worker in the Ladies Auxiliary of that church and, while she was unable to take an active part in the work for the past year, her unaltering sympathy for an interest in the work was ever an inspiration to the others.

As we looked on her glorified face that last day, as beautiful in Death as her life had been, the thought came time after time, that surely she had approached her grave “as one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.” It must be that God had put into her harms that Babe—that one which He, knowing her love for little ones, had taken years ago to give back to a loving mother for Always, as she entered her Heavenly Home.

To say that she will be missed, expresses too mildly the great void which her going has made in the hearts of all who knew her. The wonderful, cheerful and constant care she has received from her husband and children speaks louder than any thing else could, what she meant to them. It was not just because she was the natural mother in the house, but the mother who was never heard to raise her voice in anger, who was never too busy, too tired or too sick to listen to the call of all who needed her. Truly one of God’s Gentlewomen has gone Home.

She was laid to rest just as the sun was setting Friday afternoon. Rev. C.A. Lawrence, her pastor, voicing the sentiments of the host of all loved ones and friends, as he paid her the highest tribute we have ever heard.

The sympathy of the entire county is with the husband, and with those on, next May, will for the first time, wear a white flower for the mother who waiting for them all Over There.

From the front page of the Farmville Enterprise, Friday, June 29, 1923. In May on Mother's Day, people wore a white flower if their mother was dead.

"Here's to Old Glory" Editorial Cartoon in Farmville Enterprise, June 29, 1923

Blue Mountain Evangelist to Speak Out Against Evolution, June 29, 1923

Martin to Speak on Evolution Sunday. . . Much Interest Being Aroused by Blue Mountain Evangelist at Baptist Church

Dr. T.T. Martin, the Blue Mountain Evangelist, who has been holding a series of meetings at the Baptist Church for the past week or so, announced Sunday evening that he will deliver a lecture on “Evolution” next Sunday afternoon. Martin was strong in his denunciation of the theory that is being so much discussed throughout the world today, stating that it was doing more harm than the dance or the liquor men. This lecture promises to be very interesting in view of the fact that not more than a month ago the General Assembly of both the Baptist and Presbyterian Churches North upheld the theory of Evolution, and the Southern Baptist Convention refused to repudiate the theory, although it was not upheld. Dr. Martin said that within the next five years the theory that is working so much harm will be erased.

Considerable interest has been created throughout the community in the sermons being preached by Dr. Martin. His themes have centered around heaven and hell and degrees of reward and punishment to be gained by man. He has emphasized the fact that there is no such thing as “Falling from Grace.” Although a strong Baptist, Dr. Martin has directed his sermons to the members of all churches refusing to place his own denomination above others.

The singing is being led by Rev. D.E. Hill, pastor of the church, and is being participated in by the members of the various church choirs. The meetings will officially close Sunday evening. The lecture on Evolution, it is understood, is to be held in the Christian Church at 3 o’clock.

From the front page of the Farmville Enterprise, Friday, June 29, 1923 Blue

Three Groups Picnicked This Week, June 29, 1923

With the Picnickers

At this time of the year the call of the fishing pole and the “deep tangled wildwood” is heard. One of the chief joys of the season and of out door life is the picnics.

The Farmville Enterprise notes three of these this week. A Sunday School picnic of the Episcopal Church was enjoyed at Ballards Friday; the Spizarinktum, a club composed of eight girls of the younger set and a few invited friends had an outing and picnic at Hill Crest, and the |Farmville Post of the American Legion and their invited guests enjoyed a delightful picnic dinner Friday in Monk’s Warehouse. W.G. Sheppard and W.A. Ananes, Post Commander of Fitzgerald, Ga., made the principal speeches of the occasion, while Messrs. T.C. Turnage, J.T. Thorne and J.H. Payior, Commander of the local Post, made short talks. Mr. Sheppard led in the singing of several old melodies.

From the front page of the Farmville Enterprise, Friday, June 29, 1923

Mrs. Fox Entertains in Honor of Her House Guests, June 29, 1923

Mrs. Fox Entertains

Mrs. O.E. Fox entertained at a lovely reception on Wednesday afternoon complimentary to her house guests, Mesdames W.A. Adams of Fitzgerald, Ga., H.S. Hilley of Wilson and R.G. Latham of Washington.

The house was beautifully decorated with pot plants, sweet peas and gladiolas, a color scheme of lavender and pink being carried out.

Stationed at the door to receive the guests were Mrs. J.Y. Monk and Mrs. B.S. Smith, while little Mary Elizabeth Hilley and Hazel Monk received the cards.

Delicious fruit punch was served by Mesdames Harvey Turnage, Cecil Dixon, Leslie Smith and Herbert Moseley in the hall.

At the door of the receiving room Mrs. Charles Townsend greeted the guests and they were introduced by Mrs. W.R. Hoper to the receiving line, composed of the hostess and honor guests.

Mesdames Frank Davis and Annie R. Lang received at the dining room door. This room was a scene of beauty with its artistically appointed table, a basket of rare gladiolas forming the center piece while overhead a lovely pink tulip was made of the chandelier. Misses Alice McCargo, Mary Barrett and Ruthie Skinner served a delicious iced course and little Mary Allice Beaman and Peurcy Fox served mints.

In an attractive alcove gleaming with pink candles, Miss Tabitha DeVisconti sat and handed each guest as they passed a fortune and Mrs. Paul E. Jones bade them farewell.

Mrs. Chas. R. Townsend sang several selections accompanied by Miss Daisy Holmes, who rendered beautiful instrumental selections during the afternoon.

About 85 guests enjoyed the hospitality of Mrs. Fox between the hours of 4:30 and 6:30.

From the front page of the Farmville Enterprise, Friday, June 29, 1923. Yes, it said the house was decorated with pot plants. . . most likely meant potted plants.

Joyner-Cox Co. Sale, June 29, 1923, Farmville Enterprise

Farmville Enterprise, June 29, 1923

Hupmobile Ad from Vass Pilot, June 29, 1923

Margarettsville Locals, Roanoke-Chowan Times, June 28, 1923

Margarettsville Locals

Miss Johnnie Bottoms who has been visiting relatives at Phoebus and Suffolk, Va., returned to her home Saturday.

Rev. J.B. Thompson of Conway filled his regular appointment at Sharon M.E. church Sunday morning. His sermon was enjoyed by a large congregation.

Mr. C.T. Bridgers of Portsmouth spent the week end with relatives here.

The Woman’s Missionary Society of Sharon M.E. church met in the home of Mrs. H.C. Bottoms Wednesday afternoon.

Master John Wesley Leggett of Suffolk, Va., is spending some time in the home of his uncle, Mr. J.G. Bottoms.

The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union will hold its monthly meeting next Friday at the school building. An interesting program is being prepared, and every member is urged to be present.

Messrs. J.A. Pruden, J.G. Bottoms and J.G. Stancell motored over to Oxford Friday afternoon, where they attended the commencement exercises of the Masonic Orphanage.

Miss Thelma Taylor of Whitsett is spending some time with her aunt, Mrs. Sidney Garriss.

Miss Dona Johnson, who has been visiting her sister, Mrs. Stancell of Rocky Mount, has returned home.

Mr. Walter Garriss left Wednesday for Lemon Springs. He was accompanied home Sunday by his wife and son, Thomas, who have been spending some time with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Many friends of Mrs. H.P.M. Garriss were delighted to see her out riding last Tuesday. Mrs. Garriss has for some time been confined to her rolling chair, not being able to walk. So it is with delight that report her able to be out.

We are sorry to report Mrs. Willie Coggins on the sick list this week.

Miss Irene Jordan of Roanoke Rapids, who has been visiting her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. |Bryant of the Sharon community, returned home Sunday.

Mr. Jack Chaplain of Portsmouth, Va., is visiting her sister, Mrs. Annie W. Vick.

Rev. J.B. Thompson and daughter, Miss Jessie, were dinner guests in the home of Mr. J.G. Bottoms Sunday. Mrs. Ellis of Southampton, Va., is visiting her daughter, Mrs. B.M. DeBerry.

Miss Harris of Franklin, Va., is spending some time with her cousin, Miss Mildred Jordan.

Mr. Wilbur Newsome of Richmond, Va., spent a few days last week with his sister, Mrs. Annie W. Vick.

Quite a number from here are planning to take advantage of the Sunday School excursion Tuesday and spend the day at Ocean View.

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pittman, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Person and Mrs. Frances of Southampton, Va., were Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. H.M. DeBerry.

From the front page of the Roanoke-Chowan Times, Thursday, June 28, 1923

Celebrate the 4-H of July in Aulander, N.C., 1923

Concert Band at Odd Fellows, June 28, 1923

Holly Grove Personals, June 28, 1923

Holly Grove Personals

Mr. and Mrs. J. Ira Martin and children of Milwaukee called on Mrs. J.K. Vann Saturday evening. Mrs. Vann has been confined to her bed for several weeks, but is improving at this writing.

Mesdames J.I. Futrell, F.L. Bridgers and Misses Janie Futrell and Marguerite Liverman spent Tuesday with Mrs. W.J. Vaughan of Union. Miss Perla Mae Futrell spent the week-end with friends in Potecasi.

Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Rogers and children of Enfield, and Mr. Willie Johnson of Halifax spent Sunday with Mrs. G.B. Pope.

Misses Ethelyn Liverman and Helen Vinson were the week-end guests of Miss Willie Mae Futrell of Hebron.

Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Futrell and Mr. Obed Futrell attended the funeral of Mrs. Futrell’s sister in Belvidere Saturday afternoon.

Those attending the B.Y.P.U. Convention in High Point the past week were Misses Cleo Sauls, Mattie Vann, Janie Revelle, Mrs. Jas. E. Revelle, and Mr. John Parker. They reported a fine convention and were delighted, say that the State Banner made its first visit to the West Chowan Association.

Mrs. Alex Liverman and Mr. A.M. Beale spent Saturday afternoon at the home of Mrs. B.J. Futrell in Conway.

Mr. and Mrs. Mahlon Askew of Lasker spent Sunday in the home of Mr. and Mrs. C.T. Askew.

From the front page of the Roanoke-Chowan Times, Thursday, June 28, 1923

Eunice McDowell Invites Alumnae and Friends of Chowan College to Annual Picnic, June 28, 1923

To the Alumnae, Former Students, All Friends of Chowan College

On Tuesday, July 3rd, the ministers of the West Chowan Association with their families, are to have their annual picnic on the College grounds. This year the ministers of the East Chowan Association and our Board of Trustees are to meet with them. In addition to these, a cordial invitation is extended to just as many as possible of our Alumnae, former students and friends of the institution as can come to be present on that occasion. An interesting program has been arranged.

Dr. C.P. Weaver, President of Chowan College, will speak, and other prominent speakers in the State are to have a part on the program. Exercises are to begin at 10 o’clock sharp. No dinner will be served; bring a picnic lunch.

Eunice McDowell,

Pres. Chowan College Alumnae Association

From the front page of the Roanoke-Chowan Times, Thursday, June 28, 1923.

The 1923 Chowan College Yearbook is online at www.e-yearbook.com/sp/eybb but you have to be a member to access it.

Wake Forest Students Who Earn Their College Expenses, June 28, 1923

Many Students Earn Their College Expense

The time has come in North Carolina when young men and young women can get an education who have the energy and the industry and stick-to-it-tiveness to pursue a course of study. At Wake Forest 36 pupils either make all or one-half their board by waiting on the table. This condition prevails to a greater or lesser extent in every school in the State. There are student pressing clubs which require the services of several ambitious students. In all, there are 112 workers at Wake Forest; some of them are clerks.

A group of self-helpers are those boys who “batch.” There are 29 of them this spring. Another group of workers are the student assistants; there are 21 of these in various departments.

From the Smithfield Herald, as reprinted on the front page of the Roanoke-Chowan Times, Thursday, June 28, 1923

County Council of Woman's Clubs Discusses Curb Market, Enjoys Sewing Demonstration, June 28, 1923

Meeting of County Council Woman’s Clubs

The County Council of Woman’s Clubs of Northampton County held its regular meeting in the office of Home Demonstrator Miss Mattie Lee Cooley, in Jacksonville, first Monday in June.

At roll call each club responded by giving a report of the most excellent work being done by Miss Cooley. Not only did they report what Miss Cooley is doing but how her work is being followed up by the clubs.

A curb market was discussed. It was decided that one be held in the county; the time and place of which will be decided at our July meeting.

Miss Annie Joyner of the Holly Grove Club gave a most interesting demonstration in sewing.

At 1 o’clock a delightful luncheon was served at which the Board of Education and Board of County Commissioners were invited guests.

From the front page of the Roanoke-Chowan Times, Thursday, June 28, 1923

Roanoke-Chowan Times, Rich Square, N.C., Thursday, June 28, 1923

Andrew J. Conner, Publisher

Rich Square, Northampton County, N.C.

June Weddings

Wedding Gown, 1924

Norman Rockwell illustration"June Wedding," Happy bride and her parents before the wedding

Dan Nobles' Last Words As He Pays the Death Penalty, June 26, 1923

Dan Nobles Pays Death Penalty

Raleigh, June 26—Playing death drama to capacity stands, to overflowing bleachers and crowded outsides, Dan Nobles, naturally less poetical than Danny Deever, “hopped off” this morning at the state’s prison in one of the most spectacular executions of all the three score and near-ten.

None ever went away apparently better fixed for the future. But none ever seemed so subsequent about going.

“Gentlemen,” said Nobles, as he took his seat in the death chair, “I hope to meet you all up yonder. I’ve made my peace with the Lord. May God bless each and every one of you. Good Bless, Mr. Betts (spiritual advisor), my time has come and I’ve got to leave this old sinful world.

“I’ve made peace with my God--.” Here the prison attaches fitted the cap tightly over his head and he could say no more.

Nobles did not forget his friends in death row, stopping at the cells of two of them to say good bye and shake their hands. He waved farewell to the other 13, as he was led into the death chamber.

“Good morning, gentlemen,” said Nobles, as he passed Warden Busbee and a few newspaper men.

Nobles spent the entire morning in prayer with his spiritual advisor, Rev. Sylvester Betts, Jo. H. Weathers and another minister. Nobles told them that he slept well last night and ate a hearty breakfast this morning. He declared to Rev. Mr. Betts two minutes before he was carried into the death room that he was innocent.

It required three shocks to produce Noble’s death.

From the front page of the Reidsville Review, Wednesday, June 27, 1923

John Kimball, High Point Electrician, Killed in Fall from Pole, June 25, 1923

John Kimball Killed in Fall from a Pole

High Point, June 25—John W. Kimball, for the past 10 years chief electrician of the city of High Point, was fatally injured today when he fell from a pole at the corner of Wrenn and Broad streets. He died at a local hospital at 2:30 this afternoon.

Kimball was at work on an electric wire when he either fell from the pole by being overbalanced or he came in contact with the live wire. Reports are conflicting concerning the cause of the accident.

The chief electrician came here from Kannapolis and was one of the city’s most valuable men. He is survived by his wife and three small children, one of them being only three weeks of age.

From the front page of the Reidsville Review, Wednesday, June 27, 1923

Local News Including Funeral of Early Coleman, 18, Fatally Injured While Playing Baseball, June 27, 1923

Local News of Passing Interest

The burial of Early Coleman, the 18-year-old youth who was fatally injured while playing baseball Saturday afternoon, took place at Fair View church Monday afternoon at 5 o’clock. Funeral services were conducted by Pastor Downs, a large crowd attending. Young Coleman for some time past had been a consistent member of Fair View church. He was a fine fellow and greatly beloved in his community and wherever he was known. Young Coleman is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. B.H. Coleman, two brothers and four sisters, who reside at Cross Keys, seven miles southwest of Reidsville.

An ice cream supper will be given at Thompsonville church Saturday, June 30, 7 p.m., for benefit of Sunday school. Public invited.

The ladies of the Woman’s Missionary Society of Bethlehem church will hold a special service in the church Saturday afternoon, June 30, at 3 o’clock. All ladies of the community are especially invited to attend.

The Apple-Clark Club will hold a social meeting Friday afternoon at 5 o’clock at the home of Mrs. F.S. Walker. All members and their families are urged to attend. Bring lunch and let’s enjoy an evening together.

Recent marriages by Squire E.F. Hall: Roe E. Branson and Polly Branson, Bennett; L.D. Smith and Lottie Britt, Greensboro; L.D. Fargis and Emma Hicks, Reidsville; and C.H. Shelton and Mary Goolsby, Madison.

We are advised that Danville merchants are anticipating the celebration of the opening of the new highway between Reidsville and Danville by placing advance orders for advertising matter relative to their business, for distribution on that day or date determined upon. It is hoped that this will be a big affair, which Reidsville people will respond by making proper display, decorations, etc. Everyone from Reidsville should have some booster of Reidsville on it. Start now – boost Reidsville.

It is announced from the office of the register of deeds that farmers this year will not be required to obtain special licenses to thresh wheat. Wade H. Gentry, register of deeds, recently received a letter from authorities in Raleigh bearing the information that this year the usual license would not have to be procured. Just what is the reason for the withdrawing of the requirement is not known here as no details were included in the letter. Each year scores of Rockingham farmers appear at the county court house for the necessary papers that permit them to thrash their season’s wheat crop.

Rotarian Abe Womack, Reidsville’s only delegate to the convention of International Rotary at St. Louis, returned to Reidsville yesterday. Mr. Womack was very much pleased with is trip and with the entertainment afforded by the Missouri metropolis. Mr. Womack left for St. Louis last week and remained there the whole time of the convention. Mr. Womack reports that the 12,000 delegates who were present were thoroughly delighted with the convention and with its actions. Paul Schenck of Greensboro was elected governor of the 38th district. Rotarian Womack says the wheat crops and corn crops are good, but the farmers are blue because they do not expect to get more than a dollar a bushel for wheat and meat is selling at 6 1/2 cents a pound and the farmers claim it costs more than that to raise it.

From the front page of the Reidsville Review, Wednesday, June 27, 1923

Masons Meeting Friday, June 29, 1923

Masons Prepare Good Program

An interesting “Educational Meeting” will be held Friday night by the local Masonic Lodge No. 384 in the lodge rooms.

The program starts promptly at 8 o’clock with E.L. Somers, D.D.G.M., presiding. A 10-minute talk on “Fraternalism” will be delivered by J.R. Joyce, followed by E.H. Wrenn on “4th R of Learning. An address will be delivered by John J. Phoenix of Greensboro on the subject of “The Spirit of Masonry”; W.C. Wicker, Educational Field Secretary, delivering the closing address on the subject of “Masonry and Education.”

The local lodge is growing by leaps and bounds. Officers at the present time are: John W. Clark, worshipful master; Jas. F. Womack, senior warden; R.R. Saunders, junior warden; Geo. W. Baker, treasurer; E.B. Ware, secretary; R.H. Mayberry, senior deacon; J.A. Powell, junior deacon; J.E. Delancy, senior steward; J.F. Delancy, junior steward; Rev. J.P. Burke, chaplain; S. Roman, tyler.

From the front page of the Reidsville Review, Wednesday, June 27, 1923

Junior Order to Hold Picnic July 4th, 1923

Juniors Meet on Glorious Fourth

The annual Junior Order picnic of Rockingham county will be held at the Playground, near Wentworth, July 4th, beginning in the a.m. Prominent speakers will be present to address the people, among them Judge N.L. Eure of Greensboro, chairman of the state law committee; former chief supreme judge, Hon. C.O. McMichael; Hon. J.R. Joyce, national deputy; the state vice councillor, and others. One of the pleasing features will be the presentation of a flag by the Junior Order to the County Playground. There will also be short talks by prominent Juniors and the program will be interspersed with appropriate music.

Every Junior in Rockingham county is expected to be present and bring a well filled basket. This will be a basket picnic and a general get-together meeting of all Juniors, their families and friends. It is hoped to make it the greatest Junior Order occasion that has ever been held in the state.

From the front page of the Reidsville Review, Wednesday, June 27, 1923

Tobacco Growers Association Fighting Legal Challenge from Pitt County, June 27, 1923

Will Fight to the Last Ditch

Raleigh, June 27—That officials of the Tobacco Growers Cooperative Association are prepared to defend the contracts of 90,000 loyal members against all attempts to foster contract breaking or stir up conspiracy, is evidenced by the official statement of Monroe O. Wilson, secretary of the association, given out form Richmond, Va. Mr. Wilson’s statement is as follows:

“On the night of June 25th there was served on the association summons in 67 cases in which association members of Pitt county are instituting legal action against the association. Complaints have not yet been filed, however. From information which comes direct from one of the prime instigators of this plot it appears that they are suits for the cancellation of the association’s marketing agreement.

For a month the officers of the association have known of an intensive and secret movement by a few disgruntled Pitt county growers to band together all of the disloyal members of that county in suits against the association. The leaders of this movement, encouraged by suggestive and incendiary expressions and statements from prominent men intimately connected with the auction system, expected to get at least 200 members to join in this movement. They have held numerous meetings. They have conspired for weeks out of a membership of 1,660 in Pitt county. They have succeeded in securing only 67 members who have turned their backs on their fellow farmers, have “welched” in their contracts and have sued the association. It further appears from statements from these same officious leaders that the parties to these suits hope to keep the suits in court for a long time and to sell their tobacco as they please until the litigation is settled.

“The association pledges to its loyal members that each and every one of these suits will be contested and fought from every angle. The association is confident of the ultimate favorable outcome of these suits; confident that the North Carolina courts of law and equity will uphold in every case the obligations of solemn written instrument entered into with the association and 90,000 other growers of tobacco. Moreover the association is confident that the home of the 67 are unfounded and that the sale of their tobacco at auction can be enjoined even while these cases are pending. The association expects to protect its tobacco of the crop of 1923 by gaining temporary injunctions and restraining orders against Fred A. Elks and R.M. Elks of Pitt county, who have suits pending against them for amounts aggregating more than $7,000, and, in accordance with the recent restraining order issued by Judge Crammer of the Wake County Superior Court, must appear before him in Raleigh, Friday, June 29.

From the front page of the Reidsville Review, Wednesday, June 27, 1923

Personal Briefs, Reidsville Review, June 27, 1923

Personal Briefs

Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Norrell spent Sunday in this city.

Miss Lela and Master Wilkerson Gordon are visiting Mrs. R.H. Mitchell.

Miss Helen Benson is visiting her sister, Mrs. C.L. Smith, at South Boston, Va.

J. Earle Smith has returned from a few days visit to his sister in Winston-Salem.

Mrs. K.R. Thompson has returned from an extended visit to relatives in Philadelphia.

Miss Mary Lee Ware has returned home after visiting Mrs. J.L. Norrell, Winston-Salem.

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Price and Frank Rankin spent the week-end with relatives in Reidsville.

Miss Nannie Gordon of N.C.C.W., Greensboro, was the week-end guest of Miss Mary Mitchell, Maple avenue.

James Matthewson, who has been attending school at Lexington, Va., is spending a few days with friends here.

Mrs. A.W. Cardin and little daughter Francis, of Durham, are visiting at the home of W.H. Wilkerson on ?? Avenue.

Thos. Smith of Charlotte Agency, Supervisor of the Bankers Reserve Life Company, spent today in Reidsville on business for the company.

From the front page of the Reidsville Review, Wednesday, June 27, 1923

Reidsville Review, Wednesday, June 27, 1923

Fire Destroys Will Prophet's Barn, Horses, Cows, Truck, Farming Implements, June 26, 1923

Fire Destroys Barn

Fire of unknown origin completely destroyed the barn and contents belonging to Will Prophet, who lives on Elk. This was on Thursday night. Mr. Prophet had just finished hauling up new hay, which he had unloaded in the barn. Three horses, three fine milk cows, a truck, all his farming implements and quantities of feedstuff were consumed. It is thought that lightning may have caused the fire. There was a storm that night and the lightning played about considerably. However, this is only assumption.

From the front page of the Lenoir News-Topic, Tuesday, June 26, 1923

Lemuel Chester and Bill Bowman Charged with Distilling, Second Still Found on Bee Branch, June 26, 1923

Still Captured Saturday Night. . . Lemuel Chester and Bill Bowman Bound to Court on the Charge of Distilling

Lemuel Chester and Bill Bowman were bound over to court here yesterday by Justice of the Peace J.A. Bush on a charge of distilling. The men were caught at or near a still Saturday night a few hundred yards below Olivette. Sheriff Sherrill, with Officers Thompson and McDade, approached the still while it was in operation. Chester gave bond and was released.

Deputy Sheriff I.S. Anderson located a 70-gallon copper still on Bee branch just above the Gorge and brought it here yesterday. The still was in operation, but the operators succeeded in getting away.

From the front page of the Lenoir News-Topic, Tuesday, June 26, 1923

Evangelist Buys N.C. Senator Simmons' Country Home Outside of Washington, D.C., June 26, 1923

Senator Simmons (photo from northcarolinahistory.org/encyclopedia/furnifold-mclendel-simmons-1854-1940/)

Gypsy Smith Buys Country Home of Senator Simmons

Senator Simmons of North Carolina has announced the sale of his country home, Virginia Manor, about 15 miles from Washington, to Gypsy Smith, the evangelist. The Senator said he had found the distance too great to be covered twice a day during the sessions of Congress and that he had decided to return to living in a hotel in Washington. With the manor house the Senior sold one-half of the farm surrounding it, retaining about 60 acres situated on the boulevard to Baltimore as a real estate investment.

From the front page of the Lenoir News-Topic, Tuesday, June 26, 1923. The newspaper spelled the evangelist's first name "Gypsy," but the evangelist spelled it "Gipsy" in his book.

"40 Years an Evangelist" written by Gipsy Smith and published in 1923, can be read for free online at the Internet Archive: archive.org/details/fortyyearsevange0000gips_m7z1. Accessed June 26, 2023.

100 Gather for Darius Cline's 88th Birthday, June 26, 1923

Birthday Picnic

For the past even years Mr. Darius Cline and his beloved wife, Mrs. Lucinda Cline, have been celebrating his birthday as they annually occur. Mr. Cline is 88 years young, and his last natal day fell on Sunday last, and it was the occasion of a delightful picnic on that day, held just north of Granite Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Cline are the parents of four boys and five girls, with three of the former and three of the latter living. The picnic was a feast of good things to eat, and there was a flow of cheer and good fellowing and happy wishes for the honored guests that made it a delightful affair and one long to be remembered. Around 100 relatives and friends were present and participated in the joyous festivities. Among the number were 35 grandchildren.

From Hickory were Mr. and Mrs. John Crouch, Ernes and Troy Crouch, Mr. and Mrs. V.D. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Bush, Miss Mary Johnston, Miss Willie Johnston, Miss Sue Holman, Miss Leila Prestwood, Willie Bowman, Miss Annie Sherrill, Mr. and Mrs. A.A. Sides, Mr. and Mrs. R.R. Cline, Miss Beulah Cline, Fred Cline, Miss Florence Cline, J.R. Smyre.

From Granite Falls—John A. Bush, Mr. and Mrs. R.R. Cline, Dolsie Cline, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Cline, Mrs. Mame Cline, Virginia Cline, Olive Cline, Velalee Cline, Freeman Herman, Lucile Herman, Louis Herman, John Herman, Pearl Herman, Paul Herman, Rev. J.J. Bickley, D.T. Smith, Mrs. N.V. Curtis, Mrs. Hettie Smith, W.L. Herman and family, Nina Hayes, Hallie Bush.

From Claremont—Mr. and Mrs. N.P. Huffman, Albert Huffman, Homer Huffman, Nora Huffman, Bertha Huffman.

From Patterson—W.L. Herman and family, Richard Herman, Christian Herman. Lee W. Wicker of Davenport, Fla; G.F. Huffman and family of Bakers’ Mountain, Calvin Matthews of Conover; Mrs. D.B. Gragg, Gerald Gragg and M. Gragg of McClure, Va.

From the front page of the Lenoir News-Topic, Tuesday, June 26, 1923

New N.C. License Plate Expected to Bring in $2.5 Million for Roads, June 26, 1923

Break Record at License Bureau. . . 70,000 for Automobiles Issued Up to Saturday; Receipts $1.5 Million

The information comes from Raleigh that 70,000 North Carolina motorists are wearing the new “King Tut” license plates and more than a million and a half dollars is credited to the account of the State highway commission at the close of business Saturday at the license department in Raleigh, and six days for the old green and white plates to run. All records have been broken in the rush of the forehanded.

Applications for new licenses are coming at a rate of 10,000 a day, and the department expects that by the end of the week that upwards of 150,000 licenses will have been issued and $2,500,000 placed in the treasury for the improvement of roads. The old numbers have passed into history at the 188,000 mark and no more of them will be sold.

Last year and the year before, the collection of the license fee encountered the greatest reluctance on the part of the motoring public to part with money. Secretary of State W.N. Everett sees in the rush this year an indication of a greatly improved financial situation, and more widespread prosperity. The alacrity with which people pay up is taken as a good barometer.

More than 100 extra clerks are working 10 hours a day to keep up with the rush, and the mail that goes out every day reaches a total of five tons. The postage on plates mailed out amounts to more than $500 a day, and the post office department is (words missing). The initial rush will be over within two weeks and the staff will be gradually decreased until the business shrinks to normal.

From the front page of the Lenoir News-Topic, Tuesday, June 26, 1923

L.H. Melton Building Bungalow for Mr. Robinowitz, June 26, 1923

A New Bungalow

L.H. Melton, the contractor, has begun the erection of a handsome six-room bungalow on Ridge street for Mr. Robinowitz of the firm of Davidson & Robinowitz. It will be built of wood and will be quite an addition, as well as an ornament, to that section of the city.

From the front page of the Lenoir News-Topic, Tuesday, June 26, 1923

Lenoir News-Topic, Tuesday, June 26, 1923

Efird's Department Store Sale, Lenoir News-Topic, June 26, 1923

By June 1923, Efird's had a chain of 33 North Carolina department stores in North Carolina. Read about the founding and growth of Efird's at https://www.blogger.com/blog/posts/8493267847537044513.

Concord Times, Monday, June 25, 1923

Oldest Piano in State Located in Statesville, June 25, 1923

Statesville Discovers Oldest Piano in State. . . Instrument Was Brought to This County From Prussia in Year 1744, It Is Said

Statesville, June 23—An ancient piano, possibly the oldest in America, was incidentally discovered in Statesville yesterday. The discovery was made in the basement of a negro’s house by a local relic hunter who was looking for an antiquated specimen of a familiar brand of pianos.

The instrument in question was identified by Charles W. Hyams as being the piano which his great-grandfather, Solomon Hyams, brought to this country from Prussia in the year 1744. The signature of the maker, George Heuble, and his seal were pasted on the inside of the piano, thus making identification of this valued relic a certainty.

Mr. Hyams stated that until yesterday he had not hear of the piano in 40 years. He said that 45 years agto his father employed Prof. Gruber, the first piano tuner who ever came to Statesville, to put the instrument in good order, and that was about 40 years ago. His father sold it and replaced it with a piano of the latest model of that day. Prof. Gruber made the statement when he did the work nearly half a century ago that the instrument was in all probability at that time the oldest in America, and his wide knowledge of musical instruments would give weight to his opinion.

This instrument, which was brought to America from Prussia 170 years ago—and no one knows how old it was when it made its first voyage across the stormy Atlantic—was made of solid mahogany and is now in a fair state of preservation. The wires are rusted and broken, but the keys are there, though in all probability its “voice is forever still.” Its exterior shows a large number of brass ornaments and nude figures.

The instrument will be purchased and preserved as a relic.

From the front page of The Concord Times, Monday, June 25, 1923

Efird's--From Single Store to Chain of 33 in 15 Years, June 25, 1923

History of Growth of Efird Organization. . . Business Which Amounted to Only $100,000 Per Year Six Years Ago Reached a Total of $15 Million Now

The following history of the growth of the Efird organization appeared in the Efird Chain Sale Special, which was recently edited and published by the head offices of the company in Charlotte:

“The story of Efird performance has few equals in the mercantile history of America.

From one small store, doing less than $100,000 a year, to a mighty chain of 33 large mercantile establishments, doing over $15 million in business each year—that is the story of Efird performance in the short span of 15 years.

An unusual record, to say the least.

The reason forms the basis for this issue today, which is a Carolina booster edition, who financed by the Efird stores.

No success of this character could have been founded on selfishness. No success of this character could have been achieved by cutting the corners, by sharp practices or by questionable trading. The profiteer could not have accomplished this result.

What happened was this: Five boys, who a little over a decade ago were raising five-cent cotton on an Anson county farm, and who a little later on were clerking in a Charlotte store at $15 and $25 a month, have simply succeeded in carrying out an ambition in a fair and praiseworthy manner.

J.B. Efird, head of the business today, believed that a big mercantile business could be established right here in the Carolinas—both wholesale and retail. Every year he saw thousands of merchants go north to buy goods from commission houses and pay extra freights and additional heavy commission charges. He saw no reason why these costs could not be saved to the merchant and to the ultimate consumer. So he began to put his ideas into practice. He and his brother got hold of a Charlotte store. Later they secured another, and later another until today they have 33 of the largest stores in the Carolinas on their list.

How well this theory has worked is shown by the fact that these 33 stores last year sold over $15 million worth of merchandise.

The month of June has marked the annual Efird chain sale. From reports heard, managers expect to reach their goal of $2 million worth of goods sold in that time. The Efird policy from the outset has been to be a part and parcel of Carolina’s development, to aid in this development in every possible way.

Fifty years ago there was not a solvent bank in North Carolina. Twenty-five years ago there was only a handful of mills and other industries in the Charlotte territory.

Today there are over 700 cotton mills within a radius of 100 miles of Charlotte. Seventy-five million dollars worth of automobiles and tires are sold through Charlotte distributors each year. Over a half million hydro-electric power is being developed in the piedmont section today from streams which 20 years ago were not serving Carolina.

No states in America have recorded such a wonderful tale of industrial expansion as have the Carolinas during the past 10 years.

Carolina prosperity and Carolina progress is the talk and the wonder of America today. North Carolina alone is spending $125 million for good roads, while her schooling system and her broad system of charities requires the addition of many more millions. But she is making money fast.

North Carolina pays to the federal government in taxes today more than the total paid by Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana.

The Efird business which has had such wonderful success finds its own records of expansion outdistance by its native state, and no business in the Carolinas is prouder of Carolina’s growth than the 33 Efird stores.

The Efird idea is to try and keep pace with the wonderful growth of the Carolinas—a growth without a parallel in American history.

From page 2 of The Concord Times, Monday, June 25, 1923

Judge Collins Says He Was One of "Original Suckers" for Joining Ku Klux Klan, June 25, 1923

Judge Collins Admits Joining Ku Klux Klan. . . Declares He Was One of the “Original Suckers” Who Parted With $10

Greensboro, June 21—One judge, David H. Collins of Greensboro court, has admitted he was one of the “original suckers” insomuch as paying Ku Klux Klan organizers the $10 admission fee is concerned. Recently Judge Collins has been accused of being a member of the Ku Klux Klan and he promptly made denial. Today the charge was repeated that he had joined and he admitted it.

“Yes, I was a sucker—I listened to the organizer, thought there was nothing wrong with the order, and gave him my $10. Right there is where my connection with the klan ceased. The man told me to go to a local merchant and order my robe, but I never went. I have never had any connection with the order since I paid the $10, but like most men, hated to admit my suckership.”

From page 2 of The Concord Times, Monday, June 25, 1923

Salisbury Residents Ask for Investigation of Closed Bank, June 25, 1923

Ask Investigation of People’s National

Salisbury, June 21—Several hundred depositors of the People’s National ban, which closed last week, met at the county courthouse tonight and formed a permanent organization for self protection. W.H. Hobson was elected chairman, R.E. Tuttle, secretary, and an advisory committee composed of C.H. Kluttz, R.E. Tuttle, T.A. Ludwick, J.R. Maynard and B.M. Cauble was formed. This committee is to investigate and ascertain conditions of the bank as it affects depositors and report at a called meeting of depositors.

It was the sense of the meeting and a resolution was offered that the department of justice be asked to make an investigation into the affairs of the bank and take necessary action for the punishment of violations of the national banking laws, if any violations are discovered. The mass meeting was advised of two plans, one by C.H. Klutt and one by a group of citizens looking to the taking over of the affairs of the bank and the establishment of a new state bank in the city.

From page 2 of the Concord Times, Monday, June 25, 1923. Kluttz or Klutt—last name spelled different ways in article. Remember that there was no insurance that protected people who placed money in a bank in 1923.

June Illustration by Muriel Helen Dawson, 1924

June, an illustration by Muriel Helen Dawson, 1924

Prisons, Work Camps to Substitute Feeding Just Sufficient Food to Sustain Life for Flogging, Says N.C. Governor, June 24, 1923

Prison Conditions to be Looked into by County Boards. . . Governor Morrison Asks Boards of Commissioners to Look into Situation. . . Abolish the Lash. . . Urges That Counties Do Away with the Lash—Believes That Other Means Are Better

Raleigh, June 23—Governor Morrison this afternoon issued a letter to all boards of commissioners of the hundred counties of North Carolina asking them to convene in an extraordinary session to consider the condition of the county prisoners and commending to their attention the rules adopted by the state administration.

He urged immediate abolition of the lash, saying that no European country now flogs its prisoners and that practically every state in the Union has stopped the practice, which Superintendent George Ross Pou has proved is unnecessary.

Governor Morrison thinks the extreme disciplinary measure in vogue in the state prison, that of feeding just sufficient food to sustain life, is extreme enough and will get results from the unruly. The rules of the state prison are declared to be the result of “deep study and long experiment” by Superintendent Pou, who is in the opinion of the Governor the “equal of any authority in the country on prison rules.”

Mr. Morrison says that the independent (line missing) terminate services for good prisoners and solitary confinement—not in a dark cell, however—for the bad will work wonders. He is led to call the commissioners together out of compassion for the prisoners and regard for the good name of the state. His letter in full reads as follows:

“In deep solicitude for the good name of our state, as well as compassion for all prisoners, I write to ask that your board convene at your earliest convenience in extraordinary session to consider the condition of your county prison and any prison camps used for the keep of prisoners while at work on the roads of your county.

“I beg you to consider carefully the rules for the discipline of prisoners recently adopted by the state prison board upon the succession of Hon. Geo. Ross Pou, superintendent of the state prison. I have asked him to send printed copy of the same to you at his earliest convenience.

“I believe a study of these rules will disclose that it is entirely practical to apply them in principle, although not in every detail, to the county prisoners and county camps. These rules are the result of deep study and experiment upon the part of the state prison authorities, and after consideration of the prison rules of other states and especially those of the United States government.

“I am satisfied that whipping prisoners ought to be abandoned in every county in this state at once. The custom of flogging or whipping has been abandoned by all the states of this Union, except five or six of the Southern states. It has been abandoned by almost every civilized country in the world. None of the European countries practice it any longer. I am very anxious that North Carolina should fall in line with modern and liberal thought on this subject.

“Under the rules adopted upon the suggestion of Mr. Pou by the state prison, actual experience has shown that the most violent and vicious criminal can be brought to reason. The extreme punishment is a diet sufficient only to sustain life. This, of course, is not to be done except in rare cases and extreme necessity, and then under medical supervision, but it does the work and eliminates, in my judgment, any excuse for physical violence upon any prisoner in this state.

“The counties can easily arrange for solitary confinement; but this should not be done by placing the prisoner in a dark dungeon.

“I stand ready to put on indeterminate sentences all the prisoners in your county, in order that the hope of reward for good behavior may be used to uphold the hands of the county authorities, and enable them to carry out the modern and humane prison rules and regulations which I suggest. I am satisfied that this is the basic principle upon which all prisons should be run.

“I regard Mr. Geo. Ross Pou, superintendent of the state prison, as an authority equal to the best in the country upon the subject of prison rules and regulations and discipline. I will be pleased to direct him to confer with your board in working out a proper system based on the rules adopted in the state prison and camps, if you desire his services.

“I do hope you will give this matter your very earliest and prompt attention, and let me hear from you at your earliest convenience.”

From the front page of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, June 24, 1923

Felix Wright, 26, Facing Two Capital Charges, June 24, 1923

Charged with Two Capital Offenses. . . Felix Wright of Wake Forest Faces Serious Charges in Two Counties

Raleigh, June 23—Felix Wright, a white man of Wake Forest, 26 years, faces capital charges in two North Carolina counties.

Wright, who has been in Wake county jail since June 11, was carried Thursday to Middlesex and given a preliminary hearing on a charge of attacking a woman on March 19. He was bound over to the Nash county court without privilege of bond but he will not be surrendered by the Wake authorities, according to So0licitor W.F. Evans, who expects to ask the Wake county grand jury next Monday to return an indictment for burglary in the first degree and an attempt to attack the wife of a mill operative at Wake Forest on March 23, four days after the alleged offense near Middlesex.

From page 16 of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, June 24, 1923

Klan Refunds Fee to Judge Carter, June 24, 1923

Klans Refund Fee to Judge Collins with Nice Letter. . . Raleigh’s Invisible Knights Send Copy of the Letter to Papers. . . New Branches. . . Three or Four New Klans Have Been Reported Organized in Wake County. . . Everett for McLean. . . Bailey Admits That He is Making Preparation to Run But Says That He Can Do Without Office

Raleigh, June 23—Klan No. 1 Realm of North Carolina, Raleigh, Invisible Empire Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, has written to City D.H. Collins, sending the press of this community a copy of the letter, and telling him that since he needs his $10 worse than the Klan needs him, he is being given a refund. The letter, the copy of which carries the imprint of the klan seal and the imprimatur of the Ku Klux Klan press—no union label—reads as follows:

June 22nd, 1923

Judge D.H. Collins,

Greensboro, N.C.

Sir:--You “saw nothing wrong in the principles of the Ku Klux Klan” and yet, because you were midlely questioned concerning your membership, you decide the principles, altho right, are unpolpular and therefor declare yourself a “sucker.”

You, doubtless, need your ten dollars more than the Klan needs you, and we are, therefore, sendihg you your money in the hope that in again being in possession of your ten dollars you will feel the better in repudiating the principles of the Klan.

Raleigh Klan No. 1

Realm of North Carolina

The foregoing came through the mails in a plain envelope. It is the first thing of its sort to reach the public in this community and offers supporting evidence of the claim that has been made by local klansmen that there would be no doubt of whether a note came from the Ku Klux or was a forgery.

It is reported here that three or four new klans have been organized within the past few weeks in Wake county, one at Apex and another at Wake Forest being included in the number. County Attorney Percy J. Olive was asked the other day, it is reported, by a casual acquaintance who thought Pierce was in on the organization, if “they didn’t have a big time in Apex” on such and such a night. The Klan had been to Mr. Olive’s home town and organized a lodge supposed to number about 40, without his having found it out.

Mr. Olive usually travels with J.W. Bailey, who has been pushed forward of late as the chief anti-Kluck in these parts. It’s an odds-on bet that he has had nothing to do with the organization.

Former Kleagle Guerrard is telling what part of the world which appears interested in some of his hunches as to why the charges against him were not pressed by the klan government in Atlanta. He avers that he spent some of the money he was alleged to have embezzled in the interest of certainplitical candidates and had warrant for it. He protests his innocence, of course, but he doesn’t concede for one minute that the prosecution was dropped for that reason alone.

It would not displease some of the members of state officialdom if the “newspaper boyhs” put out a little something in favor of Hugh Chatham of Winston-Salem, for state Democratic chairman. Nobody is knocking J.O. Carr of Wilmington, but it is pointed out that Mr. Chatham is close to the senator and that he is by way of being a liberal Democrat.

Just exactly what constitutes liberality in this connection is left to conjecture. Mr. Carr himself has always been understood to have much the same sort of connections as are claimed for Mr. Chatrham; but now that Winston-Salem has been given Southern trains Nos. 21 and 22, it is somewhat closer to the capital than Wilmington.

Officialdom likes to deal with chairmen and such like at close range.

Secretary of state Everett’s statement that he is committed to A.W. McLean for governor, did not dampen the ardor of the local Everett enthusiasts, nor did it perturb those who have been predicting that there was an effort on foot to withdraw Mr. McLean in favor of somebody the ‘people can warm up to.’

J.W. Bailey, who now admits that he is making every preparation to run, does not think Mr. Everett will run against him. It may have no direct bearing on the subject, but Mr. Bailey is still saying that he doesn’t have to be governor, but has been and will be contented without it. He continues to say that he is ready to retire in favor of a man for whom North Carolina indicates a clear-cut desire.

It is patent that he does not think Mr. McLean is this man.

From the front page of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, June 24, 1923

Abe Gentry Struck By Train Backing Into Siding, June 24, 1923

Train Killed Elkin Farmer. . . Struck By Train Backing Into Siding

Winston-Salem, N.C., June 23—Abe Gentry, farmer of Surry county, was fatally injured this morning at Elkin which struck by a train of cars backing into a siding on the Southern railroad at that place. Mr. Gentry’s son, who was working on a steam derrick at the time, shouted a warning, but the elder man never heard and the son looked on as the freight cars crushed the life out of his father. Mr. Gentry’s body was cut almost in two. He lived about 20 minutes.

From the front page of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, June 24, 1923

Rowena Mason, Only 17 Months Old, Falls From Second Story Window, June 24, 1923

Little Girl Falls From Second Story

Improvement was noted yesterday in the condition of little Rowena Mason, 17-months-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Mason, and hopes for her complete recovery were held out by the physician attending the child.

Friday the little girl miraculously escaped instant death when she fell from the second story window of the apartment in the Markham apartments on Broadway street occupied by the Mason family. In leaning against the screen placed in the window, the screen gave way to the pressure placed upon it by her weight, causing her to fall through the window and to the ground below. She probably owes her life to the presence of a line stretched beneath the window for this arrested her fall and broke its force, however, which were at first thought to be fatal.

Saturday she was reported as resting well. It was at first thought that some of her bones had been affected but the attending physician last night dispelled this fear. She suffered several hemorrhages during the day, however.

From the front page of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, June 24, 1923

Local Physician Called to Coast to Fight Epidemic of Pellegra, June 24, 1923

Local Physician to Fight Pellegra. . . Dr. E.H. Bowling of This City Leaves Sunday for Morehead City

To combat an epidemic of pellagra now on the rampage at Newport, a small place 22 miles from Morehead City, Dr. E.H. Bowling of Durham, recognized as an authority on treatment of the disease, will leave the city Sunday where he will co-operate with health officials of the place in an effort to curtail the malady.

It is stated that the appearance of a number of cases at the small place has cast terror into the ranks of the citizens. Local officials there were at a loss to know what to do and the spread of the disease seemed to be uncheckable. They made a special call for Dr. Bowling Saturday.

From page 15 of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, June 24, 1923

400 Given Typhoid Serum, June 24, 1923

Four Hundred Took Typhoid Treatment. . . No Report of Typhoid In County Has Been Made During June

Approximately 400 persons took advantage during the past week of the offer of the Durham health department to administer free serum treatment against typhoid fever. While this number is considerably lower than health officials would like it to be, it is thought that the coming week and the two campaign weeks that follow will see a much greater increase. In addition to those given treatment against typhoid at the various assigned places in the county, quite a number appeared at the health department laboratory in the court house and received the serum there.

Approximately 100 negroes were given the treatment by the colored health nurse, Pearl Henderson, she meeting them at the Hayti Drug store and the People’s Drug store, the hosiery mill, and the training school.

It is pointed out by health officials that so far in June not one new case of typhoid has been reported. This is considered an unusual record of this time of year. Just how long this clean record will be kept up is a matter of speculation.

The health department in the mean time is doing all in its power to eliminate all unsanitary conditions existing in the county and city. Prosecutions are being made of persons permitting their premises to become breeding places of flies through ill-kept barns and dry closets. Inspections of these places and the enforcement of the sanitary codes has much to do to keep down flies. The cleaning out of ditches in various sections of the county had done much to eliminate mosquitoes.

From page 21 of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, June 24, 1923

Tom Dunnegan Arrested for Drunkenness, Transporting Whiskey, June 24, 1923

Liquor Is Found on Tom Dunnegan. . . Lebanon Township Man Is Arrested for Drunkenness and Transporting

Tom Dunnegan of Lebanon township was arrested Saturday by deputies of the sheriff’s department upon charges of being drunk in a public place and transplanting whiskey. It is stated that the defendant was found drunk lying beside a public road. Upon search, a quantity of whiskey was found on his person, it is declared.

Officials state that Dunnegan already has one case in court now awaiting trial. Dunnegan was placed in jail, but will probably be released Sunday or Monday upon his recovery from the influence of whiskey and the giving of bond for his appearance at the Monday session of court.

From the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, June 24, 1923

Cora Caudle to Speak on Her Missionary Work in Africa, June 24, 1923

Returned Worker From Africa Here. . . Miss Cora Caudle, Missionary to Africa, At First Baptist Monday Evening

Miss Cora Caudle, who for a number of years was a missionary in Africa under the Southern Baptist Board of Missions, and now spending some months on a much needed furlough, will speak Monday evening at 8 o’clock at the First Baptist church. Miss Caudle will speak under the auspices of the Baptist Woman’s Missionary Unions.

The returned missionary will relate to her hearers some of her experiences while in Christian service on the Dark Continent, and will at the same time point out what service those who stay at home can put forth in the same cause.

A large number of persons are expected to hear Miss Caudle.

From page 15 of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, June 24, 1923

Edith Vanderbilt Won't Chair Committee, June 24, 1923

Miss Vanderbilt Will Not Accept. . . Refuses Chairmanship of Committee to Compile Folder of Industrial Tour

Asheville, N.C., June 23—Mrs. Edith A. Vanderbilt has notified C.C. Armstrong of Gastonia, president of the Carolina Motor club, that she will be unable to accept the chairmanship of a committee from two states to compile a folder of an “historic and industrial tour of the Carolinas.”

Mrs. Vanderbilt states that she appreciates the honor, but due to the number of matters requiring her attention and the extensive plans being made for the state fair of which she is president, she does not feel that she can give the necessary attention to the work.

From the front page of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, June 24, 1923. Is it Miss Vanderbilt or Mrs. Vanderbilt?

Furnishing for First Presbyterian's New Church House, June 24, 1923

Furnishings Are On Way to City

Furnishings for the new church house of the First Presbyterian church are now on the way to Durham and should reach the city within a few days, it was stated yesterday. The church house is ready for the reception of the furnishings and the formal opening should be held soon after they are received.

The workmen will begin building the arcade which is to connect the church with the church house during the coming week and work of beautifying the grounds around the building will be started.

From the front page of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, June 24, 1923

Funeral Service for Louis Wilkerson, Who Drowned While Swimming, June 24, 1923

Funeral Services Sunday Afternoon. . . Louis Wilkerson Will be Buried in Maplewood Cemetery; Funeral at Temple Church

Funeral services over the remains of Louis Wilkerson, who met a tragic death Friday night while swimming in Crystal Lake, will be conducted from the Temple Baptist church Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock with Rev. Trela D. Collins in charge. Rev. M. Bradshaw of the memorial Methodist church will assist. Interment will be in Maplewood cemetery.

A pall of sorrow has been cast over the city because of the untimely death of the popular young man. He numbered scores of people among his friends through his genial personality. He died of heart failure Friday evening about 7 o’clock while in the water of the lake. Diving into the water feet first, his heart failed him and death overtook him as he dived. Every effort was made to resuscitate him by Dr. Joseph Graham and others who were called to the scene after his body had been removed from the lake but they failed.

Pall bearers will be: Womack Barker, Milton Airheart, Raymond Upchurch, Sidney Turner, W.H. Llewellyn, and Frank White.

Floral bearers are as follows: Misses Irene Foster, May Foster, Julia May, Elsie May, Gladys Speed, and Anita Rigsbee.

From page 7 of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, June 24, 1923

Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, June 24, 1923

Importing Cheap Laborers from Japan, China, Italy Will Create Its Own Problems, Warns Editor, June 22, 1923

Cheap Labor

Not being satisfied with one race problem, many thoughtless people in the south are advocating looser immigration laws and the importation of cheap foreign labor to take the place of the Negro who is leaving the Southern plantation to work in Northern industries. One planter thinks he could do wonders on his acres with Japanese; another thinks Chinese would do well; others think Italians would be better still.

None of these advocates of cheap foreign labor seem to know history every well; they ignore all that can be learned from past experience and refuse to look into the future at all. How long do you think cheap foreign labor would stay cheap in America? About as long as it would take the imported laborer to make one good crop.

Japanese, Chinese and Italians are not Negroes. A white man can keep a lot of negroes poor by keeping them forever in debt for unnecessary things. An ignorant Negro maybe persuaded to mortgage his years’ work for a flivver or a phonograph. Not so your Japanese, your Chinese or your Italian. The European and Asiatic will save the greater part of his earnings and buy the land he tills or take his earnings back to his native land. If he is persuaded to come into the south, he will work the Southerner’s land for himself, not for the Southerner. No plantation owner is going to lie back in the shade and live off Mr. European or Mr. Asiatic very long. It would be only a matter of a few years before his sons would be working for this same European and seeking the hand of the buxom, thrifty Italian girl in marriage. About the same time he would begin to lynch the Japs and the Chinaman.

The preservation of the South is not going to be found in foreign labor; the best that is in the South could easily be lost in a generation thru the importation of much foreign labor. The Southerner himself must go to work; we have grown up ignorant and lazy thru a dependence upon ignorant negro labor; we haven’t made the most of our opportunities because we have pursued the false notion that cheap methods of farming were the best methods. One intelligent white farmer in the East, employing one intelligent helper, may make as much net profit off 40 acres as a Southern plantation owner with 20 Negro families will make off a thousand acres. Those big plantation owners who have acquired much wealth have acquired it, not in profits from their agriculture, but from the general enhancement of real estate values.

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trouble until trouble troubles you. We would have no Negro problem if we had kept our hands off Africa. We would have no Japanese problem if we had kept our hands off Japan. The curse of the South to-day is cheap labor; cheap labor cheapens everything, including its employers.

From the editorial page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, June 22, 1923, W.O. Saunders, editor.

La Jolla, California, Is Fine, Says Mrs. Bigelow, But It Can't Beat North Carolina, June 22, 1923

West is Fine, But No Place Like Home. . . So Says Former Elizabeth City Girl, Back for Biennial Visit to Relatives Here

“It’s mighty fine to live in California, where there is warm weather all the time and a chance to raise green stuff all the year around, but California hasn’t anything on eastern North Carolina,” declares Mrs. E.G. Bigelow of La Jolla, California, who arrived in this city last Saturday for a six weeks visit to relatrives and friends.

“And the mountain scenery of California is no finer or more p leasing to the eye than the mountains of western Virginia,” says Mrs. Bigelow who lives six blocks away from the foot of a mountain in southern California, and one block from the surf of the Pacific Ocean.

Mrs. Bigelow is formerly Miss Mary McMullan, daughter of Mrs. Mary McMullan of Pennsylvania Avenue, this city. She has been living in the west for 11 years, but makes a biennial visit to her old home town. Her husband is in the automobile business in the West.

Mrs. Bigelow’s account of southern California is very interesting to an easterner. Out there the farmers do without rain for as long as six months a year, being obliged to water their crops by irrigation, in direct contrast to Pasquotank farmers who have to provide drainage. Everything that will grow is grown there, and the housewife can have green vegetables for her table every day in the year.

The labor question is impossible of solution. Most of the farming is done by Japs, who are making much money and acquiring title to much property. Ordinary negro domestic labor gets $100 a month or mor and, the skilled male labor get fabulous prices. Plasterers made up to $25 a day, and carpenters $10 to $15 a day. Of course, all classes of labor do not make so much money, especially the semi-skilled class, for the section is over run with people in search of health, who are willing to work for their board. Even the driver of the laundry wagon serving Mrs. Bigelow’s home is a highly educated man who went to California for his health. Groceries cost very little more than in this part of the country, but clothing is considerably higher in price, as most of it is manufactured on this side of America and is shipped across the continent.

The oranges raised in that locality are not as fine as the oranges of Florida, she says. In her own garden she raised lemons for the use of her own family. Life is very interesting out there, and there are lots of people coming and going, who keep it from growing monotonous, but southern California can never quite supplant the place of eastern North Carolina in the heart of one who has been born and reared (words obscured) to Mrs. Bigelow.

From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, June 22, 1923

R.E. Lassiter and His Crew to Finish Cutting Right of Way for Road, Canal in Dismal Swamp, June 22, 1923

To Spend the Summer in the Dismal Swamp. . . Party Cutting Right of Way for Road Connecting Pasquotank and Gates

The final stretch of the right of way of the road connecting Pasquotank and Gates counties is being cut by R.E. Lassiter and a party of 20 men. Mr. Lassiter having taken the contract last week to cut the t3 ½ miles from Acorn Hill in Gates county, leading up to where the operations of C.W. Lacy stopped on the project.

Mr. Lassiter has taken 19 negroes and one white man to assist him in cutting the right of way, which he promises to complete in 2 ½ months. He calls it the “bloodiest” stretch of the Dismal Swamp. There mosquitoes, gnats, and the poison yellow flies are ever present; the deadly, scaly cotton-mouthed moccasin slides thru the rank under growth which cuts off every bit of summer’s breezes, and hoot-owls scream in broad daylight. The road party has taken with them a complete outfit to enable them to stay until the work is done. Their outfit includes a power skidder and stump pullers, four tents, a commissary and an army range.

The right of way to be cut is 125 feet wide, the extra width having been provided to make room for a 24-foot canal which is to be cut beside the road, to make dirt for the surface and to give the road drainage.

From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, June 22, 1923

William Midgett, Coast Guard Supply Boat Engineer, June 22, 1923

Coast Guard Vessel’s Engineer

WILLIAM B. MIDGETT

A Coast Guard well-known thru-out the district is William B. Midgett, engineer of Coast Guard Supply Boat No. 1949 now stationed at this city. Mr. Midgett has been in the service 26 years, and loving his work, feels as able as ever to carry it on. His hobby is gas engineering, and in 1897, he ran the first gas engine that ever went to Dare County, the land of fish., Once he found an engine that had washed ashore on the beach, and rigged it up to saw wood for the station, much to the delight of his fellow coast-guards. He has seen a lot of changes in the Coast Guard in 26 years. When he went in as seventh man, he could only serve six months during a year. Photo by Zoeller.

From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, June 22, 1923

Dr. Epler First Female Doctor Appointed for Coast Guard, June 22, 1923

A Woman Doctor for Hatteras Stations. . . Only One in the Service is Miss Blanch N. Epler Who Was Recently Appointed

On April 13, this newspaper carried the story of the visit to Elizabeth City of Miss Blanch N. Epler, a woman physician of Kalamazoo, Michigan, who was on her way to Hatteras, with a view to locating there permanently, if she liked the place. She evidently likes Hatteras, for a recent news dispatch from Washington has this to say:

“North Carolina is to have the only woman physician for Coast Guard duty so far as is known, Coast Guard records telling of no other woman being assigned to such duty. This woman physician is Dr. Blanch N. Epler, residing at Hatteras, Dare County, the announcement being made that Dr. Epler has been appointed by the United States Public Health Service as a contract physician to furnish professional services to Cost Guard stations Numbers 181 to 185 exclusive. It is stated by the Public Health Service, in announcing the appointment, that Dr. Epler was chosen for the work after she had proved that she was fitted to meet the requirements of the post and had been recommended for the duty by the local district Superintendent of the coast Guard.”

Telling of this woman physician of North Carolina called into a service not hitherto assigned to women, the Public Health Service, in its announcement of the appointment says:

“Dr. Epler is engaged in private practice among the inhabitants of this somewhat isolated and exposed region. She will be prepared to respond to any time, day or night, to calls arising out of any serious accidents happening to Coast Guardsmen in the court of their arduous tasks. She will also conduct the visual and other physical examinations of applicants for admission to the Coast Guard Service at the stations under her medical supervision.”

From page 2 of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, June 22, 1923

Randolph Dozier Wins Gold Medal With Essay on Public Highway Safety, June 22, 1923

The Winner of a Safety Prize

E. RANDOLPH DOZIER

“Making the Public Highways Safe for Travel,” was the title of an essay submitted to the National Highway Education Board at Washington by this Elizabeth City Grammar school boy and which won a gold medal, and a prize of $15. Eleven elementary pupils from this state won prizes,a nd young Dozier led them all. He was a seventh grade pupil under Miss Hattie Harney. His parents are Mr. and mrs. W.E. Dozier of Euclid Heights.

From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, June 22, 1923

Uncle Johnny Peterson of Nags Head Has Died, June 22, 1923

Nags Head’s Oldest Inhabitant Is Dead

Uncle Johnny Peterson, a familiar acquaintance of thousands of North Carolinians who have visited Nags Head, died Tuesday morning. He was about 80 years old, and the oldest inhabitant of the place. He was postmaster of Nags Head. He was a native of Sweden, but had lived at Nags Head for several years, following is arrival on the famous Huron, a ship that was stranded on Nags Head beach sometime after the Civil War. Besides his wife, he is survived by six children and 14 grandchildren.

From page 2 of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, June 22, 1923

H.H. Hayman Isn't Stealing Cars, Assures His Brother T.B., June 22, 1923

Many Haymans Make It Embarrassing for One

Because one Howard Hayman of South Norfolk, Va., got in trouble for stealing an automobile in Norfolk, relatives of H.H. Hayman of Park Place, Norfolk, formerly of this city, are being caused considerable embarrassment. T.B. Hayman, brother of H.H. Hayman, wants it stated that the Howard Hayman mentioned is not his brother, and that H.H. Hayman has never been accused of stealing an automobile.

From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, June 22, 1923

The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., June 22, 1923

Mack Jennings Takes Family From Elizabeth City, June 22, 1923

Takes Sister-in-Law Off First, Then Family

Mack Jennings, a truck driver of this city who was located this week in Aulander, N.C., by Elizabeth City police, where he had run away with 19-year-old Mattie Relfe, sister-in-law of his wife, slipped into town Wednesday night and moved his family away from his home on Hunter street. Elizabeth City police didn’t know anything about his visit until after he had gone. From page 2 of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, June 22, 1923

Wilse Walker Checking Out Horse Races at Delaware, June 22, 1923

To Leave for Races

Wilse Walker, horse racing fan of this city will leave in a few days for Harrington, Del., where he will give the following horses a chance to keep up their former records. They are: Delcor, 2:15, 1-4; Corbin, 2:14, 1-4; Gladys B. Shore, 2-19 1-4; and Peteful, 2:10.

From page 7 of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, June 22, 1923

Beautiful Old Homes, Elizabeth City, N.C., 1908 Postcards

West Main Street, Elizabeth City, N.C., 1908 postcard. I don't know the date of the first post card.

Greenleaf Homestead Auction, June 23, 1923

Old Greenleaf Homestead to be sold at public auction to the highest bidder Saturday, June 23rd, 1923.

Property can easily be converted into an apartment house, a hospital or a modern home of the pure Colonial type at moderate cost. The halls in this house are 10 feet wide and 35 feet long. The rooms in the main body of the house are 20x22 feet. Facing the U.S.C.H. and P.O. Square, its view of Main Street will never be obstructed.

Ad from The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., June 22, 1923

Arsenate of Lead a Popular Insecticide in 1923

Some people distrust modern agriculture, particularly the chemicals used today. Well, Arsenate of Lead was a popular pesticide from 100 years ago. Notice that you can pick up a tobacco sprayer at H.C. Taylor Hardware to apply Arsenate of Lead to your tobacco crop. Smokers enjoyed that tobacco and the arsenic and lead they inhaled with every puff. Arsenate of Lead was also used on food crops. It weas introduced in 1898 to replace Paris Green, another arsenic formulation that was about ten times more toxic than Arsenate of Lead. Researchers looking for a safer alternative discovered DDT. Today’s pesticides are less toxic than either but can still cause problems, particularly when they are misused. Researchers continue to search for safer and more effective chemicals.

Advertisements from pages 2 and 8 in the Franklin Times, Louisburg, N.C., Friday, June 22, 1923