A Fire at the Peace Home

It was reported on December 1, 1922 in the Sentinel, “Excitement reigned for a short time Wednesday when the fire alarm sounded and it was reported that the residence of Mr. D.W. Peace was on fire. The fire department quickly responded but the blaze was extinguished before their arrival. A coal had dropped from the range and burned a hole through the floor and would have resulted in a serious fire but for its early discovery.”

I have a picture of this home in my book. Prior to it being known as the home of D.W. Peace, the structure was the Spring Street School which opened its doors in 1881.

The home was located on the corner of Spring and Campbellton Streets.

Today, this location is home to the United States Post Office in Douglasville.

Pictured is a Glenwood stove dated to 1922.

Mill Village Violence

Many of our mill village homes are still standing some dating to the early 1900s.

In September, 1922 the village was the scene of an altercation between a young man named White, son of L.A. White, and Leonard Head. Apparently Leonard hit L.A. White on head.  At that time Head was arrested indicted and released under bond. 
By December, Mr. White’s son had taken a turn for the worse. This resulted in the re-arrest of Leonard Head and his release was pending the outcome of White’s injuries. 

The Sentinel story from Friday, December 1, 1922 stated, “Just as we go to press we learn that the young son of Mr. L.A. White of the mill village is in a serious condition resulting from a blow on the head received in September when he and another young man, Leonard Head, had a difficulty for which young Head was indicted and released under bond.”

“Since the recent serious condition of young White has developed, Head has been re-arrested and is now in jail awaiting the outcome of White’s injuries.”

I may have to check well into the 1923 papers to see what happened to both men.

A Shooting Scrape

1922 ended with a “Shooting Scrape” per the Douglas County Sentinel for December 1, 1922. 

The paper stated:

We have just received meager reports of a shooting scrape occurring in the Lithia Springs community Tuesday night in which Walter Causey is reported to have been shot by Chap Carroll, the difficulty or misunderstanding arising from livestock of the former trespassing on and being put up by the latter.
Mr. Causey we learn was taken to Atlanta hospital suffering from painful wounds and Mr. Carroll gave himself up to the officers pending further developments.

Today, the same sort of altercation would not arise from livestock ending up on someone’s property, but due to road rage or some sort of slight where one person feels they have been disrespected in some way.

I searched through the issues for the remainder of December and didn’t see an update regarding Causey’s condition or if Carroll was ever charged with anything.

Hannah - May 4, 1917

This was an interesting little piece of news from the Douglas County Sentinel dated May 4, 1917…..a piece titled “The News from Hannah” during the United States involvement in World War I.

Mr. Wilson reports:

People are patriotic in this corner, if planting food crops is any evidence. Another proof is every Ford is draped with Old Glory. I don’t know which it is that people worship the emblem that stands for patriotism or whether it’s just popular to have one on.

I will watch these folks and see if they really mean to love Old Glory or just trying to stimulate the other man so he will do the fighting.

All true patriots will no doubt attend the speaking at Hulett next Monday night. Dr. Blackmon has for his subject “The New Confession Box”. Dr. Blackmon is not an unknown man in the fight. He was in Texas when  William Black was killed by the K.C.s and was himself shot, and is carrying the assassin’s bullet up and down the land trying to warn the people against a foreign element that’s undermining our civil and religious liberties. The doctor will be at Hulett the first Monday and Tuesday nights in May.

The following night he will lecture at Ebenezer church.

Boost the meeting and give the doctor a whopping crowd. And son, he will tell you how a patriot acts and the weapons he must use to preserve our liberties.

JM Wilson

The place Mr. Wilson refers to….Hulett….is a community in Carroll County. I’m still trying to determine who Dr. Blackmon was as well as William Black. 

Maybe those puzzle pieces will fall into my lap soon.


Image Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28632223

 

List of Downtown Douglasville Businesses - January, 1917

The following businesses were listed in a “Happy New Year” ad in the Douglas County Sentinel dated January 5, 1917……two or three were cut off.  I’ve placed these symbols <  >  to note sections of text I could not make out.

 Douglasville Banking Company

Farmers & Merchants Bank

Duncan & Selman – Ford agents

Almand & McKoy – Hardware

JW House – planning mill and ginnery

JC McCarley  - the Ten Cent Store

JR Duncan Fire and Life Insurance

JQ Enterkin & Son - groceries, heavy hardware, feedstuffs

JO Connally Shoe and Harness Shop

Smith-Harding Supply Co. - Successors to VR Smith

Cansler Brothers Garage

Stewart Brothers - General Merchandise

Miss LI Freeman - Millinery and Notions

Mozley Brothers Groceries - Fresh Meat

Kozytorium Theater

EC Roberts – Groceries and Fresh Meat

WA Abercrombie – Livestock, wagons and Buggies

Little Gem Café

Smith’s Garage – Auto repairing of all kinds

NB and JT Duncan – General Merchandise

JH Smih – Staple and Fancy Groceries

Giles Brothers – The Cash Store….General Merchandise

Dake & McLarty – Real Estate

WL Turner – Watchmaker and Jeweler

JL Selman & Son – Druggist

Roberts Café

<   > Sanitary Barber Shop

Harry A. Edge, The Cash Grocer

<   > Wilson – Watch repair a specialty

Palace Barrber Shop

Upshaw Brothers

<   > Drug Store

<   > S. Abercrombie – Horses and Mules

J. Groodzinsky – Drygoods, clothing, shoes, millinery, and ladies ready to wear

Frank P. Dorris & Company, Staple and Fancy Groceries, Sucessors to JE Phillips

LH Baldwin, Blacksmith

Palace Pressing Club

WC Abercrombie, horses and mules

GW Griffith, Staple and fancy groceries

<   > Dow <    >

News Blurbs for January, 1917

At this point in time the Douglas County Sentinel was published each Friday. The Editor and owner was ZT Dake.  A one year subscription costs $1.50

You could purchase a swan hat at Stewart Brothers.

GW Gilland was looking for a few customers to take five gallons milk off his hands.

A Ford touring car was $389.25 (delivered) at Duncan & Selman and a roadster was $374.25.   The dealership was located where Hartley Rowe & Fowler is located today on Broad Street.

An obit regarding WW Strickland in the January 5, 1917 issue stated, “WW Strickland was buried here Monday, a prominent citizen and former postmaster at Austell. He was buried at the Douglasville City Cemetery Monday. He was a former citizen of Douglasville, many friends, and the brother of Mrs. WA James of this city. A member of the Methodist Church. Leaves widow and no children.  Sixty three years old.  His brother, Parks Strickland  of Texas was here along with his sister for the funeral.

Another obit also appeared in the January 5, 1917 issue as well titled “James Aderhold Dead”.  It said….”former citizen of Douglasville, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Aderhold of Douglasville died in an Atlanta sanitarium Wednesday at age 45 – lingering illness of several months.   Leaves a wife, one daughter, his parents, three brothers – Dr. Charles W. of Oklahoma, Ernest of Gadsden, Alabama; and Mat of Atlanta.  Three sisters as well – Mrs. JL Giles, Mrs. JE Wilson, ad Mrs. IB West. The remains were brought to Douglasville Thursday.

The January 5, 1917 issue also had some news regarding the Oddfellows. Douglasville Lodge No. 162 for the Oddfellows has recently reinstated more than fifty members due to the effort of “wide awake secretary, Brother EL Hopkins.  “The value of a man like this to lodge and to a community is inestimable. Common sense and energy, reinforced with the principles of the order, make a well nigh resistible force.”

New Elected Officials Taking Office - January 5, 1917

Under the heading “New Officer Takes Charge” the following people were sworn into office:

TL Pittman, clerk of Superior Court

Ralph Morris, Tall Collector, succeeding FM Winn Jr. and GS King, respectively

Judge JH McLarty, Ordinary

JW James, Tax Receiver

WS Ragan, Treasurer

AS Baggett, Sheriff

GT McLarty, School Superintendent

Social and Personal - January 12, 1917...Part Two

More from the social column……see part one here

Nat Mozley has bought the Gordon Smith residence and will move in the next few days.

Mr. and Mrs. JH Griffith spent several days recently with their son Wilburn at East Point.

Miss Edith Dake is suffering this week from a genuine case of measles.

JD Enterkin of Winston was a pleasant caller at the Sentinel office this week.

FM Giles has moved to his new home

CC Johnston, a popular merchant from Winston was here Monday.

VR Smith left Tuesday for Florida where he will spend about ten days

Mrs. Viola Bullington, Route 6, had her subscription set forward a year this week.

Dr. JO Morgan of Pittsburg, Pa. spent Saturday with Dr. RE Hamilton

Mr. and Mrs. DP Burson was called to Atlanta this week on account of the illness of

their daughter, Mrs. JH Lane.

FH Souter of Route 1 and WJ Walker of Route 6 are among the new Sentinel readers this week.

WC Jones of Villa Rica has moved to Douglasville and opened a shoe shop in JH Smith’s store.

OH Gable of Winston was in Douglasville Wednesday.

Miss Willie Tackett of Route 6 is among those advancing their Sentinel subscriptions

JW McKinley who has some large contracts with the government at Mobile and other places spent the holidays here with his family.

Fifteen young ladies met at the home of Miss Nannie Love Selman last Saturday and organized a D.D. Club. Their motto is depend on the D Ds.   Their colors: black and white.  Flower: Dew Drops.

Mrs. JW Souter has moved to Austell.

Social and Personal - January 12, 1917....Part One

The Social and Personal column mainly served as a way for the Douglas County Sentinel to post the comings and goings of people through their offices to renew their subscriptions, but occasionally some good tidbits of information show up.

Two children of WW Estes have measles.

The Carnival has gone, for which let us be thankful.

Mrs. Cassie Baggett is very sick this week.

Born Saturday to Mr. and Mrs. IS Hathcock, a son.

FM Yancey of Route 4 was in Douglasville this week.

LB Chapman, Route 1 has a Sentinel visitor this week.

Dr. Reed of Bill Arp was in Douglasville Wednesday.

Dr. and Mrs. WS Tomlinson have moved into the house of Mrs. Louise Longino.

Miss Golden of Bremen is visiting her sister, Mrs. Astor Merritt.

FD Parsons of Hiram was a caller at the Sentinel office this week.

Hon. John T. Duncan visited the experiment station at Griffin this week.

Captain JC Joyner of Lithia Springs was here Monday to attend the funeral of WW Strickland

CE Hesterlee of Bill Arp was a pleasant visitor at the Sentinel office last week.

Mrs. TW Shannon of Atlanta is a guest of her sister Mrs. OT Selman

Mrs. Thad McKoy has as her guest this week Miss Cleo Bryant of Lyerly

Duncan & Selman have begun work on a 60 x 70 brick building for a Ford service station.

Vivian Collins who has been connected with the fifth district A & M School at Monroe has moved back to the farm and is again a citizen of Douglas County.

WR Smith of Villa Rica, a skilled painter and paper hanger has moved to Douglasville and is occupying the Mrs. Lela Smith residence.

 See part two here…..

The News from Midway Community - January 12, 1917

I found this charming little article in the Douglas County Sentinel….

It has been some time since Midway has had a letter in the Sentinel, but it is not because we  have lost interest in our county paper, but because the writer  has been confined at home with rheumatism and has not been able to get about and get any news worth writing.

There have been many changes since our last writing. Many of our old acquaintenances have moved away and new folks have come to take their place. We hope these changes are for the better.

Frank Rainwater has been very ill for the last few days.

Clark Neal has moved his saw mill on CF Hallman’s place near the residence of Joe Rainwater.

Mrs. WH Bobo visited Atlanta last week.

Miss Evelyn Hatchett was a guest of her sister, Mrs. Tom Fargarson, Sunday and Monday.

Mrs. GS King and Miss Nellie and Mrs. Colson spent Monday afternoon with Susie Rainwater.

D. Morris of near Hiram was in our community Monday.

Mrs. Ida Huckaby of Douglasville is visiting her daughter, Mrs. Grady Roberts.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur King spent Sunday with Vollie Rainwater and wife.

Best wishes for our paper and editor for this year.

No Name

 

A Woman and Her Ferry

It is often discussed how Maime Weir owned and operated the Campbellton Ferry from time Alfred Austell, Jr. died until the 1950s when a bridge was finally built crossing the Chattahoochee River. 

Some might even think Maime Weir was the only female ferry owner in Campbell/Douglas County, but they would be wrong. 

Pull out an issue of the Southern Banner dated January 11, 1844 you would see the following blurb under state of Georgia legislative news, “An act to authorize Leah Rice to keep a ferry across the Chattahoochee River in Campbell County.”

The image below is the ferry crossing at Campbellton some 60 years later, but I would imagine it hadn't changed that much.

 

 

So, as early as 1844 a woman owned a Campbell County ferry – the one that operated right near the current Highway 92 bridge.

Regarding Mrs. Rice I want to point out that legally she owned the ferry, but I do not think she actually operated it.  The prior ferry owner had been her father, Armistead Bomar who owned property on both sides of the river including the Irwin-Bomar-Rice-Austin-Bullard House which still stands along Highway 92.  His will mentioned his mill and ferry.

 

Leah Rice Bomar was married pastor Thomas Sherod Rice who had passed the year before his wife took control of the Campbellton Ferry.

Presently, I’m not sure where Leah and her husband lived.

Ten Hats for Ten Daughters

Towards the end of Reconstruction a blurb appeared in the Southern Watchman dated March 31, 1869 that said, "A lady residing in Campbell County visited Atlanta one day during the present week and purchased at Kisers ten hats for her ten daughters. The Constitution says she deserves a medal."

I'd have to agree.

Shopping with one daughter is a monumental undertaking - shopping with or shopping for ten daughters - well, I can't even imagine.

It seems totally plausible that this woman would go to Kiser's store - or as it was more formerly known - M.C. and J.F. Kiser & Company. It was a wholesale drygoods store owned by the Kiser brothers, and more than likely the mother knew one or both of the brothers because in the 1820s the Kiser family moved to Campbell County to farm.

Here's an ad from an issue of The Atlanta Constitution dated March, 1869. Notice that at the time the store was located at Old Stand Talley and Brown, Whitehall Street in Atlanta. Later, they would move to the corner of Pryor and Wall Streets.  

M.C. Kiser (Marion Columbus) would be wildly successful with his business with little or no formal education. In 1887 he was a Fulton County Commissioner and during Lithia Springs resort days Mr. Kiser would the president of the Piedmont Chautauqua working with Henry W. Grady to present a wonderful program of speakers and entertainers each season.

When Marion C. Kiser died in 1893, he left the largest estate to that point in Atlanta history.

Now I have to wonder….how many women in Campbell County during the year 1869 had ten daughters?

Hmmm.....

Is there really such a thing as an egg-sucking dog?

An article in the Campbell County News during May, 1883 stated, “One of our citizens has recently been troubled with suck-eggs dogs. He suspicioned a dog belonging to [someone] in the neighborhood."

"Finally, on last Saturday night he and his wife decided to leave a dose of strychnine near the nest, and thus rid the settlement of so worthless a cur. Imagine that gentleman's feelings when he arose the next morning and beheld his own faithful yard dog lying cold in the embrace of death.”

I guess it never occurred to this unidentified Campbell County man that the dog going after his eggs was his own hound.

A suck-egg dog.

What in the world is a suck-egg dog?  I've led a sheltered life away from the propensity of dogs to suck eggs.

Who knew?

Apparently, a suck-egg dog is one that  goes after the eggs your chicken lays.

Perhaps I'm naïve regarding this issue due to the fact I've never owned chicken.

At least that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

 

A Death With a Benefit?

From The New South dated January 3, 1901......terrible news that "Brother Elliott" "committed suicide in Atlanta week".

The paper reminds readers he's the man who established the Austell News "a few weeks ago".

But don't worry the paper seems to say - "take the sweet consolation that his delinquents were few".

I guess it's a good thing to look at things from the sunny side, right?

Local and Personal News for Douglasville - January 31, 1901

From the Douglas County Sentinel – January 31, 1901

Mrs. W.A. Nee spent last Monday in Austell

Mr. and Mrs. S.A. Griffith spent Sunday and Monday in Atlanta

Mr. Lonnie New spent Sunday here with his people. He is still in the railroad service and is making his employers a good man.

Mr. J.T. Duncan bought 20 acres of land from Mr. W.F Entrekin Wednesday. The property is located in the southwest portion of <town>.

Mrs. G.B. Lindsey who was on the sick list several days of last week, as about recovered

One week ago Miss Mildred Thompson changed her place of abode from Douglasville to Elberton this week. She was joined by her mother. Mrs. Thompson left for her new home Wednesday.

Fresh garden seed and onion sets at Duke’s Drug Store.

Just received a fine line of crockery and glassware at Stokely’s

Mssrs. J.T. McElreath and J.M. Morris  exchanged horses this week and they have talked so much about swapping since the trade that they are about to be styled as regular horse jockeys.

Mr. and Mrs. Boatwright were here Saturday getting pension money and were made to feel good by the manner in which they had been remembered by the <….>. They reside in Wisconsin.

Valentines! Valentines! Young men buy one for your girl at the drug store.

Miss Carrie Bennett has returned home from Atlanta  Her visit to the Gate City was an extensive one over several weeks and she was several times complemented in a social way while there.

Friday evening the Literary Society will assemble at 7 pm at the residence of Col J.S. James

The municipal elect will take place next Monday and it will be about as quiet as an event of the kind could be.

The ticket nominated at the recent ordinary <…..> put in office without any opposition.

Will Riley jumped from a runaway team last Saturday and broke one of his legs The wagon was loaded with wood, was drawn by two mules ad were the property of Mr. J.S. Abercrombie. No damage was done to vehicle or mules.

Rev Fletcher Walton, new pastor of Epworth Church in Atlanta is constantly improving in health when in Douglasville. He was quite feeble and his friends here will be glad to know that he is getting the better of his affliction. Mr. Walton states that he intends some time in the near future to make another visit to douglasville.

Mrs. T.A. McLarty, Mrs. W.H. Roach, Mr. John Roach, Miss Maud Roach, Mrs. E.C. Haynes, Mrs. Lizzie Dixon and Mr. Henry Reese returned to their respective homes in Texas and Arkansas last  week. They were here visiting relatives and Mr. AG Weddington announces that he has heard from all that they arrived at their destinations safely.

In commenting a few days ago about the need of a public library in Douglasville, Col. JR Hutcheson advances some fine ideas and said that were a movement started for such an institution he would contribute $10. That a public Library would be a help to our town there is no question and there are enough people here to establish one, but will they do it? It is a matter well worthy of consideration.

Several bales of cotton have been on the streets of Douglasville this week and there is more in the county yet to be sold. This is evidence of prosperity and a good one.

On the night of January 3 a group of men armed to the teeth entered the home of a negro man who resided in Campbell, just across the line from Douglas County, and when they left his dwelling place he was dead. Three men arrested in suspicion have been bound over to the superior court and warrants are out for two more. The negro had been demanded to vacate a place he had leased for three years and his failure to do so is supposed to have led to the unlawful deed.

Miss Nannie Lewis is on a visit to relatives in Buchanan and will spend several weeks there.

J.Q. Entrekin & Company is the name of the firm that is doing business at the stand of the Douglas County Cooperative Store. They bought the stock of goods carried by the Co-operative Company The firm consists of J.Q. Entrekin and J.T. Duncan.

Because of his failure to lower the flag over the city hall in respect to England’s dead queen, Mayor Edwards has laid himself liable to criticism. It is not supposed  Mr. Edwards would intentionally omit a thing of this kind and it is likely that the reminders he has received will culminate in bringing the flag to half mast Saturday, the day of the interment.

News from the Daniel's Mill Community - January 31, 1901

Here's the news from the Daniel's Mill community for January 31, 1901 from their correspondent at that time....."Wild Bill".

We have been having some bad and rainy weather for the past few days and most of the people in this community who are trying to farm are looking very sad.

Our postmaster, Mr. Aderhold made a bus trip to Atlanta last Monday.

Mr. L.D. Dodson of Winston was in the vicinity last Friday.

Mr. Joe Giles, one of Pumpkintown's hustling young men was here last Saturday visiting relatives.

Hurrah for the boys who attended the entertainment the other Sunday night.

Misses Myrtle and Nannie Baggett, two of Winston's most charming young ladies were here last Saturday, the guests of relatives.

Mr. J.S. Giles went to Douglasville last Monday with cotton.

Miss Sudie Williams was the guest of Miss Willie Aderhold last Sunday.

The entertainment given by Mrs. Emma Daniell last Saturday afternoon was well attended and enjoyed by all present.

Signed

Wild Bill

Douglasville - Bitterly Opposed to the Railroad

I recently ran across an article in "The Southern World, dated October 1, 1883 and titled "The Georgia Pacific Railway".

The sub-headings said, "Facts about the great highway - Atlanta looking for a boom that it would bring."

The article confirms many things I've written before regarding the railroad including how work was actually begun before the Civil War, but the war put the project on hold.

The article provides the year 1854 as the year the Georgia legislature chartered the Georgia Western Railroad Company, and mentions work was done including some grading in Fulton and Cobb Counties, but it was abandoned where it remained at a stand still until 1872-1873.

"Work resumed to meet the fate that compelled so many other enterprises to succumb in that period of panic and business prostration..."

Yes, war has a habit of doing that.

In June, 1881, the Richmond and Danville Extension Company organized in order to complete the rail "highway" construction.  General T.M. Logan was president, Major John W. Johnston was VP/General Manager, Major R.H. Temple as Chief Engineer, G.W. Perkins as Treasurer, and Thomas Seddon as Secretary.

One of the great things this article provides is a description of the land west of Atlanta including the land around early Douglasville before and after the railroad. 

The reporter states, "I shall never forget a trip I made across the country on the line of this road. The country was truly a howling wilderness. Without any means of communication with the outside world except the "pony post". The people seemed to belong to another generation; the few little towns along the line appeared to be falling to decay and a lethargy and indolence to have taken possession of everything and everybody."

But after the railroad?

"Towns have sprung up - little places wakened to new life."

The reporter states he can scarcely realize the places along the "road" are the same as two years before.

Heading out of Atlanta one can see the Chattahoochee Brick Yards eight miles of Atlanta making 100,000 bricks a day.

At Austell, the junction of the ET, Virginia & Georgia and the Georgia Pacific.....it was entirely built within the last eighteen months....now with several stores and is rapidly building up.

At Salt Springs - today's Lithia Springs - just a mere twenty-one miles from Atlanta, the depot was established there on June 14, 1883. The reporter states the little town "now has three stores, a printing press, and a population of about 100. The buildings are neat and the citizens are enterprising to push it ahead."

The information regarding Douglasville is most interesting.

"Douglasville - twenty-seven miles from Atlanta, the county seat of Douglas County, and when the "road" reached this town the population was barely 400."

"Many of the people were bitterly opposed to the road, as they feared on account of quick transportation the business of the adjoining country would seek another outlet. Since the advent of the road the population has doubled, the business has increased in proportion and the old fogy notions are fast dying out."

It's interesting to note the folks in town not only opposed the railroad.....they bitterly opposed it, and some folks here were accused of being old fogies.....In 1883!

"The place now boasts 22 stores, 3 hotels, Baptist, Lutheran, and Methodist Churches, 2 academies, and is indeed a prosperous and thriving place."

"Much of the success of this and other places along the line of the road is due to J.S. James who so ably represents this county in our legislature."

Rest assured, J.S. James was one politician who totally looked out for himself even though he was the linchpin to the city and county's early success.

And don't forget Villa Rica......

The depot there was established and lots sold on August 14, 1882. The depot was built within  a half mile of the old town and the place as grown if by magic. There is a "population of 400, 21 stores, livery stable, 2 hotels, a good school, and a great many buildings in the process of erection."

 

Community News for Ephesus, January 31, 1901

The tagline for the paper in 1901 was “published in the interests of Douglas County”.

Many of the early issues of the Douglas County Sentinel were filled with community news.
 
Here are the social notes of the Ephesus Community on January 31, 1901. The correspondent is signed as “Hope”.  I have no idea…yet….who this was.

The many friends of Mr. John Boatwright of Bremen, son of Mr. W.V. Boatwright of this place will learn with regret that he is very sick.

Miss Ethel Heaton of Winston visited her sister at this place last Friday

Mrs. Boyd Saver and brother were guests of Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Clinton Sunday.

Owing to the inclemency of the weather church services at this place were not well attended last Sunday.

Mr. Tom Dorsett we are glad to learn is convalesing.

Mr. J.M. Roberson has moved to Mr. John Johnson’s place on the Carrolton Road.

Mr. and Mrs. Lee Hunter entertained their many friends with an informal dance last Friday evening.

Miss Mattie McKoy of Winston spent last Sunday with Miss McLarty

Mr. John Sayer together with his friend Mr. Davenport attended church services at this place Sunday

Mr. C.M. Clinton is the proud father of a boy who promises to be the Sampson of his day being only seven months old and weighing 30 pounds.

Signed Hope

Anti-Saloon League Activity in Douglasville

Dr. J.C. Solomon of Atlanta, state superintendent of the Anti-Saloon League of Georgia delivered two sermons <in Douglasville> yesterday.

He made mention of the whiskey dealers in Atlanta. He referred to badges that were distributed on the occasion of Bryan's visit in Atlanta and said they were an insult to Bryan as well as the state of Georgia.

A large number pledge themselves as members of a local anti-saloon league which was organized with L.C. Upshaw as president.

This article appeared in the "Atlanta Georgian" on October 8, 1906.

Image Source:  Here

Quiltings and Wood Chopping in Ralph

This article from the "Atlanta Georgian and News" dated March 9, 1910 was rather significant for me because it mentions the Ralph community.  I know it existed, but can't find a lot of information.

This article was forwarded to the Atlanta paper from the "Douglasville Argus"....a little known local paper.

Now I have some names for possible residents. 

The article said......

B.L. Renfroe gave a wood chopping last week and Mrs. B.L. Renfroe had a quilting. Two quilts were made. Mrs. A.N. Irwin, Mrs. E.Y. Hendrix, Mrs. W.T. Williams, Mrs. J. G. Mozley, Mrs. E.F. James, Mrs. Viola Hendrix, and Mrs. C.M. James were in attendance. It was an enjoyable affair especially at 12 o'clock.      Ralph Community via Douglasville Argus

Newspaper Snippets

"The Weekly Constitution" for August 22, 1882 reported that J.S. James, R. A. Massey, J. P. Watson, and J. M. Baggett represented Douglasville at the funeral for Benjamin Hill.

If that name seems familiar, it should be.  Lots of places and roads are named for him....Ben Hill. 

You can find out more here. 

The "Atlanta Georgian and News" for September 4, 1907 mentions Douglasville College stating that it opened its doors for the fall term on September 3rd.  The newspaper also mentioned the school had its largest enrollment ever, and that Professor W.E. Denny of Spartanburg, South Carolina was the head of the college again for the next year.

Weather was the subject of an article dated June 16, 1910 in the "Atlanta Georgian and News" detailing a storm that hit the day before. There was damage to crops and fruit. Hail fell for 25 minutes, and was the heaviest ever witnessed by the oldest residents.

Crop damage was estimated at 50 to 75 percent. There were a great many window panes broken and the telephone system had considerable damage.

Construction in Douglasville

This find within the "Atlanta Georgian and News" for April 14, 1908 was very welcomed by me because it gives some exact dates regarding certain town buildings.

A contract was made here Saturday with Baggett & Sebert of this place to erect four stone mercantile buildings on Broad Street to replace the frame structures that now occupy this place.

This will make eight new brick and stone mercantile buildings erected her in the past six months.

Stewart Brothers, I & J Goodinski and W.J. Stringfellow will occupy these buildings.

The location for the Stewart Brothers was still standing until just recently.  It was the Smith-Dabbs location that was torn down making a cut-through to the Plaza East walkway. During the Stewart brother's day (Dr. FM and Rader Stewart) the store took up the Smith-Dabbs location as well as the present-day Gold-N-Goodies store.  The Stringfellow location is next to the Irish Bred Pub (Selman/O'Neal Drugs), I think. W.J. Stingfellow had a barbershop in the earliest days of Douglasville, and Sanborn maps show a barbershop in that location. If it was a stone building like the Stewart Brothers' location the building was great altered at some point since it's brick today. 

The Douglasville Banking Company moved into its new marble and brick building on Broad Street and Price Avenue yesterday. The building has been completed at a cost of $7,000.

We have an exact move-in date and cost!

The Lois Cotton Mills are installing machinery in a few months this $500,000 mill will be in operation. It will be one of the largest and most modern mills in the state.

I'm thinking the $500,000 may be a typo in the paper....one too many zeroes.

Fourteen new residences have been built here in the last three months and eight or ten are in the course of  construction.

1901: Notice to Teachers

The following article appeared in "The New South" dated March 21, 1901.....

Teachers who closed their school are required to send in their accounts at once or as soon as they do close. No teacher will be allowed to carry any time over for the summer term. It must be reported at the close of the spring term. I can't say at this time whether we will be able to pay for all of the spring term or not. We have just paid sixty percent of all the time up to February 28 and we hope to pay the balance due the teachers soon.

All teachers who have graded their schools will please make out a program of the same and send it in to my office at once. I would like to have suggestions from all teachers as to our Institute work this summer as to the best time and the general workings or should we go to another county.

The library books will be ready in a few days for distribution. As soon as all are called in teachers of the county can get the books and let  the children have them and by this means we can use the books all the time not only through the school term but during vacation also. Our library is going to be a success.  We will have about 200 books to begin with and I want every boy and girl in the county to use them.

J.E. Phillips

Douglasville Social Column: March 21, 1901

My column that ran in the Douglas County Sentinel this past Sunday mentions that little dash that falls between someone's date of birth and the date they passed from this life.  I mention how I run across little social columns all the time regarding folks from Douglas County, but in the past I've not paid much attention to them.

However, I'm beginning to think that they could have real value to people doing family research. These little details might help someone fill in the "dash".....to see how an ancestor lived their daily life. 

Once you read through some of these I think you will see my point......

From "The New South" dated March 21, 1901 in a column headed with "Local and Person":

Mr. A.A. McLarty, a popular justice of Winston was seen in Douglasville Saturday.

Mr. E.R. Stewart has become somewhat changed in facial appearance y the hirsute attachment that has come forth to adorn his upper lip.    .....This might possibly be Eldorado "Rader" Stewart, brother to Dr. F.M. Stewart, but I have not verified this.

Mr. W.W Johnson was here Monday from Winston. Mr. Johnson is a successful farmer and citizen of worth to his community.

Marshal L.O. McElvey spent Saturday and Sunday seeing the sites of Atlanta. He returned Monday morning and his many pleasant things to relate concerning his stay in the capitol city.

Judge J.E. Phillips turned loose a good deal of money amongst the teachers of the county Saturday and sent them away feeling much better than they did when they came.

Mrs. D. P. Webb of Austell spent a few days this week as guest of friends here. We learn that Mr. Webb and family are contemplating moving back to Douglasville some time in May.

The machinery for the flour mill will be here sometime between the first and tenth of April, and it will be speedily arranged for service. The enterprise promises much to the town and county.

The courthouse janitor is giving his attention to the yard surrounding the temple of justice and is making it look decidedly better.  It will be an improvement that will add much to the town's appearance.

Work on the new residence of Colonel W.T. Roberts was begun Monday morning and a number of carpenters are busy getting the structure in shape for occupation. It will have nine rooms and will be a handsome building. The foreman in charge is Mr. Armstead of Atlanta.  The Roberts home, of course, is home today to the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville and Douglas County.  This article gave me vital information regarding the exact date construction started, and named the foreman!

Mr. R.J. Darnell was attending business in Douglasville this week. Mr. Darnell says that he doesn't feel like he can begin farming until he has cashed up for his newspapers and guano. He is one of the county's most thrifty husbandman and always makes his harvest fields yield him a profit.

Miss Johnnie McLarty, daughter of Mr. Sam McLarty died at her home near Douglasville Saturday night. Pneumonia was her trouble, and she had been sick with it several days. Miss McLarty was about the middle of her teens and was a young lady much beloved. Some years ago she cast her lot with Christ and has since kept in close touch with the Master. She was buried here Monday. The funeral was preached at the Methodist Church by Rev. John Spier.

The canning factory project is still talked about. There are several men who are willing and ready to take stock when they meet up with a sufficient number of others inclined the same way. A canning factory outfit wouldn't cost much and properly conducted it would pay the investors and prove a great benefit to farmers and merchants.

The next little blurb was added from the "Villa Rica Hustler".....

Douglasville is to have a very costly roller flour mill. The money is all subscribed and the machinery will be shipped from some point in Pennsylvania in a few days. This is good for our sister city as Villa Rica has nothing of the kind....guess our farmers will have to take their wheat to Douglasville.

It has been a good long while since the farmers were so well up with their work on the 21st of March as they are this year. The soil has been pretty thoroughly stirred much of the guano to be used has been put to its place and there has been some planting done. The indications are that the yields this year will be large and if the production of cotton is not overdone, the prosperity of 1902 will be much in excess of the present

Little Miss Mattie Hunt came home with Miss Minnie Dorris Friday and remained here Monday. Miss Mattie is a daughter of Mr. J.C. Hunt who resides several miles from Douglasville and is a bright attractive little girl. She is a natural musician and entertains quite well with the guitar and voice. She has two junior sisters, Misses Nellie and Ludie , the youngest only three years  of age and both can pick the guitar to nice advantage. Indeed it seems that the entire family is a musical one for there is not a member of it but what can handle some instrument in an artistic way.

There may be one column from this article that my scanner missed........

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