From Days Gone By April 28,1911

April 28, 1911.
The day was cloudy, very cool, and apparently threatening, but the anticipations of those who looked forward to the occasion with much interest were realized. Large crowds of people poured in from every section of this and surrounding counties, and by 10' oclock the population of Wrightsville far exceeded the report recently given by the census bureau.
It is estimated that there were between 3,000 and 4,000 people present, the bulk of whom came to hear the orator of the occasion, Thomas E. Watson. The Memorial Day exercises were held at the college auditorium, where a program of music and songs was rendered. "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground" and "Dixie" were admirably given by the teachers and pupils of the college. Prof. A. F. Ware was master of ceremonies. The invocation offered by Rev. W. L. Wright of the methodist church, after which the speaker was introduced by Capt. John L. Martin.
Mr. Watson's speech was replete with historical facts dating back to the continental days of the nation down to the fall of the Confederacy. He also read paragraphs from a history of the United States, which is being taught at the State University, which cast reflections on our ancestors, and is demoralizing to the youths of our Southland. He denounced the history as a false and dangerous text book. Mr. Watson is a magnetic speaker and held his audience for an hour. The house was packed with standing room only with as many outside as in.
At the close of the exercises, the Confederate Veterans formed a line in front of the stage and Prof. Ware had the school children march at the tap of the drum and salute these old men who wore the gray. Through the efforts of Messers. C. E., W. C. and J. W. Brinson, Jr., T. G. Holt, Jupe Hicks, Tom Martin contributed to the barbeque which was cooked by M. N. Killebrew, L. D. Downs, W. C. Brinson, J. V. Kent, Jonah Davis and Jerony Downs
The Warthen Warblers pulled down 2 victories this week at Idylwild. The first game was between the Pringle Pluggers in a score of 9 to 4. The 2nd game was against the Dublin Doodles with a score of 14 to 8.
J. B. Harrison, Superintendent of city water-works has been busy placing pipes and meters to be connected to the hydrants in the offices and private residences. He has installed 150 meters to date. City clerk J. M. Blackshear has been sick and his daughter Cora is filling in for him.
In the census report Wrightsville was listed with 1,389 residents, Adrian 816, Kite 241, and Scott 212. Wrightsville has been growing for the past 25 years in population. The locals figure there is some mistake for they figured Wrightsville at 1500.
John B. Haines is studing at the Medical College in Louisville, Kentucky. Miss Mabel Williams accepted a professional nurse position in Sandersville at Dr. Evans Sanitarium. Judge and Mrs. A. F. Daley left for White Springs, Florida for his health as he is greatly suffering from rheumatism. Luther Raines of Sanford, Florida is visiting his old homeplace.
Mrs. Harman McDaniel died at her home near Bartow from paralyses. She was a sister of Sheriff Lewis Davis. Mr. John Copeland died at his home near Moores Chapel.
The house on the eastside of the railroad occupied by Matthew Little, colored, and owned by Capt. Kent was destroyed by fire. The location made it difficult for the two fire teams. They did save the surrounding structures.
On last saturday morning Mrs. W. J. Dent, Sr. came near dying from strichnine poison by eating scrambled eggs, in which one had been injected with the poison to be put out for a dog or some other animal that had been breaking up her hen's nest. In order to be careful with the poisoned egg she placed it in the dairy, where she thought it would not be found. When the cook wanted to serve eggs, Mrs Dent sent her to the dairy where the supply of eggs were kept, forgetting about the bad egg. Mrs. Dent ate most of the eggs which also contained the poison egg. She became violently ill and thrown into convulsions. Drs. Brinson and Harris were called and after the antidotes she recovered and realizes her miraculus escape from death.