From Days Gone By July 7, 1911

July 7, 1911.
During the electrical storm that passed over Wrightsville early last tuesday night, lightening struck the cupalo of the methodist church. It was about 8 pm when a severe stroke of lightning partially shocked several citizens in the neighborhood of the church but it was not known what was hit until between 10 and 11 pm. Mr. Miller McAfee was passing the church and noticed a dim fire burning in the interior of the belfry. He gave the alarm which was quickly responded to by the two hose companies and promptly extinguished the fire.
Howerver, it took some heroic and daring work by several of the fire team who climbed the steeple from the inside and cutting away the burning timbers more or less damage was done to the pretty new carpet and chancel by water. There was no insurance on the church or its furnishings. Had it not been for the presence and willing efforts of our brave and ever-ready fire laddies the result would have been far more serious, in fact the church probably would have been destroyed.
Ordinary J. C. Wiggins has disposed of the old iron fence which enclosed the court house grounds, as it was useless since the hedge which he had planted has grown to be not only ornamental, but useful, and is now a substantial inclosure to the grounds. Judge J. E. Page had the iron fence placed around the court house when he was Ordinary, at a cost of $500, and it was sold for $125 and now encloses Oaky Grove Church cemetary.
The South Georgia Union Singing Association will hold its annual "Big Union Sing" at Idlywild saturday and sunday. Prof. J. E. Freeberg of Chattanooga, Tenn., a musician of recognized ability will be there to assist the teachers and their classes in the singing. There will be some 25 to 30 teachers present representing the same number of counties in the state. The W. & T. Railroad has arranged to carry the crowd at a low trip rate from towns along the line. Everybody and his pa will be there, "wives, sweethearts, aunts and cousins", and all are invited to bring "well-filled baskets" on both days.
Mr. J. E. Tompkins, accompanied by his wife left for Baltimore and New York to buy furniture for the Wrightsville Furniture Company, which he manages. When they arrived in Greensboro, N. C., Mrs. Tompkins was taken very ill. A physician was summoned and as soon as she is able they will return home. Mr. T will go back to the markets as soon as she is able to travel.
Col. and Mrs. Charles Claxton announce the birth of a son, born July 5th. Mrs. W. Dent is quite ill at her home in the city. Miss Bessie Martin has been sick with malarial fever. Mr. O. A. Kennedy had a severe attack of kidney colic.
Mrs. W. B. Adkins from Dublin was shopping at H. C. Tompkins store and laid her silver mesh purse on the counter. A black boy (Clint Patterson) who lives on the W. A. Walker farm, snatched the purse which contained a gold necklace, locket and cross, a valuable masonic ring belonging to her grandfather and some silver change. It was not long after he made his escape that Tompkins had him spotted and policeman Furguson and Osborne arrested and placed him in jail. After a search the articles were recovered and Clint will enjoy a vacation on the "gang".
Mr. J. Tom Flanders brought some Elberta peaches from his orchard to town measuring 10 inches in circumference.
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