From Days Gone By Dec. 1, 1911

December 1, 1911. The elegant colonial home of E. A. W. Johnson on Elm Street will soon be formally presented to the owner by Contractor W. C. Chester, whose splendid capacity and architectural talent are strongly portrayed in this really beautiful structure. The residence is built on the colonial plan. Spacious verandahs, supported by immense white columns are remarkably attractive. The lower floor embraces reception hall, library, parlor, guest chamber, dinning room, butlers pantry, store room, lavatory, etc. The second floor consists of four well-arranged bed rooms, linen closets, lavatory, dressing rooms, etc. Handsome mantles make it most inviting and the house is supplied with all modern conviences in way of water, lights, etc. The Johnsons hope to take residence before Christmas. J. H. Rowland and C. H. Moore have moved their offices to the new building on Bradford Street recently erected by Mr. Rowland. The pretty bungalow now being built by Contractor Chester for cashier Daley, of the Exchange Bank will be completed in a couple of weeks. The stores are full of Christmas goods, and everything is beginning to assume a holiday appearance. There is not a town in Georgia the size of Wrightsville, that can claim any handsomer or more up-to-date stores. The charter for the Bank of Adrian has been granted by Hon. Phil Cook, Sec. of state. The new bank is now established, and begins business with very bright prospects. The officers and directors are experienced financiers. Contractor Chester has the contract for erecting the new bank building. Sun Brothers Shows will soon be here and will assemble its forces on the Luther Blount field. The show will arrive by special train via the W. & T. Railroad. Over 100 men, women and children performers take part in the show. The Cresent Concert Company, the third of the Lyceum Attractions will appear at the Vivola Opera House Dec. 4th. It is a first-class musical organization. Mr. H. M. Smith, brother-in-law of Col. A. L. Hatcher, is critically ill in Atlanta with no hope of recovery. He married his wife, Miss Sara Hatcher only one year ago. Mr. & Mrs. W. C. Tompkins were called to Tarrytown on account of the death of their sister-in-law, Mrs. Robt. Anderson. Ella Wood, a well known colored woman of the town, died suddenly at her home here. Creen Hayes, the former well-known colored plasterer and brick mason of Wrightsville, died at his home in the country from a stroke of parallysis. Lila, the 6 year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Herschel Hightower, died at her grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. J. T. Henderson. The little one was ill only a few days of congestion of the lungs. She was buried at Westview. Thomas Jefferson James, the man behind the beginning of the town of Adrian, died at a sanitarium in Atlanta at age 65. He was at one time a prominent resident of Atlanta, and one of the largest real estate holders in Georgia. He once had vast tracts of land in Jefferson, Emanuel, Laurens, Bibb, Johnson and Montgomery counties. He ran a sawmill business at Adrian and was a railroad magnate at one time. He was a well known Confederate soldier, seeing his first service at Gettysburg, captured at Spottsylvania and a prisioner at Elmira, New York for a year. Mr. John Hicks, of Thomas County spent the week with his brother H. P. Hicks and family. John had not been here in 14 years and was surprised at the growth of his home town. He left a small town and came back to a beautiful little city. Mr. & Mrs. C. H. Moore received a Thanksgiving present in the way of a fine son, Homer Moore, Jr. The cane grinding season is now on hand, and the young folks are enjoying their annual juice drinking. T. F. Brown of Donovan brought a fine bottle of syrup to town and it was all right. The hog-killing season is on now also. Mr. William G. Davis, a prominent and veteran farmer of the county brought a freak potato to town, in a class by itself owing to its shape. Aside from being mammoth in size, its shape was the leading feature, resembling very much in appearance to a squash or muskmelon. This potato was grown by Mr. Davis, who, though "eighty-odd years young". is still hale and hearty, and is as active on the farm as the next man.

From Days Gone By November 24, 1911

November 24, 1911. Yesterday morning in Dublin, City Court Sheriff, B. M. Grier arrested Doyle Welch who was charged with stealing a horse and buggy from Mr. Will Rayley in Wrightsville last Sunday night. The black man stole the horse and buggy and Mr. Grier was notified to watch out for him. At about 8 or 10 o'clock Welch drove into the stables of Dupree & Childers. Sheriff Grier was just across the street when Welch pulled up and he was arrested a few minutes after his arrival. Welch acknowledged that he took it and is now in jail. An erroneous impression is out that doves can be shot on Thanksgiving Day, according to President J. D. Taylor of the Game Association. This is not true. Deer, squirrel and migratory ducks are the only animals and game that can be shot on that day. Persons shooting doves or other game will be arrested. All persons in the woods with a gun Thanksgiving Day will be required to have a license which can be secured from Warden Walker. Persons hunting in their militia district do not require a license, but all others must have a county license. Next week, "The Arrival of Kitty" will be presented at the Vivola. But the biggest day of amusement in the history of Wrightsville will take place on December 2nd with a visit by the famous Sun Brothers' World's Progressive Shows. This popular tented exhibition now on its 20th annual tour. This seasons Big Top performance will eclipse all others. The Zoologic and Wild West display is a mamoth one. No fakirs, gamblers or purple attractions are ever countenanced about this show. It is the purest and cleanest conducted show ever organized. The suspension of school at Warthen College, does not often occur, but for several days during the late cold snap, the exercises were abbrieviated to some extent on account of the heating apparatus being out of order. There were about 20 teachers to attend the special examination held at the court house by county school superintendent A. J. M. Robinson and all passed and will receive thier license. W. P. Norris will take charge of the school at Arline's Chapel. Mrs. N. L. Thomas is up now from a broken limb several weeks ago. Tom Davis is on the road to recovery. Sarah Evelyn, the youngest daughter of Dr. & Mrs. Johnson has been sick the past week. Tanner & Kent's Furniture Emporium hosted a demonstration of "White Crest Flour". Hot cakes and biscuts made with this flour was served with hot coffee free of charge. The flour is sold at Hayes Brothers in Wrightsville. White Crest cookbooks were given as souvenirs. Mr. E, A. W. Johnson and family expect to move into thier handsome new home just before Christmas. The old residence which they now occupy has been rented to T. M. Jordan for next year. Miss Ruth Hall and Mr. John M. Meeks were happily married at the bride's parents home near Danville. Mr. Meeks is a highly esteemed young man of near Wrightsville. Miss Ruth is daughter of Mr. L. L. Hall of Wilkinson County. Mrs. Dicey Hall died at her home in the city after an illness covering several months. She is survived by one daughter and three sons, two of which are James and John Hall of Wrightsville. She was buried in the family graveyard near the Hall Plantation. Mr. A. J. Bush who died a few weeks back was born on Febuary 1st, 1852 and was married to Miss Sallie Ann Heath, daughter of William Henry Heath of Johnson County on October 26, 1876. He joined the baptist church at Bethlehem in Laurens County in 1874 and was baptized by Brother Turner Smith. He died on October 31, 1911 and was buried at Beulah Baptist Church near Donovan.

From Days Gone By Nov. 17, 1911

November 17, 1911. "Sew your buttons on tight, and go to the Vivola tonight, to the minstrel show." The Vivola Theatre is still very popular. Crowds of "grown ups", and little folks attend the moving pictures, which are exhibited every night. Many of these pictures are instructive, while others are in a lighter view. The pictures are all pleasing, and there is nothing in them to offend the feeling of the most fastidious. Coburn's Minstrels will be at the Vivola tonight. Charley Gano is the leading man, as a blackface artist, Mr. Gano is in a class to himself. In fact, the company is a combination of laugh-fetchers and fun-producers. Then on Saturday night the Vivola presents the Carlos Inkeep Attractions, offering that joyous, jolly, jingling, jollier, The Girl and The Tramp, The Laughing Comedy success with an excellent cast and a senic production. The colonial columns which adorn the front of E. A. W. Johnson's new home are the handsomest in the city. They are immense in proportion, and artistically finished. Contractor Chester is rushing the work, and expects to complete the residence within a few weeks. Mr. Johnson and family hope to take possesion of their beautiful new home in early January. Dr. E. W. Oliver of Tampa, Florida has accepted a position of prescription clerk with the Wrightsville Drug Company. Dr. Oliver is a Georgian and he graduated from the pharmacy school in Atlanta. Miss Brown of Marshall, Mo. who has been teaching voice at Sparks Collegiate Institute, is now in our city and has organized a vocal class, and will be in Wrightsville for several weeks. C. M. Schwals of Kite is now running a big department store at that place. Eugene Tanner, late with Cox & Tanner, is now with the Farmer's Merchantile Company as a salesman. Jas B. Hicks was appointed Judge of City Court of Dublin. Wrightsville continues to contribute her sons, to the citzenry and growth of her sister city, the "Gem of the Oconee!" The Post Office Department has established a postal savings system at the Wrightsville Post Office. The funeral of Mrs. Nancy Smith will be preached at Maple Springs. Mrs. M. D. Lanier of Waynesboro is visiting her sick daughter, Miss Clyde Lanier. Mrs. William Faircloth is with her mother, Mrs. Kennedy at Rawlings Sanitarium. Mr. Tom Davis, head salesman of the Empire Store has pneumonia. Mr. B. M. Dent, Sr., an aged and well known citizen of the county died at his home near here. He was 84 years old and survived by one brother, Mr. W. J. Dent, Sr. and neices and nephews. He was buried at the Dent burying grounds. Mr. Mellie Downs and Miss Bessie Kitchens were happily married at the bride's parents near Scott, Rev. J. R. Kelly officiating. Mr. Downs is a promising young man, a son of Mr. L. D. Downs. Last Saturday morning at the methodist church Miss Gertrude Williams and Mr. Creselle of Atlanta were married by Rev. W. L. Wright. The bride is a sister of Mrs. N. Braddy of Wrightsville. Miss Ruby Johnson and Mr. Roy Jackson, both of Lovett were married by Rev. Geo. H. Walker, pastor of the Brewton Methodist Church. The wedding came as quite a surprise to the friends of the young couple, as no announcement had been made. Mrs. Jackson is the daughter of the late Dr. P. M. Johnson and neice of Dr. S. M. and Mr. E.A.W. Johnson. She attended Warthen College and later Bessie Tift College at Forsyth.

From Days Gone By November 10, 1911

November 10, 1911. Wrightsville's newly elected mayor, Dr. T. L. Harris is one of Wrightsville's prominent physicians and enterprising citizens. Dr. Harris has been a resident of the city for a quarter of a century and has a natural interest in the town. The five aldermen, Messrs. Lord, Jordan, Cobb, Cook and Claxton are all safe men and their service will no doubt better the city of Wrightsville. It was not a large audience which greeted Coburn's Minstrels at the Vivola but it was an appreciative one. The Coburn Company presents an old-fashioned minstrel show. Mr. Coburn was unfortunate in being booked in with six shows which are coming this week, for his organization is one for which no apoligies have to be made. On last sunday night about six, the alarm of fire was given and upon investigation it proved to be at "The Oaks", the home of Mrs. V. B. Robinson on West Court Street. The roof of the kitchen caught fire from a defective flue and but for timely aid the pretty residence would have been destroyed. Mr. J. B. Long, a surburban farmer living on the southside of Wrightsville had his barn and contents destroyed by fire. He had $300 insurance. Hon. G. T. Mason was stricken with apoplexy last monday at the court house at Lyons. Mr. Mason was born and reared at the old family home at Mason's Bridge near Wrightsville. He was a man of integrity, noble character and his sudden death is morned by a wide circle of family and friends. He moved to Lyons ten years ago and at the time of his death was the Ordinary of Toombs County. He is survived by his wife and eight children, four sisters and four brothers: Mrs. Raiford Mason, Mrs. Moye, Mrs. W. H. Bland, Mrs. E. New, Dr. R. M. Mason, C. A. Mason, Dr. W. G. Mason and Jos M. Mason. Mrs. Elizabeth Trawick and Mrs. J. L. Kent went to Tennille to the funeral of their relative, Mr. Charlie Roberson. Mr. E. A. Lovett is confined to his room sick. Col. E. L. Stephens is ill with malarial fever. Mr. Don McColsky came over from Vidalia in his car accompanied by Mrs. J. W. A. Crawford and Miss Lucile Manning. Mr. J. W. A. Crawford recently moved his family to Vidalia to a newly built residence. He is employed there with the coffin manufacturing company. Mr. T. D. Holt and family have moved to the J. W. A. Crawford home on College Street. Jim Hawkins is now clerking at Cox & Tanners. Mr. L. A. Collins and family after a years residence here has moved to Sandersville. Mr. & Mrs. H. M. Smith of Atlanta are happy over the arrival of a little daughter this week. Mr. & Mrs. Ivey Tanner went to Davisboro to attend the funeral of the latters grandfather, Mr. J. T. Gross who was buried at New Hope church. Elders Lee Hanks and J. E. Townsend will preach at Price's Springs if the weather is suitable says Mr. D. J. Smith. At the home of Mr. W. D. Rowland, Mr. S. A. Attaway and Miss Annie Rowland were happily married by Rev. J. R. Kelley. Mr. Attaway is a young man of sterling ability, a prosperous farmer of Johnson County. The beautiful bride is a daughter of Mr. J. R. Rowland and a sister of Messrs. J. H. and W. D. Rowland. They together with Mr. E. J. Sumner and Miss Zaida Snell left in Mr. Summers car for Augusta and will visit relatives at Aiken and Chester, South Carolina. After a long illness, Mrs. Mary McWhorter Meeks, wife of Rev. D. L. Meeks passed away at her home near Wrightsville. She was survived by her husband and two sisters, Mrs. T. W. Kent and Mrs. Anna Shurling. Services were provided by Rev. Jordan Norris with interment at the family cemetery. On last Sunday, Mr. Volentine Stephens died at his home in Scott after being ill with pneumonia for several days. He was buried at Pullen's burying ground. He was a brother of Messrs. Isham, William and Henry Stephens of near Kite and an uncle of Rosier Stephens of Wrightsville. After an illness of weeks with gripp, Mrs. Eliza Crawford died October 26th at the home of her son, Mr. J. M. Crawford near Wrightsville and buried at the Crawford cemetery. She was 88 years old and a member of the methodist church. She was totally blind and one of the oldest residents of Johnson County.