From Days Gone By May 26, 1917

May 26, 1917.

    The season at Idylwild has opened in full blast and swing and every two or three days now manager H. B. Sanders has a big crowd of joy makers down there. Eastman came Saturday for a picnic and the W. & T. brought seven carloads over for the big day. On Sunday, Dublin comes in for another picnic.

    Warthen College held their graduation with Misses Maxie Vanlandingham, Kate Walker and Araminta Whitehurst receiving diplomas. Wrightsville is organizing a Glee Club. Twenty-two have already made a commitment.

    Mr. E. A. W. Johnson is hurrying on the work of putting in the six new stores on the corner front of the post office. Three stores will face Lovett Hotel and three on College street. The foundation has been dug out and the brick work will be hurried as fast as possible.

    The W. & T. Railroad is interested in building potato warehouses at every main station on the line. Mr. Joe H. Rowland already has three buildings similar that could be converted into warehouses, and he is interested in the prospect. The idea is a warehouse operated kinda like a cotton warehouse where the potatoes can be cured and saved from rottening. Its estimated now that 56 percent of all the potatoes rot. Where warehouses are used that number is reduced to 1 percent.

    After the potatoes have been sorted and packed in crates, a bushel to a crate, with no tops. For the first ten days a fire is kept burning in a couple of small stoves in the building day and night to cure them. After this the fires are needed no more. When crates are shipped to market the potatoes inside are inspected, decayed ones removed and the tops nailed on. Then they are held until the market is ready for them to be shipped or sold, with buyers on hand.

    Sheriff Willis D. Rowland called a mass meeting at the courthouse to appoint registrars for each district and all males to learn the particulars for registration for the draft. The Registrars are: 1201st, Wrightsville- R. L. Kent, J. E. Brantley, R. B. Bryan, B. R. Spell; 1203rd, Ivey's- J. S. Wheeler, S. M. Price; 1326,Powells- T. J. Williams, A. E. Powell; 55th, Kite- C. L. Claxton, J. C. Harrison; 56th, Pullens- M. T. Riner, H. G. Tyson; 1746, Adrian- W. F. Kea, J. Brown Hutchinson; 1266th, Smith-S. P. Rice, J. W. Sumner; 1405th, Spann- W. D. Sumner, E. W. Carter; 1301st, Brays- Luther Lillard, N. T. Bray; 1202nd, Ring Jaw- W. C. Brantley, O. V. Martin.

    Capt. W. Z. Kemp finished the road to Spann and the county line this side of Lovett. This gives a good road now to Dublin, all but 250 yards that's in very bad condition. The reason it hasn't been fixed is some misunderstanding between Laurens and Johnson on where the line is, both countys claim its the others. Johnson says the state established the line when it was surveyed after a certain murder had been committed near the divide. It looks as if Laurens will have to fix the road. Washington County's side of the Tennille road is right at impassable. There are holes in many places axle deep.

    Mr. Wyly Blankenship is improving from his accidental gunshot wound. At the time of the incident a colored man happened to be passing and rushed to his assistance. If not for this he would have surly died from loss of blood. It was impossible to save his hand and Drs Johnson and Brantley amputated just below the elbow. In Adrian Mr. Arch Smith was cranking his ford when it kicked back breaking both bones in his right arm.

    Miss Frances Neal Wooten and Mr. Millard Daley were married on May 22nd. He is a son of Mrs. A. F. Daley. In Tom, Mr. M. B. Watkins has completed his blacksmith shop.

From Days Gone By, May 19, 1916, 1917

May 19, 1916, 1917.

    1916- Warthen College closes another successful year. She should get what she has, viz, a support from her natural territory which rightfully belongs to her. The school should draw patronage from the pupil body who go off to other places with no better advantages than she has. A number of boarding pupils can be accommodated, can be taught and educated as thoroughly and efficiently as at any school in Georgia in its class, and the cost is no greater.

    Last Thursday night a party of young folks enjoyed a moonlight picnic at Idylwild. During the evening a stringed orchestra furnished music. Skating and games were enjoyed after which a sumptuous repast was served. Mr. & Mrs. R. L. Stephens, Mr. & Mrs. H. G. Hatcher, and Mrs. Richard Lovett chaperoned.

    Mr. Otis O. Snell filed for bankruptcy. In a commitment trial at Lyons, W. A. Mimbs was cleared by Justice Clifton on the charge of being connected with the killing of a Negro in Toombs County last week. Judge Faircloth defended Mimbs. Governor N. E. Harris issued a proclaimation offering a $250 reward for evidence to convict the unknown party that burned the Vivola building.

    Warthen College defeated Wadley High School at the Idylwild diamond by a score of 9 to 8. The score was 8 to 7 in Wadley's favor until the last half of the 9th inning, after two men were out. These two teams have played each other 7 games this season with Warthen winning 4 of them.

    1917- Eight Negroes made up a party of gamblers at the house of Lige Sullivan near Mr. J. K. McAfee's home Sunday night and arousing evening of fun and gain were before them when, to their sorrow and unexpectedly, up crept six eager eyes who dealt the game a disastrous blow in the head by capturing every one participating. They had barely got good into the game when Sheriff W. D. Rowland, Deputy Jim Tapely and night marshal Morgan flushed the crowd and arrested entire "shebang" and lodged them in jail. The Negroes have made up a little song while awaiting trial. The first "spasm" goes like this, "Every time we start to have a little fun, Up comes Rowland or Tapley one." Officers are making an effort to break up all this gambling and two big games have been busted so far.

    The engagement was announced of Agnes Gertrude Hogan to Remus T. Vestus Schwalls, son of Mr. C. M. Schwalls of Kite. Claude Tompkins came home from the hospital after healing injuries from the auto-train wreck. Mr. Wylie Blankenship was going fishing and had his gun and some way stumbled. Both barrels discharged going through his left wrist almost severing the hand and it may not can be saved.

    Sheriff Rowland received the blank cards for the registration of all males from 21 to 30 regardless of race. This is the first move in the conscription bill. Where 9,000,000,000 were sent out from which an army of a million men will be selected at once. Georgia is expected to furnish 255,400 men. Arthur Rowland oldest son of Mr. & Mrs. Joe H. Rowland and Mr. Homer H. Holt left Sunday to join the colors.

    War taxes are going to bear down heavily on us. Everything from a pin to a steam engine seems to be in the plan. Going to have to cut a lot of pleasures and stick to raising it all at home. Did your mother raise you to be a producer, fighter or slacker? We don't need any of the latter. The conscription bill is the best vagrancy law that has ever been passed.

From Days Gone By May 12, 1916, 1917

May 12, 1916, 1917.

    1916- Idylwild is one of the most popular pleasure resorts in Georgia as evidenced by the number of picnics that have recently come here. Eastman, Tennille, Dublin Methodist along with the Presbyterian and First Baptist have had picnics and many more are scheduled. Idylwild, in nature's richest grandeur dressed, enameled with the loveliest dyes, presents itself a most beautiful location for the enjoyment, past-time, merriment and frolic of the most exacting time.

    Warthen College held its annual picnic for the enjoyment of teachers, pupils, patrons and friends. Every department of the city, county and business turned out. They enjoyed skating, swimming, and the Wrightsville Second Nine defeated a team of boys from Dublin in a ball game by a score of 12 to 6. Later in the afternoon Wrightsville and Wrens played with the hometeam winning 3 to 2 in 11 innings.

    Last Saturday Mr. W. A. Haines had a near fatal accident on his way to Piney Mount when his mule became frightened, running away. Mr. Haines was thrown out and the wagon running over his head inflicting a painful wound. M. & Mrs. M. Wynne of Eastman announced the marriage of their niece, Miss Lucile Meadows, to Mr. Oswald H. Tompkins of Wrightsville. They will be married in June.

    Wednesday morning the beautiful home of Dr. & Mrs. T. L. Harris, Wrightsville's mayor, on North Marcus street was destroyed by fire along with his smokehouse, barns, outhouses and fences. The firemen saved the hogs and the buggy from the barn, but due to low water pressure from the main waterline, which was under construction, prevented enough water pressure to stop the raging fires.

    In superior court, Judge Kent granted Ed Montford a change of venue from Laurens to Johnson and fixed the trial date to the 3rd Monday in June for the famous murder case. Montford's attorneys wanted a change because the case had already been traversed twice and probably every person in Laurens County has formed an opinion therefore he not getting a fair trial. On September 14, 1914, Herchel Beachen was killed and his body thrown into the Oconee river at the boat landing above Blackshear's Ferry. Montford was accused, arrested, and has had two trials. The first a mistrial. He was found guilty at the second trial and given a life sentence. His appeal for a new trial brought about his change of venue.

   1917- Work of removing the insides and dirt of the old stables where Linder has done business for many years is underway and work is starting on the six new brick stores by Mr. E. A. W. Johnson. They will be 60 feet long and 18 to 24 feet wide. Three will face Marcus and the other three facing College. The Rowland Lumber Company is furnishing the materials to build.

    A Macon bound Macon, Dublin & Savannah (M. D. & S.) passenger train crashed headlong into Mr. Emmett Butterly at a dangerous crossing 10 miles this side of Macon. Occupants of his new car were Dr. Butterly, Mrs. Mary Butterly, Claude Tompkins, James Roy Rowland and a son of Joe H. Rowland. The crash injured them all and Mrs. Butterly is not expected to survive as she was ejected through the windshield.

    The long awaited picture "Birth of a Nation" is coming to the theatre in Swainsboro for two evening and two afternoon showings. The price is 50 cents per seat and is expected to sell out every showing.

From Days Gone By May 5, 1917

May 5, 1917.

    Johnson County farmers are taking much care just now to see that their crops are full of a prospect for more food plants. Stirred by the high prices of every commodity that they have to buy from the stores they have begun to wake up to the alarming condition that confronts them. There are more gardens planted in this county this year than ever before and are being looked after like a fondling mother watches over her first born. Most farmers are raising a pig or two extra and keeping what they had for sale for the rainy days that must come if this country is engaged in war 2 or 3 years.

    They realize that biscuits are scarce now and that the time is coming that only the very wealthy can eat them at all if they have to buy them. Civil War times may return and they are taking time by the forclock to raise something to eat. Cotton has been plowed up to plant something to eat. Corn is selling for $2 per bushel and may go to 3 or 5 before the war is over. There is not much to a proposition of selling hogs for 8 cents a pound and then having to buy it back at 20 to 25 cents later.

    John H. Howard of the recruiting office in Dublin urges men to volunteer and not wait for conscription. The war department has notified this office that 30 men are wanted for the regular army from Johnson County at once. They want men who have a knowledge of gas engines, motors or who are mechanics for the aviation corps and also telephone and telegraph men, clerks and photographers. They will be released at the end of the war if they so desire. If you are conscripted you may not get this luxury.

    The Woodmen of the World issued a notice from Omaha, Nebraska that any member of this fraternal order will not lose their benefits by volunteering or being drafted into this war. All benefits will stand for them and their families who go to the front in defense of our flag and the United States. Other insurance  companys may have emergency clauses but the Woodmen will live up to its reputation as a national protector of the home and thereby lend the greatest aid to our country.

    In many Georgia districts those congressmen who have not been behind President Wilson in his efforts to enact conscription have gotten into a bad limelight with their constituents.

    The 98th anniversary of the Order of Oddfellows all over the country and the local order celebrated at Downs Mill Pond. The owners of the Downs Mill Pond are planning to make the lakeside a resort. They plan to place motor boats on the pond, one now being run. A route will be opened and clearing of all stumps and limbs giving those loving the sport an ideal boat ride.

    The stores and stables under course of construction by E. A. & W. H. Lovett are fast going up and will be rushed to completion as fast as material can be obtained. Judge J. C. Wiggins and Captain Kemp have worked out through town the main streets and put them in first class shape. They are now moving across the Ohoopee towards Adrian to work that road.

    The fellow who spends most of his time chewing "Brown's Mule" and cussing the government is up against it now for something to do. Chawin' has gone up and its against the law to cuss the government in time of war. About the best thing for him to do under the circumstances is to grab a hoe and get busy in growing something to eat.

From Days Gone by April 28, 1916, 17

April 28, 1916, 17.

    1916- Prosperity hovers around our thriving little town. Wrightsville might not be styled a little city, for it has more people living within its boarders than several neighboring county seats, and too, more businesses doing more business than them. Our banks point a finger to this fact. People are putting their own money in Wrightsville real estate and erecting with their own means handsome homes and modern businesses.

    Mr. T. L. Martin just completed a handsome home on Elm Street just across from the Baptist church. Mr. Frank A. Sinquefield is preparing to erect a bungalow on the west end of Elm Street. Mr. H. G. Hatcher is putting the finishing touches on his bungalow on Court Street. Mr. J. H. Rowland is putting up a wooden blacksmith and general repair shop near the light plant to be occupied by Mr. Frank Outlaw. Work on clearing up the debris of the burned stores to prepare for new ones is ongoing.

    The race for County Treasurer is really heating up with a crowded field of candidates. So far those in the race are: Gordon Wheeler, L. J. Claxton, W. T. Harrison, Sr., James W. Carter, H. H. Caneega, Joby Jones, C. C. Pope, J. W. Price, Joseph M. Smith, J. E. Beasley, J. H. Hutcheson and Milledge Meeks.

    Due to the massive fires the city council moved into the Lovett building just over the Headlight office and Dr. Archer has purchased property from Dr. J. W. Brinson to build a new dentist office.

    Idylwild, the far-famed picnic grounds has undergone renovations. The W. & T. had hands cleaning the grounds repairing pavilions and cleaning out the pool. Herbert Sanders will be in charge again. Wadley defeated Warthen College 10 to 9 in baseball.

    In Kite, J. M. Neal has rebuilt his brick building that was destroyed by fire last summer. M. J. Claxton Hardware Co. have installed a gasoline tank in front of their store. Dr. D. C. Harrison is making improvements to his dwelling.

    Georgia is about to go dry as Prohibition is about to pass. Our sheriff believes in it and this law enables officers go to the limit in breaking up blind tigers and illicit handling of whiskey. Prohibition is not a new thing in Johnson County which has the unique record of being the first county in the state to go dry. Over 30 years ago Major Hicks in the legislature enacted a dry bill wiping out the sale of liquor through an assessment of a $100,000 tax. Of course nobody paid it and the county went dry, so the new law hasn't got anything on Johnson County.

   1917- Down at McRae Prof. Reaves who was charged with killing Alphonso Woods, Wrightsville native, was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years in the pen. Dr. J. Gordon Brantley and Dr. T. E. Vickers attended the Medical Association of Georgia in Augusta. There were over 300 physicians present. Mr. & Mrs. H. C. Tompkins were in Augusta looking after the automobile business he's engaged in, having the local agency for the Studebaker car.

    From darktown Monday morning came a number of cases, funny ones, too, for there was a Duke's mixture on the docket and Chief Jackson and policeman Dent had rounded up a bunch of offenders of a certain section of the city code. Fines run high and the total amount brought in was well worth the time of his honor. Along with the petty offences committed and the offenders captured was one liquor case, the owner being in possession of a gallon, for which he was bonded out.

    Hon. W. N. Kight of Kite was stricken with paralysis last Wednesday and has been in bed very ill since. Miss Ethel Reese became the bride of Mr. J. G. Ivey at Moores Chapel Sunday afternoon. Anglers have been busy for the past two weeks and many have been catches. Parties have fished in every stream in the county and many have gone to other attractive places.