FROM DAYS GONE BY September 5, 1919

September 5, 1919.

Wrightsville merchants are not down-hearted yet on account of the much talked about hard times and have been receiving a fair trade all the while and now that the cotton crop, though off considerably, is being harvested and sold and fall business looks good. It is said here people have money to bank. There was more on deposit in the banks of this county at the last call of the banking department of the state than ever before, which will assist people greatly in paying off their debts and buying their fall and winter merchandise.
It is surprising at the increase in real estate values during the last 12 months. They have gone up one-third to a half. Several things have caused this change. Lumber and materials are high, there is a scarcity of homes and even vacant lots, and there is steady demand for homes. Business houses are also more costly now than ever before since Wrightsville was built and rents are going up. Every available office and store room in the city is occupied and there is demand for more.
L. R. Tillman, the state field rep of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce has been in Wrightsville organizing the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce. Since the legislation passed over 50 counties in the state have them. He points out that the future prosperity of the people depend on education, transportation, production, roads, rates and credit. Nineteen have already signed for membership.
A very serious auto accident occurred at the town of Lovett as two cars collided just south of the bank building. A Wrightsville auto enroute to Dublin carrying Mr. & Mrs. Ray Barnes, Mr. Lee Barnes and his two children Ora Lee and G. W., and Mr. W. H. Mixon, were struck by the auto of Mr. Tom Bray of Lovett. Bray hit Barnes turning Barnes' auto over and pinning the occupants under it. Several people lifted the Ford from the five occupants who all escaped serious injury. Another accident occurred in front of the Lovett Garage as Mr. Henry T. Downs was on the curb doing repairs on the Ford when another Ford driven by Miss Melrose Jordan, for some unknown reason, ran right into Downs who was injured. Also a Miss Page, riding with Jordan was also injured. It was miraculous no injuries were serious.
Mr. J. Frank Jackson gave up the management of the Vivola Theatre and its owner, Mr. E. A. W. Johnson passed the management over to Mr. Millard Daley. Mr. Ray Tanner has purchased the Ice Cream Parlor from Mr. J. F. Henderson. Ordinary Wiggins has put the finishing touches around the square and the court yard.
Another aged citizen and veteran of the Civil War, Mr. J. P. D. Oliver, passed Saturday after suffering two strokes. He was 74 and was married in 1866 to Mrs. Malissa Mayo, nee Walker. They had five children all living, Enoch, Elton and Arthur Oliver, Mrs. W. J. Dent and Mrs. C. S. Tapley, and one sister Lizzie Martin. He was a member of the 12th Ga. Battalion, Co. E. He was a member of the Christian church and was buried at Westview.
The colored people of the county are going to have a big day on September 8th for all the colored soldiers from the late war. They extended a welcome to all white people who want to attend. John Wesley Aiken drew a big fine from Judge Blount for pleading guilty for carrying a concealed pistol. A fine of $125 or 12 months in jail. Another case against him for carrying a machine gun without a license was nollied. Aiken paid his fine.
Cotton picking and boll weevils are on the boom in the county, but cotton buyers are busy in Wrightsville, Adrian, Scott, Spann, Donovan, Kite and Meeks. The buyers are paying the highest market prices and nearly all that comes in is being sold. Mr. J. F. Henderson has been appointed a delegate to the American Cotton Association which meets later this month in New Orleans.