Fred t morgan scrapbook 04 001

I

/w

i»«ai

vs.;'

m

m

ip *«tf^

•

Classroom Shortage At New London I Already Acute; Bond Money Needed There will be 42 juniors <

By FRED T. MORGAN ing in.

New London • school finds itself The fact that 61 students in the same boat with the rest ished the eighth grade this of the Stanly county public year indicates what large cla schools. A drastic shortage of are in store for the high sc| class room space exists. ; department.

How can this shortage of space At least 65 to 70 -first-gra be overcome? Erecting a new 1 are expected to come into ', building, or buildings, appears to | London school when it ol be about the only solution.

How soon will the buildings be . again.

The trend at New Londpj erected?

That depends largely on the i identical with communities outcome of the y approaching over the country — larger county school bond election. If larger classes coming intl the bond issue is approved, then [school that is not keeping

By FRED T. MORGAN it will open up a broad avenue ' in growth.into the eighth grade when the county schools. They lack This year saw Principal j to ,the necessary money to fischool starts again. very little in the way of equip Take a look at the crowded nance the needed improvements Turner hard put to find s This year saw the class room ment. situation a t Norwood school, the space and facilities sorely taxed. a t New London as well as the I for the growing student bod It would be bad practice and A lot of improvisions largest school in the Stanly pub- All available space was put into an Injustice to use these depart-, other county schools. If the islic school system. sue fails, then it goes without made last year and more use. ments for regular class room At the close of the school year saying that New London and the have to b e made again d "The class room space prob- work. Such usage is frowned upjust ended, there were 28 grad- lem has been growing acute for on by the state board of educaother schools will suffer greatly the next school term. uates. from inadequacies. some time," Principal B. G. Short tion. In the first place, the deLibrary Room This is not a large graduating said, "but this year I have placed partments were not intended for New London school had a toFor instance, the library ii class for a county school, that's heavy emphasis on the need for home room or regular class room tal membership of 634 at the end ! elementary building is true. more class rooms. The situation work, but for specialized work of the last school year. housed in an old. narrow, j But next year's senior class here at Norwood schools is crit- and this is the only function sort of room on the second High 'School Growing will number 40. ical in regard to class room they can legitimately fulfill.

Twenty students were graduat- I You have to go up steps t<j The coming junior class wiU space and when school starts Already plans are in the makin it.

There is not suffil ed from high school this year. have 56'Students. again I know that this lack of ing by Mr. Short to use the liThere are 34 students enrolled j room for comfort when And to top it all off, there are space will be more acutely felt brary as a home room for one for the senior class when school than a few students get in .

79 students scheduled to- come and it may create hardships on class next term. He doesn't like room at once. The room has! begins again. the students." it. But when you don't have the I three windows, none of i\ [outside windows, and ventilation Elementary Buildings Adequate goods to work with you just have is very, very poor. To say the The two elementary buildings to improvise. least, the room, for library use Also, he plans to do some at Norwood school are reasonI or for any other use where a ably adequate except for rewir- other switching to provide more i number of students are concernclass room space. He plans to ing and better lighting. ed, is most discouraging.

And the new high school build- do away with the teachers and The library was moved here to ing, completed about three years students lounge in the high I this attic recluse so that the forago, is in excellent condition. school building, move his offiq i mer library room could be used Its facilities and equipment are there, bring the 20 typewriter as a class room. fn very good condition. There is and tables into his old office, an o fault found with the build- use the old typing room for anThe same thing is true of the other class room. ng itself. typing room of the school. The Just plain lack of space is the | approximately 14 typewriters and This may work and lt may n o l oot of the problem at Norwood, His present office looks r a t h e i I tables had ta be moved into "oth buildings are filled. How small to comfortably accommowhat had previously been used ill the increasing number of date 20 typing students. as the first aid room. There Is tudents be cared for?

But this is better than sacriflc | hardly room for the students to This past school year, one i n g - t h e science or home eco<* get between the tables'let alone ighth grade class was housed nomics departments for home pursue the work with any sense n the new high school building. room usage. of comfort. ~ut due to the increased high Why did the typing departShop Inadequate ^^^ school enrolment scheduled for I ment have to be moved into The shop at Norwood school Is ext year, it will not be possible these cramped quarters?

To to keep the eighth grade class very inadequately housed. It is make way for another class oom in the high school build- in charge of B. J. Nix, agriculroom. ing when school starts. It will ture teacher at Norwood, and is Basement Class Room " ave to go back to one of the used a good deal by farmers and What was a utility storagf wo elementary buildings. But young men of the community in room in the basement of the elef lall the elementary class rooms building things for the farm and mentary building is now a firs! are already utilized. So where home. Machinery and tools of grade class room. The room will the extra eighth grade class the shop are in "apple pie" orlooks fairly comfortable, but the der, but as for elbow room and las a home room which is cohgo? ceiling is extremely low and storage space for materials, the (trary to recommended usage. plumbing protrudes at various Mr. Short sees no alternative old dilapidated frame dwelling Entitled to Gain Teacher points. Not much outside light but to partition the elementary which houses the shop just Present enrolment figures engets into the room. school library and use over one- doesnt provide it. A new shop title New London school to one half of its space for the extra is included in the list of tentaThis year, the high school sci- 1 additional high school teacher,' class. And this will reduce the tive -improvements for Norwood ence laboratory had to be used ! according to Mr. Turner. But the space to not much more school pending the outcome of j problem is—where to put this | library than pantry size. the county school bond election. : extra class if the teacher is alHigh School Building Another thing needed at Norlotted?

-,*rv The three-year-old high school wood is a heating system for the Mr. Turner sees only two addition to the Norwood school school gym. It also needs incourses. Either put the extra plant houses the school cafeteria, sulation, rewiring, better lights, ] class in the school auditorium the home economics department, and hot and cold shower facilior in the school gym. Either the science laboratory, the typ- ties. i place would be unsatisfactory ing or business department, the While the main auditorium at ' a n d highly underslrable. But agriculture department, and the j other space has run out. There high school library, in addition the school is not large enough to accommodate the entire stuis nothing else to do. to class rooms, office space, storAnother building in deplorable age, and a lounge. The science dent body at once, it can be tolcondition at New London school and home economics department erated. Chapel programs for the is the small frame structure that at Norwood school, as well as high school and elementary stuhouses the shop. The 'tools and the agriculture department, are dents are alternated. T h e audimachinery in the shop are in far better equipped than most of torium and the balcony will not provide seating space for t h e good condition but the shop ithigh school students plus the self is wholly inadequate. fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth Both school buildings need regrades alone. wiring and better lighting.

On the second floor of the ele-1 Auditorium Seats mentary building are dimly-lit' It Is rather disconcerting a t and winding passageways that commencement time to see pargive one the feeling of entering ents and visitors unable to find a murky, gloomy, old castle. a place to sit, according to Mr. As for property, the school Short owns approximately 18 acres However, lack of sufficient and has a wide, level field for seats in the auditorium is n o t | t h e children to utilize in playing: the vital thing. The auditorium ball and other activities. la used for assemblies and not The school gym is likewise satgenerally for teaching purposes. isfactory. It has automatic heat '• Like almost every other pubi and there is no major complaint j lic school in the land, Norwood j with this phase of the school needs mote class room space. plant.

That is the vital thing.

"The most pressing need at "We expect 100 boys and girls New London school at the presto enter the first grade here at lent," Mr. Turner said, "Is for Norwood school next term," Mr. 1 more class rooms. Of course, Short said. "What's going to j along with them, we can always happen when such classes as I use modern educational aids and that get into high school unless I facilities." some provision is made for them?"

New London is scheduled to j benefit from the proposed county Following are four major I m I school bond issue in the followprovements t h a t • have been ing way: promised for Norwood school providing the county school bond 1. Seven primary class rooms passes: and cafeteria. i 2. Rewire old building.

1. Heat In gym and rewiring. f 3. Furniture for cafeteria.

• 2. Rewire two elementary 3. Shop. buildings.

3. New shop.

These improvements are listed 4. Four new. class room addias costing a total of $165,000, tions to high school building.

These improvements will cost an estimated total of $95,000.

Norwood School Is Crowded; More Classroom Space Is Needed There

I

Safety Of Children Is Paramount Need At Oakboro School Building

By FRED T. MORGAN Picture a big, spacious auditorium with • 16 class rooms, library, first aid, music, storage, shop, boiler, and other rooms scattered helter-skelter around it and you have an idea of what the elementary building at Oakboro school looks like.

That's about what it amounts to—an auditorium with a building thrown up around it.

One of the principal objections to the building, which was erected in 1926, arises from the safe-

ty standpoint. Conditions existing in the building create definite hazards for the children.

The entrances and outlets to the building are much too narrow for comfort and would create a very congested condition in case an emergency should arise in which it would become necessary for the students to leave the building in a hurry.

In front, the main entrance to the building is not wide enough for more than two students. to walk through side by side.

ceptacle, which may be far upi the hall. ' , Now let's look at the basement.

The basement once housed classrooms but they were removed when' the new high school building was erected in 1936.

Now it houses the shop of the school. The shop at Oakboro school is one of the best equipped in the state. It had the distinction at one time of having one of the largest enrollments of veteran trainees in North Carolina. Its equipment and facilities are in tip top condition and nothing is lacking in the way of tools.

Rear Outlet!

There are two outlets in the rear, one on either side of the big auditorium. The halls approaching the rear outlets begin at a reasonable width but narrow off to not more than five feet at the door. Imagine several hundred students converging on the door at once.

And after they get through the Under Classrooms door, there is yet a flight of The aggravation here is that steps to descend before reaching the shop is located directly under the ground. classrooms and the stage of the Class rooms are located on auditorium. Needless to say, either side of the auditorium noise from the shop, especially with doors to the rooms opening when the bench saws, plainers, into the auditorium. and other noise-making maThe auditorium has a balcony chines are in operation, is not but it has been condemned as conducive to ideal classroom atunsafe and has not been used mosphere. Attempts are made to stagger the use of the shop for some time.

So much for the first floor of and auditorium but it never works out satisfactorily. Overthe building.

On the second floor a still head, the shop is unceiled and more appalling situation exists there is little to obstruct the in regard to evacuation of the noise from penetrating the classbuilding in case of emergency. rooms above.

At the rear of the second floor On the other side of the baseare two extremely narrow flights ment is another real and alarmof old wooden stairs leading ing hazard the form of the down to the first floor landing. boiler room. inHere Is where the Approaching these stairs from mentioned earlier the top, one passes a point so emergency narrow that there is only a few might arise. inches to spare on either side There are absolutely no insulation or fire walls to isolate the of his shoulders. from the other part of the At the top of the stairs, an- boiler Directly over the boilother corridor leads to the fire building. itself are blackened and sooty escape at the rear. This set of er rafters. On the rafters is the metal outside stairs looks rather sub-floor and in cracks of the unsubstantial. A bannister rail- sub-floor can be seen the actual ing is loose at one point'where floor of the classroom over the it ties into the side of the build- boiler. Were the boiler to exing. Elementary-age children plode—and it has given trouble would not be inclined to use this —chances are that the class means of leaving the building room of children above would unless under a lot of persuasion. be obliterated.

Almost a Puzzle The boiler situation has long Descending from the second been recognized as unsafe* and floor at the front of the building has been tne object of many unmeans that the student almost favorable reports by state inhas to work a puzzle each time spectors. Yet, it still exists,he goes down, so involved is the arrangement of the exit. He has to leave his room, turn, go down a corridor, turn, go down the winding steps, turn twice more, then he faces the narrow passageway leading to the front entrance. A rush of * students from both floors would jam the entrance and practically seal off this means of leaving the building.

Fire towers have been suggested for the rear of the building. They would extend out beyond the building and provide fireproof stairs for descending to the ground.

State inspectors have called for the elimination of the narrow entrances in the building.

In fact, they have advised the elimination of the entire building.

Class rooms in the building are poorly lighted. Two lone bulbs hang from a high ceiling in each room. The library is more fortunate. Modern fluorescent lights were installed there by local school funds.

Electrical outlets cannot be i found in any of the classrooms. fl This means that the audio-visual J aids and other appliances canI not be used without running | drop cords from. the nearest re-

6-A

â&#x20AC;˘

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE. N. C, FRIDAY. JUNE I L 1954

Approval Of Bond Issue Needed To Finance Aquadale Facilities Aquadale school is one school amount to only a few unimpor- contain comfortable and modern I furnishings. Some of the higher ;in the Stanly county public t a n t vials and containers. elementary classrooms however, Meagerly Equipped [school system that finds itself Aquadale school patrons are contain desks that are an insult in an uncompromising predica.wondering if there are any sci- to a classroom. Many of the ment.

The school has many grave and ence and home economics depart- rooms in the elementary building j pressing needs, particularly in ments ln other county school that have furnishings that are in sadthe high school department. are so meagerly equipped. They ly deplorable condition. want to know how high school The school P-TA, organized They are desperate needs. students can be taught science about three years ago, has workIt is imperative that these and home economics without fa- I ed to bring about many improveneeds be met. They must be cilities for teaching these sub- I ments in the school. It has been met soon. jects. They want to know how especially active this year under As one concerned parent put it long the school must tolerate the leadership of its president, recently: "We've got to build up these inadequacies. jArlie Faulkner. T h e P-TA group jour school and build it up fast Why can't these departments has worked in complete unity1 if our children are' to be ade- be equipped? There is rtot enough this year with the principal, V. F. quately taken care of." money left in the budget to ap- Hortort, the members of the facBefore stating these needs of propriate for this purpose after ulty, the school district committhe school, it would be in order money for other school improve- tee, of which A. D. Poplin is j to remark how they can be met ments in the county system has chairman, and the parents of and how they cannot be met. been allocated.

Ithe school district. This school The school leaders and P-TA In addition to the lack of sci- [T-TA group is certainly not a so-1 members have already thrashed ence and home economics equip- cial organization but a working | the matter out with the county ment, Aquadale school has no organization which has as its sole : board of education. They know cafeteria, no agriculture depart- interest the education and wel-1 WHERE'S THE FURNISHINGS AND EQUIPMENT? where they stand. ment, no shop, and no baseball fare of the children of the Aqua- !

It boils down to this: The nec- field. Additional ground will I dale school district.

There aren't any. Patrons of Aquadale school are wondering when the large and bare home essary improvements at Aqua- have to be purchased in order to At all times the school P-TA economics room, above, is going to be equipped. It has been vacant of home economics eauin dale school can be met quite construct a baseball field and the has worked harmoniously with ment ever since the new addition to the Aquadale school plant wasi completed and out into satisfactorily with the money school hopes to accomplish this the county school superintendent use almost two years ago. The same is true of the science department of the school Hilrh that would be made available ! and the board of education, seek-1 school students are anxious to rtake this- training but it cannot be effectively taught without th* â&#x20AC;˘ by the proposed county school soon. | ing advice on projects before | proper facilities and equipment. The county board of education has promised to place ennin The thing that worked a terbond issue. Without the bond I they were undertaken. ment in these two departments unless the proposed county school bond passes, the equip" rific hardship on Aquadale money, county school authorities During the past year, the ment may be a long time in coming. school aside from the increased ffiffii-Staff Photo. have said that they see no way in the grammar school and the P-TA has succeed- i possible to provide these im- enrolment I j ed in purchasing' $1,000 worth provements out of the regular grades, was the large number of of new Library books, 12 new to enrolment, the school leaders new students coming to Aquaat Aquadale feel that these imj county school appropriations. dale this year from East Albe- | Royal typewriters, two electric provements should not be long Enrolment To Double marle, Central, and Albemarle [water coolers for the school. In I in coming.

In four years, or less, the high high. Prior to last year, the [all, the school and the P-TA has! They understand the position school enrolment at Aquadale Aquadale school district had ex- I raised approximately $3,500 and jof the county board of education will be doubled. And the new tended to a point about five miles used that amount in buying I which says it is doing the best high school building had about north of Aquadale. All t h e stu- equipment for the school. All it can with existing funds. reached its student capacity dur- dents between that point and the families in the school district L Still, the school is approaching the school year just ended. Albemarle city limits had been J were contacted in this drive to j ing a serious crisis and the During the 1952-53 school year, going to the city schools. After raise funds and the response was ! school leaders are pinning all there were 13 graduates and 42 the East Albemarle school was very encouraging. their hopes on the outcome of the I The P-TA group also salutes coming county school bond issue. new first grade pupils: This taken into (the city system and school year, there were 17 grad- county students banned from city its hard-working principal, Mr. | If the bond issue passes, then the ! uates and approximately 71 new schools, this necessitated that Horton, who has taught classes school will get its improvements first grade pupils. New* students many of the children living south during the past school year in relatively soon and in time to have been coming into the school of Albemarle go to Aquadale j order to give more diversification prevent any hardships among in large numbers for some time school. Others started going to ;to the school cirriculum. This] the growing student body. required him to handle his paand the trend is expected to con- Norwood school.

If the bond issue fails, then I per work and records after school the chances of avoiding a serious tinue. School patrons can see Taxed Facilities their high school building literalThis extra load of approximate- hours. calamity at this school are slim ly bursting at the seams in the ly 100 students hit Aquadale The organization has proven in the eyes of the parenta who very near future unless more school at the beginning of the | that it is willing and ready to are concerned over the situation. classroom space , is provided. school year -just ended and sorely work and fight for the needed at Aquadale While more space is of para- taxed the facilities of t h e school. improvements mount importance, facilities and The demands made upon the school and it expects the county equipment for the existing class- school could not be adequately school board to cooperate. - ' Aquadale school needs equip- I met. Class rooms overflowed rooms are just as pressing.

The school has a large home and there were not enough desks ment for its science and home I economics . department, but the and chairs to go around. Stu- economics departments, a n agri-1 room is bare of furnishings and dents had to use, and are still culture department, a shop, a I equipment. None are in sight. using, makeshift seating ar- cafeteria, a baseball field, a n d ! at least three additional class! " However, the county school board rangements. has promised to equip the deWhile much progress has been rooms, plus many improvements! partment just as soon as it can made in the past year, the school on its existing buildings, to bring, see its way clear to do so. [has not recovered from this | it up to par with the other schools!

The same is true of the science abrupt 100-hundred student in- in the county system, in the view: department. In the room there | crease in enrolment and prob- of the school P-TA group.. Since! are tables and chairs. But equip- ably will not recover for some the school is rapidly climbing! r*nt? The only equipment no- time to come. Most of the lower to a position among the top few!

--/-._ ~^e. in the room would e l e m e n t a r y grade class rooms schools in the county in regard!

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1956

•

FUTURE THANKSGIVING DINNER Mr. Griggs holds a prime turkey here which has a wild gleam in its eye like it knows it will be converted to a table meal come I Thanksgiving.

—Staff Photo.

•

V

^•'^tw^iWWi-.

;„jiijr -r, r -r—

AT-|

Consistency Pays Off

m

Prime Turkeys Are Specialty Of D. C. Griggs Family

By FRED T. MORGAN In late November, one's thoughts turn affectionately to . . . full and hefty meals, among other things.

And full and hefty meals around Thanksgiving time mean one thing — turkey.

To Albemarle and Stanly County folks, turkey instantly brings to mind the D. C. Griggs family, champion turkey growers in the county and outstanding among the turkey producers in the state.

The Griggs raise turkeys on their 100-acre farm near the southeast corner of the new Collins & Aikman plant off the Salisbury road.

Right along now you can see 2,300 fat and healthy turkeys on their farm.

Thanksgiving Dinners But not for long. A portion of them will go on the market soon for conversion to Thanksgiving dinners all over the country.

The remaining portion will be held for about a month later to fill the market demand for turkey for the Christmas holidays.

But right alone now, the visitor to the Griggs farm is greeted with a 2,300-voice gobblede-gobble serenade when he ventures out around the 11 turkey pens back of the Griggs' home.

The Griggs, Mr. and Mrs. Griggs and their daughter, Patsy, who is a post-graduate student at Albemarle High School this year, have been in the turkey business for the past 10 years, and on a rather large scale since about 1948.

They started out with 12 birds the first year. They liked the turkeys and the turkeys evideptly liked them for they thrived.

The next year, they increased their flock to 500, and the next year to 1,000. A high of 2,700 birds was reached one year.

For the last three years or so, they have leveled off at 2,300 turkeys, which is about all they can adequately hayse and care for.

Work and Worry And let it be known,' for the benefit of any novice who is thinking about going into the turkey business and making a killing, there is plenty of work and worry and ulcers involved in the enterprize. .

"Plenty!" Mr. Griggs emphasized But to show you what a good job the Griggs have done in their major farm enterprize, they have achieved a record of 98 per cent liveability in their turkey flocks during the last six or seven years.

This is remarkable when compared to the average statewide r a t e among turkey growers of 85 per cent liveability.

In fact, one year, they marketed more birds than they paid for when they were delivered from the hatchery.

Normally, the hatchery send two extra poults 4>er hundred. Some of these extra birds were raised along with the full regular flock during one growing season.

kill themselves. Huddling up in a corner and mass smothering is Another hazard to be guarded against.

I For the last six weeks prior to market, the birds feed on a fattening grain supplement.

Sold In Carolinas They are sold on foot to processing plants in North and South.

Carolina.

The average weight at the end of the 25 weeks is 29 to 30 pounds ; each.

They have grown out birds weighing as much as 38 pounds.

One big torn weighed 27% pounds at 22 weeks of age.

Turkeys are greedy eaters. Mr. Griggs estimates that along now, his 2,300 hungry birds are eating /7,000 pounds of commercial feed and 5,000 pounds of grain each week.

It costs him well over $70 a day to feed the flock.

The longest day of the year for the Griggs is, not the day before; Christmas as Patsy used to aay, | hut the day before the turkeys leave for market.

Then comes the clean-up campaign.

The pens must be cleaned out; hosed down, disinfected, and aired out by sun and wind. The accumulated droppings under • the slatted floors of the pens must be removed and hauled away. I t makes a potent fertilizer for the tendable fields on the Griggs I farm. A portion of it is sold to J TURKEYS ON THE D. C. GRIGGS FARM a Winston-Salem worm ranch Here is one penful of the 2,300 turkeys on the turkey farm of D. C. Griggs near Albemarle dealer as food for his- worms.

Record Keeping which are being fattened for the Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey-eating season. Mr. Griggs h a s had much better success with turkeys raised in confinement in pens like the one above than The Griggs are a record-keepon the range. He follows a strict sanitation program which results in premium birds commanding ing family, believing in keeping i a premium price on the market.

—Staff Photo. the business ledger on their turkey and farming operations up to date Five weeks later, the birds arp at all times. They know to the birds happy and disease-free durSanitation Program To achieve this outstanding rec-. ing the 25-week growing off de-beaked again and the toms and very penny how the pendulum hens are separated. ord, the Griggs carry out a strict, period. swings between profit and loss.

"The first four or five weeks is round-the-clock sanitation pro"But there's always something A native of Anson County, Mri gram from the time the birds new cropping up," Mr. Griggs the critical period," Mr. Griggs Griggs spent his boyhood in the arrive in an air-conditioned sta- said. "I believe you could stay says. "You have to keep the young Salisbury area and has been livtion wagon as day-old poults un- in the turkey business for a life- birds dry and warm and content- ing at his present home for tin! til they leave 25 weeks later time and still meet mysteries in ed." past 16 years. aboard four or five tractor-trail- the flocks."

Mrs. Griggs is the former Miss After the birds are old enough ers.

All the Griggs turkeys are to use the self feeders attached Thelma Forrest of Albemarle.

Patsy is their only child. to the outside of the pens, they They maintain a turkey "hos- raised in confinement.

For them, the turkey business Range rearing was tried for two have their choice of commercial pital" in the barn loft for the is not something to get into one isolation of every ailing bird. or three years but it was aban- feed or grain.

Lights are left burning to the year and out of the next year' Here the bird's illness is diag- doned in preference to the conpens at night to stimulate night because of a market price slump. nosed, and treated, and here he finement plan. come out successfully, you've remains until he is no longer a "Confinement rearing is easier, feeding and to prevent huddling To got to stick with it'through the and stampeding.

If a rabbit, posthreat to the flocks. cheaper, and better," Mr. Griggs sum, or some predator frightens lean years as well as the fat ones.

If a bird dies and the cause is says.

Consistency has paid off for debatable, an autopsy is perform- The first crop of day-old poults the birds, it is a very real likelied. If no satisfactory conclusion arrives about mid-May; the sec- hood that they will stampede and them. is reached, the Griggs seek the ond batch about four weeks later. opinions of the county farm Scrubbed, scoured, and disinfected. agents and other professional peo- pens await them. Feed and water ple. In the"event a question still is out and ready. The electric] remains, the turkey carcass is and gas brooders are glowing. shipped to State College in Ral- One pf the first jobs is de-snooteigh for a complete diagnostic re- ing the poults to prevent fights port. and consequent cannibalism later.

To combat the various and sun- The poults are started on a dry turkey diseases with the special starting feed, figured at latest methods has meant an edu- the rate of four pounds per poult. cation in this specialized field for After a few weeks, file diet is the Griggs and they are constant- switched to a growing feed and ly boning up on new turkey medi- grain. cation techniques.

De-Beaked $400 Medical Bill At 10 weeks, the poults are deTheir medication bill has run as beaked for the first time and vachigh as $400 to keep the 2,300 cinated against fowlpox.

â&#x20AC;˘

CHECKING TEMPERATURES Daily checks on the high and low temperature is a vital part of a weather observer's routine and Bob is shown here as he checks the high point reached during the day. The instrument shelter, as well as all his equipment^ie U. S. Weather Bureau approved and identical to that used by professional weathermen. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo.

A native of Albemarle and a equipment.

Since A graduate of Albemarle High weather weather was the all-important* School, Bob has been interested in flying for the planes in weather observation since his factor the carrier, the weathejj^' service with the U. S. Navy dur- was round-the-clock&f ing World War II in which he ing abusiness.

Hisys"" served three years, a large part a disastrous typ)?.*" of his time overseas. other ships j * Serving aboard an attack car- oi it due go ship and later an aircraft car- calculi*" rier, he had opportunity to help in the weather work on his shir and became familiar with use of most of the

written by retired veteran ob- perienced in woodwork. Mr. Crisservers. During the past several co worked for Huckabee Lumber years, he has accumulated his Company for 18 years before unpresent set of instruments. TVe dertaking his present business weather is jhst a hobby with enterprise. Mr. Tucker is a forhim, however, as he is the man- mer GI Bill trainee in carpentry ager of the Sears-Roebuck store work. in Albemarle.

The new owners want you to Bob is married to the former know that the shop is in business Miss Mildred Hitchcock of Albe- and offers a complete line of millmarle, and they have two chil- work and anything in the wood dren, Stanley, four years old, line. and Beverley, 10 months.

The general term, weather, Includes all conditions of the atmosphere such as hot, cold, dry, [wet, sunny, cloudy, windy, and still, according to Bob. The total effect of these conditions during Ithe space of the year is called climate. Climate is one of the Imost important influences on man's health and ways of living.

Winds Make Weather j Winds are weather-makers, Bob says. Wind is surface air jgoing from a high pressure area jin a clockwise manner to a low pressure area counterclockwise, and these winds indicate a change in the weather. High pressure means clear, dry, usually cold air and good weather.

Low pressure always means bad [weather. A "front" is a place where different air masses col-l bide.

In his study of the weather, Bob has visited most of the govlernment's major weather stations in North Carolina and' counts as his friends many of the chief weather observers in the state.

Despite its complexities and intricacies, weather is an absorbing and vital study, Bob thinks.

He says just stopping and looking at the sky can give many clues to coming weather conditions and he says that each person could beu his own weather obsprvP"" if

~

People Are Always Interested

Weatherman Bob Is Sold On The Weather STANLY NEWS AND PRESS. ALBEMARLE, N. C. other weather reference materials.

On the wall over his desk TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 1957 "The public cusses us but i t ' ' is a wind velocity instrument never forsakes us." and a barometer. On the desk is a microphone and headset which That's what Bob Mauldin, Algives huh a direct hookup to the bemarle's newest weather obstudio of WZKY. He does all his server, says about himself and broadcasts right from his chair weathermen in general. in the shack.

What happens when you forecast sunny weather for this aftHis rain gauge, which will ernoon and a dark thunderstorm measure up to 12 inches, and his materializes out of nowhere and "box" containing his high and drenches everybody?

Or vicelow thermometers and his huversa? midity testing instrument, are located in a vacant lot at the Naturally there are repercusrear of his home.

A weather sions.

Complaints.

You get vane on top of his garage buildcussed, ing gives him the wind direction.

But over and beyond the cussAll his equipment belongs to ing and grumbling, the same him personally, although it is people are right back listening identical to t h a t used by the to your weather words next time. government's official observers.

Affects Everyone Two Instruments Needed Because the weather affects The major instruments he everyone and it is an undisputneeds now are a remote wind diable fact that practically everyrection instrument, which would' one is interested in weather inenable him to take wind direc-1 formation. Turn on your radio tion readings off a clock inside or TV, or pick up your newspahis shack, and a recording baper, and you have the latest rometer which will record o n | weather predictions. tape all variations in barometric!

Although Bob is not a n official pressure at all times.

U. S. Weather Bureau observer, Forty-eight miles per hour is he is recognized by the governthe highest wind velocity Bob! ment as being well qualified for has observed here. During t h u n such a post. He h a s a complete derstorms, he has seen his in-f set ol standard government-apstrument record wind gusts u p proved weather instruments and to 30 mph. receives daily weather maps Weather forecasting in this from the government. part of North Carolina is a difBob is perhaps best known ficult task at best, Bob says. The here a s a weatherman by his mountains in the western part daily weather reports over radio of the state play strange quirks] station WZKY. He is on the air with the weather and make ac-i for a short weather summary a t curate predictions hazardous.

6:55 a.m., 12:37 p.m., and 6:55 DAILY WEATHER BROADCAST Low temperatures are most dif-j p.m. dally.

Bob is shown here giving the latest local scoop on the ficult to predict and the overall Makes Own Predictions weather forecasting presents In addition to using daily U.S. weather during one of his three daily broadcasts over station more problems at the changing WZKY. He has a direct connection to the station from his Weather Bureau Information to of t h e seasons. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo. which he h a s access, Bob weaves weather "shack".

Tornadoes Can Hit In his own local predictions and information such a s high and in the weather box in his back- Bob says. He said the U. S. Many think we are imWeather Bureau had been prov- mune to people low temperatures, wind velocity, yard showed 74. tornadoes in North Caren 85 per cent correct in its During the past year or so that direction, rain, cloudiness, and olina. Bob says we aren't. ReBob h a s been keeping close rec- weather predictions. humidity. cept destructive twisters, have Weather "Shack" proved him correct. Weather obOn the day this reporter visit- ords, he has.achieved a high recIn his one-room weather servers know the type of weather) ed Bob's one-man "weather bu- ord of accuracy in his high and low predictions. "shack" a t the back of his ga- conditions which breed torna-i reau" a t his home, 416 Ridge The government allows a lee- rage, Bob h a s government weath- does and Bob says favorable torStreet, he had predicted a high of 75 degrees. The high point way of five degrees in its gen- er maps and charts posted on nado weather conditions could reached on his high thermometer eral high and low predictions, his walls and a small library of easily develop right here.

By FRED T. MORGAN

10-A

8-A

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE. N, C FRIDAY. AUGUST 2, 1957

She Collects And Corresponds

Mrs. Violet Owen Is One Shut-In Who Isn't Shut Out From World Cups and saucers by the score can be seen in the home of Mrs. Violet Owen, »hut-in, of New London.

An even hundred of them rest on a wide display rack on the wall of her living room.

That represents a hundred friends, a hundred stories, and a hundred messages of love.

You can put your flnger on any one of the hundred delicate little cups and she can tell you the name of the donor, where the cup came from, plus many other details.

There are interesting stories behind some of her highly prized specimens.

Tot instance, there's a shaving mug that belonged to her late husband, an old handleless cup which was used in the Civil War to hold homemade medication, old family heirlooms that have been treasured for.generatlons by families, a cup and saucer set given by a New London couple on then" honeymoon.

One dainty Utile cup, aged and fragile, was picked up out of the ashes of a burned home near •Maw-London and later given to Mrs. Owen.

There's another taken by a New London serviceman from a looted castle in Italy in World War H. Another serviceman mailed her a dainty cup from Japan.

She has them from Germany, Canada, and England, too. And from about half of the states in the U. S. When New London people learned that cups and saucers pleased her more than cards, they sent the cups, or brought them back from their vacations. Her friends at distant places bring cups when they come by for a visit. Each August at her birthday and at Christmastime, she gets several cups.

NEW LONDON SHUT-IN AND HOBBY Look close and you'll notice Mrs. Violet Owen holds one of her small cup and saucer some of the little china cups sets typical of the 16T she has collected over a period of 25 have violets on them to correyears as a shut-in. Another hobby is carrying on a prodigious spond with her name.

—Staff Photo.

People bringing her new ones correspondence with hundreds of friends. used to say: "Oh, I bet you've already got one like this.* But The newest, latest cup to arrive Mrs. Owen said. gradually, they stopped saying It is always the prettiest one to The cups and saucers have for only once has there been any her. been collected over a period of duplication. Rather triplication, One cup arrived by mail more than 20 yearn. in this instance. smashed to smithereens. She She'll be 59 years old August One Christmas she received painstakingly sorted the pieces 28th. three identical eups and saucers, and glued them back together. Near Christmas, 1930, she was each set arriving on a different There are three crocheted cups on critically injured in an autoday, from a different city, and her shelf and another of blown mobile accident near Fayettefrom a different person. The glass and still another that cost ville. Her husband, D. S. Owen, three donors of these sets, each $15.00, it being donated by three was instantly killed in the same unaware that the other was giv- people collectively. accident. She remained hosing the same set, were Mrs. Mike "Each one of my cups brings pitalized for the next yearOTtwo, Isenhour, Mrs. T. Burt Mauney, to mind a wonderful picture of gradually recuperating sufficientand Mrs. C. A. Boggan. the person who gave ft to me," ly to handle her own wheelchair

to which she has been confined ever since.

Born and reared in New London, she is the former Violet Russell, daughter of Eugene T. Russell and the late Mrs. Russell.

She was a member of the second class to graduate from high school at New London and receive diplomas.

She attended Woman's College ln Greensboro 1916-19 and earned her teacher's life certificate through subsequent summer school work. She taught elementary school in Henderson for 10 years prior to the auto accident which occurred two years after she was married.

One gets used to living In a wheelchair after a quarter of a century or so, Mrs. Owen says.

Once books were her very existence and she read voraciously.

In recent years, her eyes won't permit much reading and her extensive library in one end of the living room te largely unused.

One hobby she still avidly pursues is sending birthday cards.

In a little book hundreds of friends, both young and old, have autographed their name and birth date each of whom receives a card from her. Her birthday list totals around 400.

Children especially delight her and, although she has none of her own, she taught elementary school age children for 10 years.

She's happy when a child comes to visit.

Then, there are the letters, the cards, and the visitors. During one Christmas holiday season, she had friends visiting her her from 14 states. In a two-day period, too. TV and radio help a lot, too. A TV set was given by friends.

So does the telephone. Like the other night when a friend called her from Greenville, If. C,

#

Ghostly Cry Still Echoes

Ss Tuckertown Witch Sfiil On The Prowl?

By FRED T. MORGAN "She gave birth to a big black ball—big as a wash-

pot!

I gasped, shocked, sure that I hadn't heard right.

"She w h a t ? " I blurted. " T h a t ' s right," he said. "She gave birth to this big t h i n g t h a t m i g h t h a v e b e e n a b i g b a l l of s t o n e o r b a l l of iron. It w a s big over as a w a s h p o t or a tin t u b .

Black, too, a n d h e a v y . " * me to sit For a moment, I reeled at the t r e e s a n d motioned me Impact of his words, my. credulity down.

"Might do me good to tell that sorely taxed. I kicked at the gray stone door stoop in front of this again," he said slowly. "Haven't man's tumbledown cabin and thought about it in a long time." rubbed my eyes to see if his From his lips came the story overall-clad figure wouldn't dis- of the witch of old Tuckertown. appear and Td wake up from He told many weird tales about my dream. this witch, only the most fanWas it a dream? Or a mad tastic of which, in my opinion, movie? Or a fantastic fiction will be related here — the one] yarn in which I had lost myself? about the big black ball.

Was it a time-defying flashback She lived alone in a two-story to black witchery of Medieval house in Tuckertown, a now times? defunct mill village on the MontL^Or was it real and still spring- gomery shore of the Yadkin river. timeT~J^^) and I was here in She passed with her neighbors the w « f a middle of America's amicably enough, but there was oldest mountains to question this no reciprocal friendship and cerman about the witch of old Tuck- tainly no affection for her from ertown? anyone. Her eccentricities 'were It was real, all right. When I many and inexplicable. Anyone lowered my hands from my eyes who got in her way or obstructthere he stood in front of his ed her way of life in any manner j cabin. There was bemusement on was flayed endlessly by her sharp his wrinkled old face, surround- tongue and her curses were proed by a dirty beard that looked nounced upon them, which us"The two men jumped up startled when something heavy started clumping down as if it didn't end but curled up ually didn't mean a thing. Howaround each side of his face and ever, those for whom she had the dark stairs." went back under the punch- misfortune in store, met with bad drunk felt hat that held down luck often enough to discourage women in the bedroom doorway He fathomed my thoughts. i woods and attempt to elude him, other gray locks which extended others from inviting her displea- rolled a black, semi-round ob"You're burning to know about I turned and he pointed. down the back of his neck and sure. ject which gave evidence of great my connection with the witch," "You'll go for a dozen miles under the loose collar of his overweight. With momentum behind he said. back in the hills on that trail," Witch Becomes Sick all jacket. His legs, too, were | it now, it crashed down the woodHe looked off up the slope to I he said. He pointed toward a encased in soiled overalls, muddy One afternoon, neighbor wom- en stairs, brushed between the at the knees and cuffs. His leath- en, passing the sagging old house two speechless men, ricocheted where white clouds drifted over I boulder nestled in some pine ercrinkled shoes were big, mud- in which the witch lived, heard off the door jamb, plummeted the green treetops. Abruptly, he trees. "That's the creek trail — dy, and much worn at the heels groaning and moaning coming onto the porch, down the front laughed in a cackling, disgust- the way you came in."

Angered at my own confusion, and toes. from inside. Somewhat appre- steps, and bounced across the ing sort of way, his shoulders hunching and his body shaking.

I walked on to this trail realizHe looked like he would smell hensively, they entered and saw yard and into the undergrowth to high heaven if the wind was the old woman lying on a bed and trees of the nearby forest. To me, it seemed there was an ing how helpless I was, or anyunearthly ring to his mirth. one would be, in Trojan's strongrighl. in a bedroom just inside the door.

"That would be unhealthy for hold. The last glimpse I got of People Scatter She appeared to be in terrible Trojan agony, Though they asked reThe people outside had scatter- you to know," he continued in his him, he stood in the same place voice.

"You've with that crow still perched on This man Trojan. That's what peatedly what was the matter, ed from the path of the ponder- indescribable they had called him. "Trojan can the witch gave no articulate or ous object and now stood looking heard enough of the story. his shoulder. But as I stumbled tell you," the people by the road- definite answer, but groaned the down the path it had taken. There's not much left. I could tell on down that rocky, rooty old side had said when I stopped on louder. The women offered her Those on the inside of the house you the rest but it wouldn't do deer trail, it seemed his eyes the fringe'of these tired Uwharrie water and tried to make her came out on the front porch, one you any good and I couldn't let were still following me and the hills to seek information about comfortable as they could. Then, of them holding a lamp, and all you leave here alive. And if you. birds chatted disturblingly in the the witch of old Tuckertown. "He they left, telling her they would stared into the black forest into didn't go back to your outside trees overhead and once I saw demon crow wing can help you," they said, "if you come and see how she was later which the thing had vanished. people, they'd send men and dogs Trojan's through the trees ahead of me. can find him and get him to in the evening. and guns in here looking for me.

But they saw nothing more. talking."

That would mean trouble. Me Baggy pants and floppy shoes Later, the women came back, as they stood there look- and the animals like it here and don't make for speed on a steep Finding him was the problem. this time bringing their hjjs- ingThen, listening, there came a we don't want trouble." mountain trail, so I stopped and They directed me as closely a s bands, ^ O w o mfin^ofjthe^giagej) long and cry from the forest. ripped my handkerchief into they could. When the last of the with them. The witch lay on "the A cryresonant of exultation, maybe, or of Black Crow strips and tied beltloops together houses petered out and there was same bed, still in a fit of pain anguish. An unfathomable cry. It no one to stop and ask directions and travail. Realizing she was died and with it, the wind reA black crow swooped down to take up slack in my pants and of, I realized I was getting close. much worse than when they left sumed its plundering in the tree- from somewhere and lit on Tro- tied together the top eyelets of The budding greenness of the her an hour or two before, the tops and the moonlight warmed jan's shoulder and cawed a t me my shoes to keep them on my feet. As the westering sun dropage-old Uwharries closed around women tried their best to get the and melted the strange pall in like a nagging old woman. jne, cloaking me in a strange at- sick woman to give them some the air.

The uneasiness : that (had ped toward the horizon ahead of me, I had a sinister feeling that mosphere. I lowered all the car clue as to what was bothering They went back in the house shouded me since I entered this all was not well with my car and windows against the mid-day her. Her answer came in screams then formidable forest increased now and found the old woman this spurred me to greater speed. /stuffiness, but still that strange- and other expressions of dreadand exhausted and snoring as I contemplated his words. He To have to spend a night in these | ness persisted. Had I been in a ful pain. All the adult men and weak wasn't fooling.

He could do and The women wiped deep woods with Trojan on the weird j African wilderness. I women present were of the opin- peacefully. sweat from her /pallid face jwovkl do just what he said. wouldn't have felt .more lost and ion that it looked like severe the "Don't think you can find me prowl would drive me batty. I and left her slumbering under apprehensive.

Even the birds labor pains to them. again should you ever come back had to get out, car or no car. the light covers. sounded different and the water In the bright sunlight of the to these woods," he said. "You Back To Car Darkness Comes in the little creeks looked strange following day, the villagers found wouldn't have this time except After what seemed like an hour and carried an odd musical note Darkness fell and with it, a it hard to convince themselves it's been a long while since I a s it cascaded across the rock contagious uneasiness spread of sliding and sprinting down the of the reality of the occurances talked to an outsider and, anybed of the wagon trail. like a fog over those in the of the night before. Heads wagged way, I didn't know the purpose hillside trail, I was about to dewitch's house. A vigorous wind and skeptics scoffed and for a of your visit. When you go back, cide Trojan had given me a bum Road Ends began moaning through the tree- time, the witnesses of the noc- other men will know about me steer after all when I came to Seldom h a s an auto penetrat- tops over the witch's house and turnal mystery were the object and they'll come looking for me the crisscrossed logs and saw the ed this far into Trojan's habitat, caused the puny lamplight to of ridicule. out of curosity if nothing else. car. It looked okay. Tires all up.

I knew when the tossing, rock- flicker, dart/ and occasionally But they won't find me." "This Breathless, nervous and exhauststrewn sawmill road ended. To puff out, which caused a moNo Trace Found place," he indicated the dilapi- ed, I unlocked it, crawled inside, the left, a rocky bluff rose steep- ment of panic until the lamp But they pointed to the deface- dated cabin with a wave of his and cranked the engine. It ran ly into the green woods above it. could again be lighted. ment of the door j a m b at the hand, "is just one of my places. smoothly and sounded great. The A murmuring brush-shrouded Still the witch howled more Witch's home and to the splint- I got lots of others. I could hide heavy foliage over the old wagon creek paralleled the road on the terribly and frightenly than ever. ered wood near t h e bottom of the in these hills where a thousand road created a deepening twilight as I backed up for half a mile right. Straight ahead were long- She went into spasms and doubl- stairs and to the firm imprints men couldn't find me." before finding a place to turn rotted logs of fallen trees jumbl- ed up in knots with her pain- in the moist earth where the He reached up with a gnarled ed across the abandoned road. Again and again, the neighbors heavy thing had bounced across finger and ruffled the feathers around. Then, I came out of those The undergrowth had closed in with her said her condition re- the yard. Though searches were of the crow's breast and the hills as fast as the winding oppressively and seemed to say: sembled that of a woman in ac- made in the woods that day and demon-eyed bird cawed softly bumpy sawmill road would allow. Miles later, the first signs '•no autos permitted beyond this tive labor at child birth. But the subsequently through the years, like a kitten purring. of civlization flashed by. The point". It was the way my last witch was past child-bearing no trace of the big black thing "Tell them not to kill off my few houses never looked friendinformer had described it. "You'll age, nor did she have the physic- was ever found. deer and my animals, too."

He 1 lier and when I finally turned have to walk anyway from the al appearance of approaching The witch, though weak and said bitterly. "Take that message onto a paved road and headed for bluff on, and you'll be lucky to motherhood. However, everything back with you."

"I know about shaken by her ordeal, recovered get t h a t far," he said. else pointed to that. One of the her strength gradually in the fol- everyone that's killed. They bet- Albemarle, the smooth highway Locking my car, though for women present thought she heard lowing days, exactly, the legend ter stop it and leave us alone." and a fast automobile were never more welcome assets. w h a t reason I'm quite unable to the tossing, groaning witch, who goes, as though she w a s recoverWarning say, I found the path near where was now beside herself in pain, ing from childbirth. In a matter Now that I've had time to ret h e road ended and began follow- mumble once something like: "if of a few days, she was her formAn ominous warning rumbled flect upon it, I want more and more to connect Trojan and the ing its winding, switch-back it would only come." er, normal, weird self. Whether in the old man's words. wierd witch of Tuckertown in course ever upward.

After 15 I wiped my face with a handthe people of the village ever No Doctor Available a mother-son relationship alminutes of leg-tiring, wind-sapkerchief and started to leave.

I for and received an exThere was no doctor in the Iasked ping, climbing between housejhad to got away before this fear- though- it quite defies belief. Is planation of the big black ball [' size boulders, Over the gnarled, village at that time, otherwise is unknown, but there appears to some wild man of the mountains this wild Uwharrie savage the j exposed roots of huge trees, and he would have been summoned. be no remembrance of her ever changed his mind about letting pseudo-son of the witch woman, The two men sat down on the volunteering to explain the fan- me leave. Fighting an impulse sired by sorcery? Other people I 'beside patches of early spring ' flowers, I dropped down on a bottom steps of the stairway tastic episode. Continuing her to run through the woods to my have asked it in their minds, * boulder to catch my breath. which faced the open front door [mystic, supernatural ways, she car, I realized he could easily) «/»,«• w Through a hole in the trees, I of the home. To rheir left was died ignominiously and obscure- outdistance me, despite his a g e , ' -caught a glimpse of another the bedroom in which the witch ly some years later and was com- and too, I doubted not at the moDid that black ball which vangreen-clad hill in front of me wailed. The bedroom door was mitted to a grave in the loneli- ment, he might call into play ished into the forest that night ind beyond it, another. Off to open and the women were try- ness of the wild river hills. some of the mysterious forces of open up and emit a miniature •one side, the valley ended in the ing to comfort her as best they the forest which he apparently form of h u m a n life already self{haze of distance. could. Outside, the house, a few reliant? Or a form of life which commanded so well.

Haunting Cry was nourished and protected by An hour more of following the Villagers had gathered, attracted "Before you leatfe," he said, Kept alive In the memory of ^switchback trail up, down, and by the witch's cries, and stood the Tuckertown residents was the "you can repay the good turn. the wild animals until such time around, and I was in the yard aroUnd whispering to. each other loud, haunting cry that came I've helped you by permitting as it flourished and took comrepaid of Trojan's log cabin, high on the in the pale light of a full moon from' the moonlit forest moments you to come into these woods, mand over them and them? flank of one of the oldest moun- which had risen over the trees. talk to me, and leave, which few after the big black ball disapAbruptly, the wind stopped peared. What was it? The ques- human beings have done. As I tains in the United States.

Could this be the other part moaning through the pines and tion was never answered to com- said, it's been a long time since of the story that Trojan said Finds Cabin the people before the house grew plete satisfaction. They claimed I had contact with the outside, would be unhealthy to know? '.\ When I first sighted the cabin, still.

That wild and ghostly cry from when the moon assumed its pro- I can use that belt you're weari .' lestled in a small cove under A hair-rising scream of terror per fulness and correct position ing. Also your shoe strings. If you the woods after the black ball I -pme tall pines, Trojan stood be- and agony came from the witch in the inky sky—about once each have a pocketknife, I w a n t that disappeared. The chilling, undeand the women with her had month — the wind quieted and too, because my knives wear out finable cry that the hunters have ire it, looking at me. heard in the river hills at night I "Knew you were coming," he to pin her arms and legs with the that chilling mysterious call rev- fast."

•lid. There was dried red stains covers to keep her abed.

I slid my new leather belt from which sent their dogs whimpererberated along the big river.

Then silence — a spine-chilII his lips and his nose looked Even today, coon and possum its loops and handed it to him, ing back to the lantern light ; mewhat like a falcon's beak. ling silence — but only for a hunters, unaware of the Tucker- then sat down and removed by from which they refused to budge iw he knew I was coming up moment. town witch legend, have return- likewise new shoe laces and again. That errie, haunting qualThere came a loud resounding ed from hunts in the river hills dropped them into his proffered ity in the old man's voice when ' » trail, I don't know, but I "clump" from somewhere in the with stories of hearing a wild, hand. The fact they were new he laughed at me that day in his I libted not his word.

(Heard your car door slam," old house — like a heavy weight | horrifying cry unlike anything probably motivated his request. Uwharrie lair. There's a similar| said, evidently sensing my dropped on a hollow box. animal or human. With tales that The cheap little dull-bladed poc- ity, I think, a strong similarity The witch screamed again. It their hunting dogs after some ketknife I dropped into his hand that can't be discounted. (stion. "Not so far, straight was a scream of pain this time. j mysterious encounter in t h e seemed to satisfy him, too. Had rn the hill there."

Still Howls ; Us voice had that same solid- The fear seemed to have left her. woods, had returned into the he asked for my trousers, I would about it as did the moan- The women had relaxed their j circle of lantern light shivering, have parted with them, also, Could it be that this Trojan I t pines overhead and the same grip on her and were staring I whimpering, and too frightened though they would have been a n man comes to a lonely spot on r urance and permanency that upward as if anticipating the I to continue the hunt. ill fit. But for that matter, the the river hillside, attracted by - pared in everything in this noise again.

How did Trojan fit into this I belt was much too short for his the ancestral bones of an obscure . I place. His age was debat It came again. Clump-pppp tale. How did he know so much bulky middle. Obviously he must grave, and howls into a full moon j; he could J?e anywhere from | Loudly. Then again and again, about it? have had another purpose in in a sort of homage to the dep 90 or better.

By this time the two men at mind for it. parted witch?

Trojan's Connection "Thank you," he said, running | Whatever the explanation, Trothe foot of the stairs had jumped Trojan Talks I considered asking him as I his thumb along t h e knifeblade jan needn't worry about m e inup, looking apprehensively at the hen I told him what I want- blackness into which the stairs looked at his squatting figure edge and half-grinning. "Now vading his lair again. Not m e nd why, he looked at me for vanished from which the noise reclining against a pine tree. His One experience with him is >ng time without speaking. apparently came. filthy, crusted clothes looked like you can go. enough to convince me t h a t he's Wrong Trail ti h e m a d e . the statement a m a n to be left alone. The loss The clump-clump on the stairs bark or skin. The combination it her, the witch, giving birth grew louder, faster, and nearer. of dirty gray beard and hair I took a few steps backward, of my belt, shoe laces, and pocI big black ball — big as a The two men separated and swathed his face, revealing only then turned and walked quickly ketknife is immaterial. Maybe it ,ppot. When I recovered from backed off a few steps. his hawked nose, his repulsive toward the path. Trojan yelled wouldn't be as fortunate next | istounding statement, he moThen into the dim circle of j mouth, and his penetrating eyes. I abruptly, and I froze. Had he I time. He can have his mountains, set--me to follow and turned , lamplight before the startled eyes :I could ask him. But asking ' changed his mind about me leav- his river, his animals, and his parked to a log between t w o : of tho two men a n d the several might bo urnvLe, 'ing? Hiili" a/mind to dart in the 'secrets, and he.can howl his head

\

"\

#

utionary War Captain STANLT NEWS AND PRESS. ALBEMARLE. N. C, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1957

7-B " : * r ^*

t

*S0&*'

i*^t^m»mm^^g^

• aaW*wS& ' -.--. .... • a ;

JSa\

.4^9900,9't\

'£&*£.

IMS

PRE-REVOLUTION McCURDY HOME STILL STANDS Here in a remote spot on the slopes of Rocky river ln southern Cabarrus County stands the two-story log home built shortly before the Revolutionary War by Archibald McCurdy. Its rough handhewn timbers, held together by wooden pegs and crude handmade nails, are still sound and the interior holds a storehouse of relics of frontier days. D. B. McCurdy of Albemarle was born and reared here. He slept on the second floor and remembers standing in the corner of the massive kitchen fireplace and eating his breakfast on cold winter mornings. Under the floor of this home the first wife of Captain Archibald McCurdy hid with her two babies to escape the wrath of the Tories during the Revolutionary War.

D. B. McCurdy Is Grandson Of Revol

By FRED T. MORGAN

•

RELICS WITH A HISTORY D. B. McCurdy, 73, of Albemarle, holds a sword and a pair of saddlebags used by his grandfather, Captain Archibald McCurdy, ln the Revolution. The old McCurdy family Bble is in the foreground. It is generally believed that Mr. McCurdy is the youngest grandson of a Revolutionary soldier alive today. He came to Albemarle in 1905 and is now president of the First National Bank.

—Staff Photo.

>*V

Grandchildren of Revolutionary War soldiers are now practically non-existent, historians will tell you.

Yet, incredible as it may appear, we have here in Albemarle a grandson of a Revolutionary War Captain who is strongly believed to be the youngest such grandson alive today.

He is D. B. McCurdy, president of the First National Bank and retired wholesale groceryman He lives at 121 North Third Street.

Most' townsmen know Mr. McCurdy, since he has been prominent in the community life here for more than 50 years. But probably few people are aware of his notable lineage which places him in this unique ancestral position in the whole nation. . Has Two Brothers And Daniel Boone McCurdy is THE McCURDY TWINS not alone! He has two older Walter, left, and William McCurdy, twins, are the grandbrothers—twin brothers — who sons of Captain Archibald McCurdy and the brothers of D. B. Mcshare this distinction. They are Curdy of Albemarle. They live at the old McCurdy homeplace W. J. and W. A. McCurdy, now near Rocky river in Cabarrus County. Now nearing 82 and never nearly 82 years of age, who live married, they are believed to be the oldest set of twin bachelors at the old homeplace of Captain in the USA. —Staff Photo.

Archibald McCurdy in Cabarrus County. This three-brother trio neer stamina of their grandfathis believed to be the largest oneer. They care for their chickens, family group of grandchildren of hogs, and a mule. One of them a Revolutionary War veteran in said he plowed the mule only a existence. day or two before. A waterAn interesting and quite unmelon patch up on a hillside Is usual pair of two-in-one family putting out heavily to bring forth generations produced this situaanother crop of luscious melons tion. Both Mr. McCurdy's father for which the McCurdy place is and his grandfather were marfamed in the community.

They ried the second time at an adtend the peaches, the apples, and vanced age and produced a secthe vines. ond set of children, thus giving No other house is visible from j the effect of two generations of the McCurdy home. The sound children in one. of wheels and traffic cannot be | Mr. McCurdy's father was Jaheard. Foxes and squirrels frolic cob Monroe McCurdy, who was in the yard and birds nest in the one of the latter sons of Captain shrubs undisturbed. Quietly and Archibald McCurdy, the Revolumeditatively, in the rays of the tionary patriot.

Jacob Monroe westerning sun, you get a new McCurdy is said to have been the and inspiring impression of the first Baptist minister immersed old log home here. The crumbin Cabarrus County where he ling old structure is a shrine of lived out his life and where he America, a cradle of liberty and founded one or two Baptist independence of our country, and Churches, these being Howell's a fading monument to the fierce and Garrison Missionary Baptist iron-willed frontier people who Churches. His second wife was PATRIOTS GR/VE rallied and fought victoriously 18 years his junior and Daniel This still-legible monument with Captain Archibald McCurdy Boone McCurdy, of Albemarle, marks the grave of Revolution- against tyranny and oppression. was the youngest of seven chilary War Captain Archibald Mcdren to bless the home of this Curdy in old hilltop Spears marriage.

They lived, as the Cemetery the in Cabarrus County. twin brothers, William and Wal- It shipped from Vermon at ter, still do, a t the old homeplace. a was cost of $15 and was erected in 1854.

Captain Archibald Captain Archibald McCurdy was born in Mecklenburg County, tree as the chimney for her out- ; April 16, 1752. He married Mar- door fireplace. garet Sellers, who in the pioneer Captain Archibald McCurdy days in Pennsylvania, had seen died a t the age of 92 and there her mother killed and scalped by remains today a legible marker the Indians and who had come erected a t his grave to the rocksouth with her father to the Car- walled Spears Cemetery a few olina foothills to live in what miles from the old homeplace. they considered a safer place.

One of his sons, Rev. Jacob As a young man of 23, Archi- Monroe McCurdy, remembered as bald McCurdy stood and listened a veteran Baptist minister to to Thomas Polk read the Immor- Mecklenburg and Cabarrus, foltal Mecklenburg Declaration of lowed in his illustrious father's Independence on May 20, 1775, footsteps and married a young from the steps of the log court- wife, 18 years his junior, a t a house in Charlotte. Passionately time when he, too, might have dedicated to the cause of liberty, been looking forward to settling he hurried home to tell his Mag- down into typical old age serenity gie the news and he slat down at and he also became the father his rough homemade table and of a group of children late in made out a list of men in his life. neighborhood who could be relied Old McCurdy Home upon to join the fight against t h e The still-standing original McKing's tyranny.

He was among the first to en- Curdy cabin in the hills of southlist in December, 1775, and was ern Cabarrus has been called a quickly advanced from private to veritable museum of pre-Revolulieutenant, and then to the com- tionary craftsmanship. I t is conmission of Captain which he held structed of handhewn logs chinkuntil his discharge in 1781. He ed with mud and held together by was in the battles of Cowpens, wooden pegs and handmade nails.

Hanging Rock, Camden, Rugley's Hinges on the doors are handMill, and Kings Mountain. D. B. made and carefully and delicateMcCurdy remembers reading a ly wrought. The floor plan of letter written by his grandfather the upper story of the cabin is in which he told of the blood- identical to that of the lower. A curdling experiences in the battle unique stairway, winding beside of Cowpens. He owns an old the massive double chimney, consword and a pair of saddlebags nects them. Here in this second carried by Captain Archibald in story room, William and Walt€ the Revolution. There is also in McCurdy, the twins, in their boj existence, the tattered remains of hood, once woke up to find the an old cap and coat worn by the snow, drifting in the cracks, two inches deep over their blankets.

Captain.

In and around the dilapidated Wife Was Heroine cabin can be seen the remnants Margaret Sellers McCurdy, of homemade furniture, spinning first wife of Captain Archibald, wheels, grandfather clocks, clothis regarded as one of the most ing, and other implements of the daring heroines in the Revolu- home and field of pioneer life. tion. Once, while at a neighborExamining the still sound oak hood quilting party, attending logs of this, the oldest surviving mostly by King's sympathizers, home in Cabarrus County, one she overheard plans for a sur- realizes it was indeed an outprise attack which was to take standing home in the era of its place soon. Since all the patriots, building and that its builder was including her husband, were ln a man of ingenuity and of an the Colonial Army, she dressed inventive turn of mind. Nearby in a man's clothing and rode her stands a log, earth-floored smokehorse, Liberty, across a swollen house of the same period. Inside, river, through an enemy camp, among other vestiges of pioneer! and on to the camp of General days, can be seen a long log, the I Greene where she broke the news inside of which is hollowed out) in time for him and his men to and partially filled with soap,f break camp and gain safety. She left, perhaps, from a last soap-| earned the nickname "she-rebel" making day decades ago, among the sympathizers a t home Old Bake Oven and more than once she and her Down under the hillside from! twin babies and a Negro servant girl named Aggie, had to hide un- the old log home are the several! der the floor of their rough cabin now-neglected springs of cold wa-T while the Tories raided above, ter which once served this house-l I intending to kill and burn had hold. A mound of small nativel stones in the yard marks the spot| they found the "she-rebel."

After the war, Captain Archi- where once stood the famed outbald set about rebuilding his door bake oven which, under t h e | fortunes during the reconstruc- expert hands of the wives of Artion days and he evidently pros- chibald and Jacob Monroe Mcpered as a farmer and plantation Curdy, turned out hundreds ofl master. Records show t h a t he custards, baked potatoes, dried I was a man of far-reaching activ- fruit, and other produce much ofl ity in the country. He served as which was shipped by team and I a Justice of the Peace and was wagon to markets down east fall a member of the General As- exchange for the coin of the times I sembly in 1806. Many old vol- and the few necessities that could umes, documents, and newspa- not be produced on the farm. | pers found at his home, indicate McCurdy swine still roam a 30that he was a man of letters. An acre pasture, mostly woods, enold Bible records the births and circled by a rail fence which I could easily be 100 years old and deaths.

Finding himself a widower at which shows the effects of countthe age of 75, he married a young less repairs and patching. wife, Elizabeth Goodman, who The McCurdy twins live ln a was 39 years younger than he, sturdy country home nearby, and became the father of four built to 1902. It was built, Wilmore children. lie McCurdy says, by a crew of five men and several mules which Started Concord At the age of around 80, he worked from daylight to dark for sat out to build the city of Con- a total charge of $5.00 per day. cord—tradition having it t h a t he Twins Still Active directed a crew of workmen in Although a mite frail and erecting the first building in the wizened by their 82 years of farm city while his young wife cooked life here, the twins look hardy for the laborers, using a hollow and evidently possess that pio-

•

THEY DIG FOR IT—AND FIND IT • This youthful qfctertet was after just one thing when the above picture was snapped—admission price to the swimming pool at Rock Creek Park. To get it, they were digging for lost coins around the base of the city's parking meters. Left to right, Eddie Myers, Richard Burris, Gary Burris, a n i Bobby Myers. Along with their digging tools, they display the coins they have found after abont an hour's searching.

—Staff Photo.

with Just a

Little Digging

toys Find Sidewalk Treasyre } Br FRED T. MORGAN •' A group of Albemarle youngfsters have found an almost perpetual source of buried treasure along the city sidewalks.

I discovered the budding young treasure seekers and finders only recently, although they have been digging up sidewalk booty hare spasmodically for about a year. As far as I know, they have and are exercising exclusive rights to this hidden treasure claim.

Their take is never big, usually amounting to only a. pittance. Mostly it's pennies and nickles. But their jay in finding it knows no bounds.

Any boy likes the Tom Sawyer thrill of digging for something and finding it.

The day I encountered this quartet of young adventurers, they were busily digging on the sidewalk along in front of the county farm agents office.

Sweaty and dirty .and with smudged faces and fresh earth on their hands, they were oblivious to the traffic on the streets and the pedestrians on the sidewalk. Nobody paid them any mind, either. Here is the modern day version of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer,

I thought, as I looked down at their towheads and exhuberance.

They were two sets of brothers of the same age. Eddie and Bobby Myers, age 10 and 12, and Gary and Richard Burris, age 10 and 12. They said they lived in the North Albemarle School vicinity.

In their hands were their digging tools, short sticks and old spoon handles. Their knees circled the base of a parking meter around which they had dug a shallow hole. Their objective was scratching in the grass and sifting the soil around the base of the parking meter for dropped coins.

Eddie had found o n e nickel and eight pennies.

Richard had one nickel and 11 pennies. Gary had 11 pennies. Bobby had one nickel and seven pennies.

A total of 52 cents. They had been digging for about an hour, they said, and had covered maybe 25 to 35 meters.

They were not digging without a purpose for the money, however. Apparently they believe in leaving a good thing alone in stand-by status until they really need it. The biggest thing in their lives right then was finding enough coins to gain admission to the swimming pool at Rock Creek Park.

Even combined, their findings were not enough to get them into the pool at 15 cents a head.

They put the touch on me candidly: "You ain't got any spare pennies in your pocket have you mister?"

When I mentioned snapping a picture of them, they quickly saw an opportunity for bargaining and we thereupon worked out a deal whereby I would supply the funds each boy needed to finish out his pool admission price for the privilege of snapping the picture of the group. I forked over two dimes and told them to divvy up equally. They dropped their digging implements, kicked the dirt back around the hole at the base of the meter, and headed for the nearest store to get the money changed and head for the pool.

They apparently know the lost - coins - around-the-parking meter racket pretty well.

Don't dig around them too often, they say, or you're wasting your time. On the other hand, don't wait too long, either, for there's the possibility that a rival, claim-jumping gang will beat you to the location. The boys anticipate

a bit of pirating after their scheme becomes known.

They look with high disfavor upon that part of the city in which the parking meters are inbedded in a sea of concrete, leaving no place for dropped coins to become hidden and lost. That's altogether barren territory to them.

The boys are grateful to and have a word of encouragement for their benefactors—the motorists who don't bother to pick up the coins they sometimes drop around the parking meters.

"Let the coins go," they say.

They'll be found."

#

14-B

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C , FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 19S7

Builds Scale Model Caterpillar

Larry V. Hatley Is A Dreamer In Machines

LARRY VAN AND HIS CATERPILLAR He spent a total of 300 actual manhours on his creation b u t all of it was a work of love.

—Staff Photo.

Since he was old enough to toddle to a window and look outdoors at his father's farm machinery, Larry Van Hatley, 18-yearold Millingport youth has been fascinated by machines and heavy equipment.

That fascination subsequently took the form of viewing the machines closeup, then riding on them, then operating them, and lastly of building scale models of them.

Larry Van is a dreamer in machines. Most everyone has a gift, a knack at things. His particular forte is big machines. To him a tractor, bulldozed, or earthmover is a beautiful, living, almost-perfect machine designed to do a job and do it especially well.

When other boys his age were turning in other directions, Larry Van was still shoving his homemade cars, tractors, trucks, and other creations through his sandpile and giving their movement the added motivation of his sublime "chug-a-chug-chug", "packa-pack-pack", and "buzz-buzzbuzz" sound effects.

He built scoops, blades, and implements to pull behind his tricycle and constantly pestered his

NEW "CAT" VERSUS AN OLD "CAT" The new D-6 caterpillar is quite a n improvement over a n earlier model built b y Larry Van five or six years ago. He h a s plans for a scale model of a huge earthmover to go behind thei new "cat" b u t he w o n t have spare time enough to build it now that he's leaving for elec—Staff Photo.

Ironies school in July.

•

father and neighbors about riding on the farm machines until he was old enough to control the equipment himself, which he did at an early age.

Four-Foot Tractor Through his adolescence, he continued building and designing new toy machines, salvaging parts here and there and interchanging his wheels which were the hardest to come by. Once, he built a four-foot-long tractor big enough for his younger sister, Linda Sue, to actually ride in. Eventually, something broke and he scrapped the tractor, salvaging its parts for incorporation into the next creation.

His latest accomplishment in the realm of miniature building, is a scale model of a D-6 caterpillar tractor which he completed about a month ago.

This replica of the big machine! is about SO inches long and 17 inches wide and is painted a bright I yellow. Construction materials include a variety of items such as tinkertoy spools and sticks, thin I wood, copper tubing, nails, coat hanger wires, screen wire, and miscellaneous bits of metal and wood.

Small hand tools were used in shaping and fitting the materials [ — a carving knife, rattail file, a tiny emory board for sanding, g pliers, a coping saw, tape, waxed i I sewing thread, and glue, glue, glue.

Clever Figuring I t took some clever figuring and ingenuity to work out some angles of the construction. Such as the pulleys and hoist for raising and lowering the 17-inch-wide bulldozer blade in front. This blade, in addition to going up and down, can be tilted horizonally just like a lifesize machine. He solved the individual tract knee-action arrangement with a portion of clock spring. These tracts will actually roll as you move the machine forward or backward by hand. The engine fan, mounted behind its screen wire radiator guard, turns, too. Small nails, bent to the desired pattern, serve as t h e operat-

-aqiV '£ amoj jo XaiJBH d T "W pue UM jo uos am S I UBA £ u a i •aouaps paqddB ut aaa3ap', ajBioossB UB qjuvv aaauiSua Joiunf 1 B aq niM aq jeqj UBaui HTM qoiqM jo uotjaiduioo {njssaoons aqj " i n 'oSaorqo ui soraojjoap ut asinoo jBaX-OAvj B uta'aq oj Ainf ut ti[xea I 3AB3I OJ SUBld PUB SOIUOJJDap UI • aoajBD B SuiuUBid si aq 'MO.N tooips ssfuoipeia -SUBld asoqj uopueqB oj uiiq J O J XjBSsaoau jt apeui SBq ubtjipuoo >pBq siq j n g -UBUI aouBuajuiBui pue oiueqoaui psaip B SB aiiqooqos uodn jas jJBaq siq pBq UBA AiJBT '^HBDIUOJI •dtqSUBUlSJJBJD S.UBAJ /CJJBT uodn " suoijoaijaj AUBUI! pue uotptujsuoD juanaoxa sjt oj se sjuauiqduioa A"UBUI jqSnojq SBq auiqoBUi pajaiduioo aqj, •auiij ajBds siq ui pus xooqos aajjB joafojd aqj uo paipoM pus ivaA JSBI uotjBjrado speq a UIOJJ SupsaiBAUOO enq/kv uoijotujsuoo aqj uBSaq 3H " 3u I -juudaniq p j u a u i pue ^JOMpBaq qarira auiBO uotptujsuoD lenjoBi aqj oj J O I J J -JBHidjajBD aqj UO

•UOJJ jBipdaajBO siq a^Bj oj sueid an •SSBp -B8JD sp{ jo npqqj jaisap juaui -dmba iC/veaq aqi jsqAv aas pue jotuas aqj jo juapisaid SBAI aq jLmqsqBS ui oapsap juauidmba ay aaauM IOOUOQ jjodsutmw UIOJJ &\ aowwj, sunojBQ em °l UOJOBJJ -juaoaa pajenowa S«M ™« 'apBUi

sanoquBui see °» 00S m03t * u 3 d s ! aq jaqj sajBiuijsa UBA A U B T MaXBJds JUIBd jauBap umooBA B qjiM pa^BJds SBM Suiqj amqM a q i "SJOAai s,jo

On 27 Ditierent Railroads

Oakboro Agent Has 43 Years Of Railroad Service

By FRED T. MORGAN

his present capacity nine months ago. While at Midland, he and his wife did photo developing and printing for approximately 75 drug stores in this area. He has plans for opening quick-finish photo booths in Oakboro and Albemarle.

He and his wife have sent their four children through college and Mr. Fish is now teaching his grandchildren telegraphy and railroading during their summer school vacations when they visit him.

Mrs. Fish is also a relief agentoperator with the Norfolk-Southern line and is the only woman operator with seniority on both ends of the line.

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS. ALBEMARLE, N. C FRIDAY, JULY 19, 1957 \\ 12-A The music of the rails and wires and the metallic stuttering of the telegraph key is the most satisfying melody in the world to C. W. Fish, depot agent-operator fdr the Norfolk-Southern Railroad Company at Oakboro.

And after 43 years of railroading, on 27 different railroads along the Eastern Seaboard, he knows the melody well.

He's 60. But he feels like 18.

Balding, stocky, and agile as a bird-stalking cat, he can look at a moving train and tell what's on the engineer's mind.

The clattering telegraph instrument in his depot office is just so much background music until it Trailer Home hits the first "clack" on a message They live in a distinctively to him. Then, he's absorbed in devoted action — and no tomfoolery. homey little house trailer on the outskirts of Oakboro. Flowers are Don't monkey around with him blooming round the door and when he's sending or receiving, everything's cheerful and settled scribbling a report, or trying to as if they had been there a few make contact over the phone. years instead a few months. In Railroad business is urgent and her capacity as relief agent, exacting. Getting an order to the though, Mrs. Fish never knows proper person at the proper time when she will have to turn over is a sacred thing. the upkeep of the trailer home to her husband and be gone for weeks Variety and Color to anywhere on the line that comSandwiched in between and pany directs that she go. along with his railroading career During the course of his railhas been a lifetime of variety and road Mr. Fish also became color seldom seen outside the expertyears, at tattooing says he pages of fiction. He has lived, this "cleaned up" to this and work a t few man Fish. Every place he's ever Navy and military towns. hit — and there's been many of DEPOT AGENT C. W. FISH ON THE JOB He's also published a newspaper, them — he's left better off that he built up a hick town into a naC. W. Fish, one of Norfolk-Southern Railroad's top agent-operators, is shown at work in his has been there. tionally renown tourist center, Born 60 years ago in Spring- and . . . well, to enumerate all depot office in Oakboro, a post he has held for the past nine months. He is a veteran of 43 bourgh, Pa. of Pennsylvania-Dutch his colorful activities might be like years of railroading over the Eastern Seaboard and has traveled over the world in a variety —Staff Photo. parents, Fish came from and grew he says — too much like fiction of other work. up with a railroad family. His for people to swallow. grandfather was a veteran of 63 Photo Business years railroad service. An uncle Next, he and his young wife was an engineer. Another uncle went into the photography busiwas a fireman. Two more uncles ness and made $50,000 in 1916-17 were depot operators. there was an acute need for more operating a quick-photo finish fresh water supply in those parts.

At the age of six, he was thrown studio in Errie, Pa. He also servfrom a hand-pumped section car, He drilled wells all over the couned as newspaper cartoonist on the on which he was riding with his try in return for beans, fruit, meat, Errie Daily Times and on the grandfather and his crefv, just fencing, — anything the farmer Pittsburgh Post. prior to a head-on collision with a had to offer since money was a Having made contact with news locomotive coming round a curve. rarity, indeed, then. services through his photography He quit school in the seventh He kept this up until 1938 when work, he became affiliated with grade and went to work as a his well-drilling experience landed the International News Service waterboy for a railroad section him a job with the Hudson Well and a Canadian news service and gang on the Bessemer & Lake Drilling Company of Chapel Hill, thereupon began a picture-taking, Errie line. His next job was fireN. C. From there, he went to the news-writing jaunt which took man which didn't last long before Heater Well Company of Raleigh. him all over the world during the he got fed up with the cantankerHe was drilling a well at the next two years. ousness of the engineer and quit Cherry Point air base when WW enroute, after throwing a shovelZxh January, 1921, he quit the I I started. A month later, he got ful of coal and the shovel into the slews services and operated a dog a job as locomotive machinist and firebox as the engine labored on act in a vaudeville show for six assistant master mechanic with an upgrade grind. 'months before going back to railthe A & EC railroad in New Bern roading, this time in Florida with and served there until the end of the Coastline, then the Seaboard, the War. then with about two dozen other During the war, he also went lines in the east. The Hoover deback into the quick-photo busipression brought him south to ness with a machine, built and Florida again in the late 1920's developed himself, which would and he settled near Lake City, take, finish, and deliver a photo bought a few acres of land, and in three minutes. developed a tourist camp. All the while he held down the job as staOakboro Job tion operator with the Seaboard.

When he went to work for the Norfolk-Southern, his first assignWell Drilling ment was at Oakboro where he During the depression, he fed worked one eight-hour day, traveltourists, vagrants, transients, and ling 235 miles from New Bern. hoboes by the hundreds, whether Subsequently he worked at Mt. or not they could pay. His cabins Gilead, Midland, and Norfolk bewere filled every night by folks fore coming back to Oakboro in on the move. At his,Lone Oak Camp, he built his own electric power plant, furnishing electricity for several families, and built himself a well drilline outfit since

•

4-3

STANLY NEWS AND PBESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C- FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1957

Known As A Gun Bug Haven

Gun Talk A-Plenfy Around H. K. Efird's Gun Shop

By FRED T. MORGAN Talk—by guns and gun bugs— dominates around the little outbuilding gun shop behind the home of H. K. Efird on route 2, Albemarle.

There's another type of talk from time to time, too.

The talk of grinders, saws, buffers, and numerous hand tools of the gun repairing trade at which Mr. Efird is becoming an expert.

Affable Mr. Efird, the kingpin of this gun bug haven, is a big, powerfully-built man with a ready grin of good humor and with palms so big they make toys out of his pistols. His shoulders are thick enough to withstand the recoil of the "kicking-est" of his dozens of firearms, too.

But all kicking aside, Mr. Efird gets a big kick out of firing guns of any type. Just in being around guns. He loves 'em.

"You know how it is," he says.

"People just sorta drift into the things they like to do—golf, gardening, stamps, boats, and so on.

With ine it's guns."

For the record, he is a gunsmith, a dealer, and a collector or sorts. He buys, sells, trades, and fixes guns of all types and has customers and constituents over a wide territory.

Fully Licensed He is fully licensed for the business, too.

His gun shop, converted from a farm outbuilding, is littered with gun parts, tools, and a workbench full of spare parts and devices of the gun trade. You know it's a gun shop because a rack near the door displays a variety of his long-barreled firearms. His most prized guns are kept in his nearby home.

As a collector, he is more Interested in variety than in relics, although he has several firearms definitely in the relic class.

Among his unusual guns are a 12 guage single-barrel shotgun with a 36-inch barrel and a falling block with the name "H. S. Edgerton" stamped on it; a 28 guage shotgun with a rear sight and the words "made in Machida" etamped on it (he wonders if any gun bug knows where Machida is); a 38 pistol with a double lock which, he has heard, was made for the FBI a t the beginning of that organization; and a doublebarrel 12 guage shotgun, made in Belgium, and owned by his grandfather, Daniel Kirk.

a^jtiixti*i.vwi.

GUNSMITH AT WORK IN GUN SHOP H. K. Efird works on a gun here in his parts-littered gun shop behind his home on Route 2, Albemarle. Although gun fixing is a hobby with him, he can fix or get fixed any type of gun trouble and he enjoys working on odd types of firearms. His shop is the center of gun talk and hunting information in season.

—Staff Photo.

Relic Guns The latter gun he shot when he was nine years old and subsequently throughout his boyhood.

The old gun is preserved for antiquity now and Mr. Efird says he wouldn't want to fire it because of its age.

That's the case with a lot of relic guns that are brought to him for repair and restoration. They're okay for decoration but firing doesn't do them any good. When he completes work on such a gun, he may tell the owner: "Hang it on the wall or keep it around to look at. Firing it won't do it any good. This gun has already served its life span."

In modern firearms, his taste runs to the 12 guage, model 58,

Remington gas-operated shotgun, which, he says, is about the nearest thing to an all-purpose hunting gun he has found. Like brushes, though, he says there is a gun for every purpose.

A Hunter, Too An avid hunter along with his gun work, Mr. Efird is in a position to get the lowdown on all the hunting information in this

territory. His shop is well patronized during hunting season and tips are passed on good hunting spots. Not only does he get the lastest hunting scoops in Stanly County, but he gets general statewide coverage as well from hunters who journey into the far corners of the state in search of good hunting.

Around here in Stanly County,

•

CARTRIDGE COLLECTION Stephen, age 10, has a hobby that ties in closely with his dad's gym-repairing avocation. He is collecting different types

his hunting is confined largely to J dove, squirrel, rabbit, and deer. ' Quail hunting has fallen off badly | in the last few years, he says. N However, he said he had heard more quail hollering around his | home this spring than at any time i jn the last five years.

Amo-loading is another feature J of Mr. Efird's work. He re-loads I all his own amunition at a con- I •iderable savings from the retail I value of the amo.

Firing Range A firing range outside his shop attracts numbers of gun fanciers.

Here, he had targets set up a t I distances of 50 yards and 100 ! yards. They are primarily to test and check guns whose sights he is lining up. When he gets a gun il lined up, he props it on sandbags S on the firing table and sights it II perfectly on the target and fires I it. The result is checked with the | aid of a "spotting scope," a powerful magnifier, which, properly focused, brings the 100-yard target u p close enough that you feel you can reach out in front of you and touch it. It shows up the target and bullet holes in minute detail.

The spotting scope is used by Mr. Efird and his 10-year-old son, Stephen, for amusement, too.

Since they live on a high hill, they can sit on their sideporch and focus their scope on the rock wall around the parking lot on top of Morrow Mountain and tell what color shoes people are wearing who walk on the wall.

Cartridge Collection Stephen, by the way, has d e - 1 veloped a rapt interest in guns, jj too, as what boy wouldn't who is J around them day after day as he] is. To get in on the collecting I~ game with his dad, Stephen has embarked on a cartridge collection and now, after about one year at it, he has collected a total of 65 different cartridges.

Although he has been interested in guns all his life, Mr. Efird has been working on them intermit-1 tently only since 1939. He opened i up his little gun shop about two years ago.

It's still in the hobby class with him, however. He has a fulltime daylight job in the construction! office of the Carolina Aluminum I Company at Badin for which company he has worked for 15 years.

He gets off work at 3:30 in the afternoons and has week-ends to devote to guns.

Guns—Not Gunmen His pet peeve is gunmen who wait until hunting season draws nigh before bringing their guns to be fixed, then expecting him t o get them out overnight. Many times, he must order parts and this means a week or two of delay. Nevertheless, he has facilities for fixing, or getting fixed, a n y type of gun trouble. There's not much he can do with the man who handles the gun, though.

The bright spots in tho gun repairing business are the broken down odd guns that come his way from time to time which require ingenuity and a bit of cleverness to fix. Foreign guns, brought back by servicemen, are in this class.

For the record, he's never run into one yet he couldn't fix.

He's becoming well known among gun dealers and traders in North Carolina as well as among his gun repair clientele in Stanly and adjoining counties.

If you're interested in talking guns or gun talk, you're welcome at his shop some afternoon or wee!t-vj

STILL SPRY AT 96 Mrs. Fannie Drumwright, Baptist Home resident, was 96 last Saturday. She's still the "life" of the Home even though bedfast —Staff Photo.

Baptist Home Woman Was 96 Years Old On Saturday healthy, robust men and women.

"Scrappy."

And me, I was little and sickly That's the word that describes —just a scrap."

Mrs. Fannie Drumwright, Baptist Then she adds the punch line: Home resident here who cele- "I'm still scrappy." brated her 96th birthday last Since she fell out of bed and Saturday, July 6. broke her hip last winter, she Propped up in a sitting position has been confined to bed and in her bed in her room at the wheelchairs. She has undhnmed Home, she still exhibits that spry hopes that her hip will mend vivaciousness and wit that has and she'll walk again. endeared her to the other folks Her time is spent reading daily at the Home since her arrival newspapers, the Bible, listening there in January, 1954. radio, talking with visi"I have outlived all my 10 to the and answering her mail. She brothers and sisters," she said tors, company. But company with a grin. They were all big, likes just isn't up to what is used to be.

She was born July 6, 1861 on a farm in Iredell County and her husband died in 1910. Her son, Leo, lives in Washington, D. C. Other relatives live in Knoxville, Tenn.

They were down last Saturday for her birthday observance.

Last Saturday, upon becoming 96 years old, she received several gifts, a little money, and about a dozen cards from friends. Some of-the letters and cards contained dollar bills; some had hair nets inside them. All had a message of cheer and good wishes.

Mrs. Drumwright doesn't believe in growing old and after being around her you soon realize you dont know many people who are any younger in spirit than she.

•r>V

He Fights Complacency

John S. Mendenhall Is A Man With Ideas facilities of his shop to any Interested individual who wants to A man wjth a wide background do things with his hands — beln educational, organizational, ginners or those with some exand promotional work has chosen perience under their belts. For Albemarle as his "settling down" this privilege, the participants place for his senior years. would pay an hourly fee. In adHe is a man with ideas — a dition to the shop facilities, they m a n who balks at the convenwould have the professional tional a n d the commonplace. supervision and assistance of !Mr. Make it distinctive and pracMendenhall and his wife. tical . . . foster individuality . . .

Women, Too stimulate ereativeness . . . deWomen' who enjoy loomwork, sign it to fit the personality inbasket weaving, leather tooling volved . . . personal ingenuity . . . and related activities, would work resourcefulness. with Mrs. Mendenhall.

These are some of the phrases Inexperience is no holdback in h e uses in his conversation. joining these activities.

A talk with him is like an ad"That's one of the greatest venturesome and philosophical satisfations in the work," Mr. piece of literature coming to life MendenhaH said, "both to the and speaking to you with the enperson and to Mrs. Mendenhall, thusiasm and demeanor of a and myself. To see a person great intellect. who's never done it before actualJohn S. Mendenhall is more ly construct some unique object t h a n a promoter, a n organizer, by hisxown efforts and ingenua n d an educator. He's a philosity." opher ana a craftsman, mouldA sort of personal collaboraing minds and personalities and tion deal is in the making for t h e characters as well as materials. person who wants to build or creCreative Arte ate something with his hands but Name a creative art and, is undecided as to just what he chances are, he's not only dabwants. bled at it but left many an im"That's the type of person we pressive accomplishment behind more or less will cater to," Mr. him in that field. From writing Mendenhall said. to painting, teaching to ceramics, It will help if that person h a s leather tooling to metal-working, a flair for t h e unusual and a n plastics to woodcarving, flower imagination, too. For Mr. Menculture to furniture designing. denhaH proposes to find out the person's interests, or the purposes the object in mind is to serve, and then sit down with the person and design and blueprint the object, keeping in mind the factors of practicality and individuality. He wiH see t h e project through to a successful completion, depending on the amount of time and effort the builder wishes to devote to i t No Mass Production Mr. Mendenhall is not interested in sterotype work or mass production. Nor in much duplication, in fact.

Adjacent to the main room of his workshop is a small display room filled with samples of his ereativeness and craftsmanship.

Nothing you see here can be found in a furniture store or in a novelty shop. He h a s a threedimensional Old English bookshop constructed on a pieee of ordinary builder celatex, a miniature flower vase arrangement made from copper scraps from the plumbing shop.

If its vague and presents a challenge, he goes for it.

A Kentuckian by birth, he gravitated to Virginia and thence to the north and east and midwest. As a young man, h e was a $10-a-week cub reporter on the Kansas City Star and remained in the newspaper field forfsev-. eral years, leaving it to become an organizer in tne Boy Scouts of America. He helped organize the Boy JScouts nationally during its formation period, and at one time was Scout Executive in Toledo, Ohio, with 3,000 boys under his jurisdiction, t h a t being the second largest group in the nation a t t h a t time; Hamilton Institute , ^ JOHN S. MENDENHALL Wet five years he was with the Here Mr. "Mendenhall finishes up a pair of giant Christmas 'Alexander Hamilton Institute candles, to be used in yule decorations. A man of action, he which conducted a reading course thrives on ideas.

—Staff Photo, for business executives, handling

By FRED T. MORGAN

•

A strict non-conformist, he uproots complacency and ignores the accepted way of doing things and delights in launching out into t h a t "something new" and untried.

Mr. Mendenhall and his wife, who is likewise a striking personality, live in the neat and spacious house trailer on a knoll a block north of the Salisbury road near the railroad underpass.

The trailer with its patio, awning, and TV antenna, occupies one side of their lot, around which winter shrubs and flowers are getting a start. Near the back side of the lot stands the Mendenhall workshop.

Here is the place where Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall hope to teach the creative arte, as they apply to constructing things with your hands and imagination, to interested Albemarle and Stanly County people.

The shop holds around $4,000 worth of equipment, machinery, tools, and all devices needed for the beginning as well as the accomplished craftsman.

Teach To Select Classes His idea is to teach woodworking, silver-making, or what-haveyou to small select classes of interested adults. Classes woUld be held in the afternoons or evenings on a regular schedule.

Another phase of this venture will be to make available the

A SAMPLE OF THE MENDENHALL HANDIWORK All the objects shown here were constructed by Mr. MendenhalL Most'of them are rom scraps ot building materials. For instance, the three-D bookshop scene at upper " ^ ^ p h o t o dinary piece of celatex.

-

...

.. . . . : * : . ^ i

WHERE IDEAS ARE CRYSTALIZED INTO PRODUCTS This is the shop recently completed by Mr. Mendenhall which houses all his equipment, hand tools, and products in various stages. Here, the beginning and the polished craftsman may come and spend as much time as he likes with the tools of the trades. Small classes of select individur als may. be taught crafts here, also.

—Staff Photo. the work in Kansas, Nebraska, Not Retired and p a r t of Wyoming. Next, he Although reaching senior age, became associated with the General Organizational Company of he and his wife are not "retired Chicago, HL, which conducted fi- people" in any sense of the word.

Mr, Mendenhall feels, and nevnancial, money-raising, and promotional projects all over the er in any egotistical way, that he has something to communtette tp country.

Another five years h e was other people who manifest 'a Executive Director ,of Junior novic«& Interest In creative purAchievement, Inc., in the New suits. , York City area. This was an orIn Florida, the top "retiament" ganization devoted to the teach- state in the Union, he saw huning of older boys and girls to dreds of business and professionfit. them to the economic con- al people in their late 6tfsiitting ditions. Prospering, the organi- around twiddling their thumbs sation was launched on a national scale and Mr. Mendenhall was promoted to National Director of the company, covering the| nation in his work.

After years of high pressure concentration and demanding schedules in this latter job, his health took a turn for the worse and he reluctantly left the metropolitan business life and sought restoration of his health in the Adirondack Mountains in upper New York state. Ten years of lakeside rustication, during which he constructed and sold innumerable handicraft objects, restored a balanced and stable equanimity and also saw him rather fed up with the bitter cold of the New York winters.

Headed South That's when he and his wife sold their spacious home, bought their housetrailer and headed south. They lived for awhile in Arkansas, moved from there to Florida, and from Florida to Albemarle. The reason they picked Albemarle as a possible homesite was due largely to their daughter living here. She is Mrs. | William F. Mount. Her husband is steam engineer at the Collins and Aikman plant north of Albemarle. They formerly lived in Redbank, N. J. Arriving here last March, they lived in their trailer near the Stanly County fairgrounds until they bought the lot near the Salisbury Road underpass and moved there in September.

In addition to their daughter here, they have one other daughter, who lives in Philadelphia, Pa., and whom they are expecting down for the Christmas holidays to affect the first complete family reunion in five years.

Like Albemarle Both Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall profess a great lilting for Albemarle.

"We've never lived in a place —and that includes 46 of the 48 states — where the people were friendlier," they said. "Everyone I has been exceptionally kind, ! helpful, and cooperative here. We | think you have a grand little city which has great potential."

In regard to the proposed celebration of Albemarle's 100th birthday next year, he views it as an opportunity we can ill-afford to pass up. A program of an unusual nature and interest will bring many thousands of people here from several states and will put Albemarle on the map in a big way, he thinks. Years ago, he helped stage a similar celebration in a town of 1800 population in New York State. It was successful beyond the most fanciful dreams of the townspeople.

Imagination and something different is what lt will take to attract people to the program, he says.

M i i M i ^ i

end wasting away. They were sound and fully capable people, but out of the active production life because of their age. To him, the waste ^(Ffffi seasoned and expert knowledge and experience is appalling. It needs to be utilized, he says, for the benefit of our younger people.

Complacency, dullness, and a vegetating existence are evils each person and group and firm, and city should fight endlessly, he says.'

Mr. MendenhaH plans something in the nature of a formal

i2=B

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS. ALBEMARLE

BANANA TREE WITH BANANAS

IT JUST KEEPS GROWING AND BLOOMING j D Johnson, of Misenheimer, stands beside a giant sunflower "bush" hi his yard which has produced over 68 blooms and is still going strong with a number of buds yet to bloom. A volunteer plant, it showered out in a geyser of branches and blooms from the ground up to its nine-foot crown Mr. Johnson savs he has never seen or heard of such a proUfic sunflower before The plant came up in a row of sunflowers designed to shade a row of small boxwoods in the Johnson yard at the western Ind of the Pfeiffer College campus. Many people have stopped to look at the unusual plant â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Man rnoto.

If you want to see a real live banana tree with a bunch of little green bananas on it, go by the home of Joe A. Fesperman, 1209 Freeman Avenue, in Albemarle. Mr. Fesperman's banana tree, the top of which is several feet higher than your head, has been kept in his basement during the past two or three winters and replanted In his yard in the spring. It originally came from Florida. There are at least 32 green bananas about three inches long in one of the bunches. The tree has another bloom which is in the process of forming bananas. Mr. Fesperman, who works at Badin, has offered to give settings from the tree to any* one who wants them later this fall. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo.

m

A Woman Fixer Of Looping Machines

This Housewife Likes Tools And The Outofdoors

By FRED T. MORGAN

#

Years ago in a large Stanly County farm family there lived a girl who probably should have been a boy to start with.

But she wasn't. And now a lot of people are real glad she wasn't.

This girl started right off in , a tomboyish manner and, as she grew up, she joined in the roughest of the field work and let little go by On the farm in which she did not participate. She forked hay, plowed, cut logs, and milked. She went coon and possum hunting with her brothers at night, hunted quail and other game with them on cold a u t u m n days, and fished with them in summer. When a piece of farm machinery broke down, she was right there to help fix it.

More years pass and this girl grows up, completes high school, and gets a job. By and by she gets married. You might think

that maturity, marriage, and the responsibilities of a homemaker might rid her of the tomboyishness.

Refinement Instead, refinement h a s come.

The tendencies are still manifest; they just take a more cultural outlet. Not that she has given up the out-of-doors. Never that.

She still hunts and goes fishing, manages her home, holds down a full time job, and is one bf the best housewife gadeteers and fixer-uppers you'll ever see.

This Stanly housewife with the mechanical turn of mind and who likes to build and do things is Mrs. Paul Ross of Route 2, Gold Hill.

She lives in a new brick home three and one-half miles west of Richfield on Highway 49 near the place where she was born and reared. She is the former Katie Barringer, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charlie A. Barringer.

Right now, Mrs. Ross is immersed in putting finishing touches and innovations in the new home which she and her husband occupied in July.

She has made such things as trapdoors in t h e floor for depositing sweepings and garbage.

She and her husband have restored a number of antiques and harmonized them with modern furnishings.

Interesting Den The den is the most interesting room in the home. There are

t GOURD CHANDELIER IN ROSS HOME Here is one rustic chandelier you won't find in many homes Mrs Paul Ross mart,, tho «,i,„i„ to perfection—all 80 of them. She and the women who operate the machines get along wonderfully, too, she said.

Her husband works for Cannon Mills in Concord.

Credit Due Husband She emphasizes that her husband is just as much a do-ityourselfer as she is. Credit for

much of the convenient and timesaving innovations around the house is due to his foresight and knowhow while the home was in the planning stage.

Along with her handyman and fix-it ability, Mrs. Ross is a real homemaker in the truest sense of the word.

She makes drapes for her windows, dresses for herself, and can

bake some of the best cakes and dishes you ever tasted.

She's a member of the Misenheimer Home Demonstration Club and puts many of the club's suggestions right to use In her home.

A good, harmonious balance of work and fun—indoor and outof-doors—is what she has achiev* ed.

stuffed ducks on the walls, along with antique guns, antique crystal, and "little brown jug" lamps.

Mrs. Ross started last winter to learn the art of taxidermy and she has one duck on the den wall that is her own handiwork. There are six more duck pelts in the deep freeze waiting to be stuffed when she gets time to do it. She and her husband killed most of them last winter.

A bit of professional instruction on duck stuffing was obtain-

ed from Joe Ferebee, Pfeiffer College coach, who Mrs. Ross says, is trying to complete a collection of one of every type of wild duck in existence. At Ferebee's suggestion, she made her own hand tools to use in the work.

One of her brothers wished she had taken up taxidermy a bit earlier.

"He had an old family pet fox hound that died which he said I could have stuffed for him," she laughed.

Another interesting piece of handiwork is a gourd chandalier hanging from a small crossbeam in the ceiling in the center of the den. Mrs. Ross grew the four gourds, excavated them, dried them, painted them, and did all the electrical wiring.

The reason Mrs. Ross is such a fixer around the home is because she is a fixer by profession.

Looping Machine Fixer She is a looping machine fixer in the Hugh Gray hosiery mill division, Nolde & Horst Co., in Concord, maintaining 80 looping machines unassisted.

A salesman who visits her plant regularly says Mrs. Ross is the only woman doing this type of work in the several states t h a t he covers.

She has been fixing looping machines on fine gauge nylon work since 1942 when many of the men were called into the armed services - or to defense work. Having operated the looper for two years previously, she found she understood the machine well and succeeded in mastering the technique of keeping it in smooth • running condition.

Now, she says her plant never sends a machine back to the factory because she can overhaul, rebuild, replace, and adjust them

A Woman Fixer Oi Looping Machines

This Housewife Likes Tools And The Outofdoors

By FRED T. MORGAN Years ago in a large Stanly County farm family there lived a girl who probably should have been a boy to start with.

But she wasn't. And now a lot of people are real glad she wasn't.

This girl started right off in . a tomboyish manner and, as she grew up, she joined in the roughest of the field work and let little go by on t h e farm in which she did not participate. She forked hay, plowed, cut logs, and milked. She went coon and possum hunting with her brothers at night, hunted quail and other g a m e with them on cold a u t u m n days, and fished with them in summer. When a piece of farm machinery broke down, she was right there to help fix it.

More years pass and this girl grows up, completes high school, and gets a job. By and by she gets married. You might think

that maturity, marriage, and the responsibilities of- a homemaker might rid her of the tomboyishness.

Refinement Instead, refinement h a s come.

The tendencies are still manifest; they just t a k e a more cultural outlet. Not that she has given up the out-of-doors. Never that.

She still hunts and goes fishing, manages her home, holds down a full time job, and is one bf the best housewife gadeteers, and fix-er-uppers you'll ever see.

This Stanly housewife with the mechanical turn of mind and who likes to build and do tilings is Mrs. Paul Ross of Route 2, Gold Hill.

She lives in a new brick home three and one-half miles west of Richfield on Highway 49 near the place where she w a s bom and reared. She is the former Katie Barringer, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charlie A. Barringer.

Right now, Mrs Ross is immersed in putting finishing touches and innovations in the new home which she and her husband occupied in July.

She has made such things as trapdoors in the floor for depositing sweepings and garbage.

She and her husband have restored a number of antiques and harmonized them with modern furnishings.

Interesting Den The den is the most interesting room in the home. There are

-

^

-

"

f

c

*

\

\

\

\*-9%;

Oi

*

*

&

stuffed ducks on the walls, along with antique guns, antique crystal, and "little brown jug" lamps.

Mrs. Ross started last winter to leam the art of taxidermy and she has one duck on the den wall that is her own handiwork. There are six more duck pelts in the deep freeze waiting to be stuffed when she gets time to do it. She and her husband killed most of them last winter.

A bit of professional instruction on duck stuffing was obtain-

%

« > •

r\ 01. '

%.<g

o ?•

*

ed from Joe Ferebee, Pfeiffer College coach, who Mrs. Ross says, is trying to complete a collection of one of every type of wild duck in existence. At Ferebee's suggestion, she m a d e her own hand tools to use in the work.

One of her brothers wished she had taken up taxidermy a bit earlier.

"He had an old family pet fox hound that died which he said I could have stuffed for him," she laughed. t * interesting piece of ^ is a gourd chandalier v ma small crossbeam ^&T m the center of the $.oss grew the four ^ , £> ated them, dried •£ "^hern, and did all <3Ting.

O ^ . Ross is such 6>, •** '. home is be<y*jy profession. *S Fixer \chine fix•^iery mill d '&• _

%

a°-%^ ft*r\

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS. ALBEMARLE, H. C FRIDAY, AUGUST 30,

**A\% rx4%?^

'%%**> "*-&'&

&

" S i * * it* o ^.-3.

03 <S, ^ a

e4

71 O ^ & $ p

~&y '%.%'*

VKF a- m

A%&* k&

%*.

\

6 *V%

• tA iP

her '£» is

>•

%>^*

%

in

£P«!

1^2>

o

Co.,

^ooping

^

4( Vi.

O & V

iias T^eping it condition. her plant never }i i».^AChine back to the factfecause she can overhaul, Ud, replace, and adjust t h e m

t GOURD CHANDELIER IN ROSS HOME Here is one rustic chandelier you won't find in many homes. Mrs. Paul Ross mane'th* wTini* Ito perfection—all 80 of them. She 'and the women who operate the J machines get along wonderfully, I too, she said.

Her Husband works for Cannon I Mills in Concord.

Credit Due Husband She emphasizes that her husband is just as much a do-ityourselfer as she is. Credit for

much of the convenient and timesaving innovations around the house is due to his foresight and knowhow while the home was in the planning stage.

Along with her handyman and fix-it ability, Mrs. Ross is a real homemaker in the truest sense of the word.

She makes drapes for her windows, dresses for herself, and can

bake some of the best cakes and dishes you ever tasted.

She's a member of the Misenheimer Home Demonstration Club and puts many of the club's suggestions right to use in her home.

A good, harmonious balance of work and fun—indoor and outof-doors—is what she has achieve ed.

-*

'

Rode Buggy Halt Across Nation

Mrs. Elizabeth Baldwin Is The Queen Of Stanly Nurses Fifty active years in the nurs- is a nurse and a person in whom to seek restoration of his health.

Thereupon began one of the ing profession will have been you would put illimitable faith.

She was born Elizabeth Green- most adventuresome journeys completed next Monday by Mrs. Elizabeth Baldwin, first floor lee and reared on a farm in Mc- probably ever undertaken by any She entered nurse in the USA up until that nurse a t the Stanly County Hos- Dowell 'County. nurses' training July 15, 1907 in time. pital.

Hospital in KnoxThey lived at Cold Creek, Tenn., For half a hundred years, she's the General Tenn., graduating three at the time. Their destination handled pills, made entries in ville, the record books, a n d comforted years later as a Registered Nurse. was Denver, Col. They m a d e Training back then m e a n t 12 ready to take the trip in a "hugmany thousands of patients. hours or more per day with only me-tight" buggy drawn by a She's still doing it, too. horse named "Dan". half a day off each week.

You'll find her on duty in the Hauling space on a buggy is After her graduation, she was ward straight back from the lob- 1 married to Dr. John B. Baldwin, very limited, so Mrs. Baldwin had by in the hospital. l a country doctor who w a s a na- a metal box specially constructed Mrs. Baldwin is a diminutive Itive of Nickolsville, Ky., and to fit on the rear of the buggy, woman with a disarming smile served as his nurse. After sev- into which she placed the most a n d with eyes that twinkle mer- eral years of practice, her hus- essential supplies for the trip. rily when she's talking to you. band developed a tubercular con- Mostly, she says with a remiYou feel instinctively t h a t here dition and was advised to go west niscent sparkle in her eyes, it was a pound of this and a pound of that.

They left Cold Creek on May 3 and arrived in Denver three months and one day later, on August 4.

50 YEARS OF NURSING Their adventures and experiences enroute m a k e interesting She's still on the job a t the Stanly County Hospital afsV stories for Mrs. Baldwin to tell full years in the nursing profession. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Hbtc her two grandchildren, Betty and Nancy Morton.

Since they camped in the open t h e nursing profession which at night, they were never en- means that Mrs. Baldwin holds tirely safe from maruading ani- the record a s the nurse with the mals. Pigs got into their camp longest continuous service in the one night and tore everything county.

UP and one time when t h e horse She has worked in all the hoswasn't fed on time, he raided t h e pitals here, including Badin, and camp larder and destroyed most the Stanly General and the old of the supplies. There was the Yadkin. When the present Stantime Dan got sick and they had ly County opened in July, 1950, to lay over for a week for him she was on the welcoming comto recover. In Harrington, Kan- mittee which greeted visitors a t sas, Mrs. Baldwin, who by this the entrance. time was browned to an Indian In half a century, she has seen tan by the sun and wind, w a s sweeping changes in the technioffered the job of substituting (for a fortune teller in a carni- ques of nursing and says if she lval, which temporary position could live her life over again she would be nothing but a nurse. she refused.

She sees great opportunities in They made Denver with the the field of nursing for the young I same buggy and horse and with woman of today. (many memorable experiences beAnd, she adds with t h a t caphind them. tivating smile, few young nurses After a year in Denver, they of today will have to journey | drove the same horse and buggy half across the nation by horse I to Roswell, New Mexico, a jour- and buggy. ney requiring about 15 days.

From Roswell, they went to Hope, j N. M.. and later to Lovington, N. IM., where her husband practiced I medicine until his death in 1918.

Her only child, a daughter, now Mrs. Allen Morton of 325 E. South Street, was born in Lovington.

She came to Badin to visit her brother, F. L. Greenlee, in 1918, the year of the terrible flu epidemic, and since her services were so much in demand, she went to work as a nurse and has been in Stanly County ever since.

To the best of her recollection, there were only two trained nurses here when she came. One of these was Mrs. Fred Efird and the other was a nurse for t h e Wiscassett Mills Company. No nurse here then is still active in

#

â&#x20AC;˘

9

He Gave Up Smoking

>erback Books

perbacll FPhoto. l a writers and ha*

books, he' magazine^ files on Na| ind True t h a t ' .rs.

Classics about Plato anJ about Plutarch! 'ajjxlvdxoti, or any /s or early histo r O|iÂť ~s' **e k n o w s ÂŤ5pa book on them a a aether it's stilted nr diocre or absorbing.; . nis books, "Ulysses" by oyce, he says contains iest sentence of any book English language. T i ice runs some 44 book page| ut any punctuation whati Hf That, however, is the onljfl

Boy Scout troop 82, sponsored the Brotherhood of his church, is institutional representative 1 neighborhood commissioner.

TV Quiz Show? lot of people who know Raband his reading hobby have ked him why he doesn't try to on a TV quiz show. is answer is that he hasn't ed to specialize in any one Id of knowledge and doesn't end to. He doesn't think of self as a likely candidate for quiz show, although obviously can answer a lot of questions

IKUNISf SIHJ. Ml

)UOD SlIDl&u&B

30HS

fiea sr

sir

>f his reading thj me satisfaction oi if his children show any 9 clinatlon' for extensive reading he will have an abundant riety of reading material on haj": regardless of the direction thrii reading tastes.

Yes, he figures giving up smotol ing and putting his cigan'r. money into books is one of tk^| best and most rewarding decis ions he ever made in his life.f The raven, nearly twice as b t as its common relative, the crow is similar in build and has glos^ black feather. It eats almost anything animal or vegetable. It carefully stays out of shotgun range. Individuals have livedmore than 50 years.

He Gave

nn(1

Buih

a

Library

Rabbit H Enviable Collection of Paperback Books

By FRED T. MORGAN An Albemarle m a n who gave u p smoking h a s parlayed his diverted clgaret money into a fabulous home library of paperback books.

Giving u p smoking w a s t h e best thing t h a t ever happened to him, he figures, for he likes reading much better.

And he's actually saved money on the deal. Moreover, he h a s something to show for his money, both tangible and intangible.

And he's become one of the most widely read men you'll ever find outside the academic and professional field.

E. K. "Rabbit" Hartley, 46, of 1211 Bailey Street, has a private library in his home which contains, by his conservative estimate, at least 3,000 books. The number might go 500 to 1,000 higher. Most of these books are the pocketbook, paperback type that you can buy at the newsstands and book stores for anywhere from 25 to 75 cents. A few hardcover books are sprinkled among them.

Keeps Buying Books But he keeps adding to them at the rate of anywhere from three to 12 books a month. Rarely does a week pass in which he doesn't buy a t least one new book.

He buys them anywhere h e happens to be. He can scan t h e . newsstand racks and quickly spot the book he doesn't have.

And get thisâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;he has read fully 95 percent of all his books." AlE. K. "Rabbit" Hartley . . . though he has no photographic books. He likes reading much mind and is no wizard at remembering, he has a retentive notable thing about the book in memory t h a t enables him to re- his estimation. call t h e essence of each book, Another view of Rabbit's He has t h e complete poems of the characters, theme, and high has more than 3,000 books and hi spots.

Robert Service and other works An omnivorous reader, his by the famous "Dan McGrew" autastes are as wide as t h e field thor.

He's no Shakespeare fan. The of publishing itself. From comics to cosmology, classics to con- works of this famous English writer have failed to entice him. fidential.

A glance a t the titles on his Would Choose History crowded shelves wtil show such If he had to choose a prefercategories as religion, astronomy, folklore, music, science, history, ence in his reading, h e would Westerns, fiction, humor, art, take history and historical novPhilosophy, medicine, education, els, having been addicted to hisopera, poetry, psycho-analysis, tory since his school days.

Favorite authors would include and many more.

He has not one, but m a n y books a long list, but among them would be James Street, Van Wyck in these fields.

In addition to the books, h e Mason, Paul Wellman, Steveson, takes a number of magazines Poe, and perhaps Dickens. and has complete files on NaA few of the modern writers tional Geographic and True t h a t are satisfying, h e says, but m a n y go back many years. of them leave you empty and frustrated.

Knows The Classics He can read through the averYou ask him about Plato and he knows. Or about Plutarch, age size pocketbook in four to Ulysses, Don Quixoti, .or any of five hours, he said. the big wheels of early history Both his eyes have been opor the classics. He knows. He erated on for cateracts and he can pull out a book on them and wears visual aids. But he can tell you whether it's stilted or still read all right. factual, mediocre or absorbing.

Visitors w a n t to borrow books One of his books, "Ulysses" by ffbm his personal shelves someJames Joyce, he says contains times and he usually loans them the longest sentence of any book with the understanding they are In the English language. The to be returned promptly. Most sentence runs some 44 book pages borrowers return them. without any punctuation whatA few people have given him ever. That, however, is t h e only pocketbooks since they have become aware of his extensive accumulation.

Not A Collector

he gave up smoking and put his cigaret money into paperback^ better than smoking. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo.

"I'm glad his is books and reading."

Rabbit is a member of the VFW, American Legion, and is commander of the Military Order of Cootie. He is a member of the First Lutheran Church and assistant Sunday School teacher.

For Boy Scout troop 82, sponsored by t h e Brotherhood of h i s church, he is Institutional representative and neighborhood commissioner.

TV Quiz Show?

A lot of people who know Rabbit and his reading hobby have asked him why he doesn't try to get on a TV quiz show. , His answer is t h a t he hasn't tried to specialize in any one field of knowledge and doesn't intend to. He doesn't think of himself as a Hkely candidate for a quiz show, although obviously he can answer a lot of questions

about books and writers and h i e tory.

One benefit of his reading t h brings him some satisfaction & that if his children show any inclination for extensive reading he will have an abundant vi) riety of reading material on haf$ regardless of the direction thsf reading tastes.

Yes, he figures giving up smofl ing and putting his ciganr money into books is one of th* best and most rewarding decis ions he ever m a d e In his life. , The raven, nearly twice a s bi( as Its common relative, t h e crow is similar in build and has glossy black feather. It eats almost anything animal or vegetable, Ilj carefully stays out of shotgunl range. Individuals have lived/? more than 50 years.

14-A

A Shut-in Who Isn't Shut Out

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19. 1958

Disability Doesn't Bother Bruce

By FRED T. MORGAN iou go up on Jthe porch at 307 North Fifth Street, push the doorbell and wait.

Just about the time you begin to start waiting, you are startled by an abrupt but pleasant voice which says: "Who's there please?" """ Puzzled, you glance furtively around, the porch but don't see anyone. The door is still closed.

You're wondering if you're heart i n g things that aren't there when the voice comes again: "Who is This time you manage to get a directional beam on the voice and see the loudspeaker box up over the door to the right and hear the faint hum coming from it.

You identify yourself and the box says: "Okay open the door, come straight back, and turn to your left."

Following the directions, you wonder at this strange remote control door-answering service but by this time you're back in the house and turning left through a doorway where you see the m a n behind.the speaker.

Behind the Speaker The man is Bruce Saunders.

He's lying in bed with his head and shoulders elevated. He's been confined to bed like this nine-tenths of the time for the past 13 years. Bruce can move his head and has normal use of his arms and hands. But his legs are immobile and moving around under his own power is out of the question.

Remote two-way communication at the front door is only one practical innovation made around the house during his dozen or

BRUCE SAUNDERS WITH ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM Bedfast for the past 13 years, Bruce holds here a diagram he drew himself of the intricate electrical system which he installed at his bedside to enable him to perform various household chores at the flick of a switch. . â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo. the doors. Not until he pushes the right switch on his panel can you twist the door handle and enter.

He can turn on and off his TV set across the room from his bedside control panel and also turn the volume up or down.

He can turn on lights on either

more years as a shut-in.

From a fingertip control panel a t his bedside, Bruce_can flick switches that do amazing tasks to the room and throughout the house. , In'addition to speakers at the front and back door of the home, Bruce also controls the lock on I

side of the room, turn on the room air conditioning unit, a small exhaust fan in the window, and activate loud speakers in other parts of the house.

Designed It Himself The remarkable thing is t h a t Bruce designed this entire intri-

cate electrical system himself and did most of the installation work.

Did he have to study eldctrical books and get professional prompting?

Very little. "Electrical work just seems to come easily for me," Bruce said.

He has a large metal toolbox filled with tools and more are on the shelves in a closet in his room.

The control panel for his multitudinous electrical gadgets is built into the side of a mobile utility cabinet within easy reach of his left hand. Wiring coming out of the bottom of the cabinet can be quickly unplugged and the cabinet moved if need be.

The cabinet also serves as a telephone nook, radio shelf, and as bedside headquarters.

Detailed and elaborate diagrams - of the whole electrical layout, penned by Bruce, are handy in his room in case of minor trouble or a major breakdown so a visiting electrical repairman could study the diagram and trace the trouble within minutes. Bruce takes care of any minor trouble.

Bruce and h i s 7 father, E. W. Saunders, occupy the house alone now.

Finished High School While still a student at Albemarle High School, Bruce had trouble with his legs at the onset of a crippling disease. Within a year or two, he was a cripple and consigned to a life in bed with but brief respites in a wheelchair.

In addition to keeping his electrical circuits going, Bruce turns out professional leatherwork, in-

BEDSIDE CONTROL PANEL FOR ELECTRICAL GADGETS Here is the electrical control panel built into the bedside utility cabinet by Bruce Saunders.

The switches and lights at right control doors,' locks, lights, TV, air conditioner, exhaust fan, and loudspeakers. The shelf contains his radio, loudspeaker, and his telephone which he can dial expertly without seeing it. Bruce did the designing and installation work himself. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo. eluding billfolds, keyholders, handbags, and special leather items he's designed himself. Over a period of years, he has learned many of the secrets of leather, including the perfecting of a dying process of a type on which no literature could be found. He laces his leather goods with leather rather than plastic. On a rolling workbench beside his bed are several leather-cutting and shaping tools which he made himself.

Reading occupies much of his time, especially at night when he sometimes reads until 2 and 3 a.

m. Usually he sleeps until 8 a. m. and seldom naps any during the day for his days are too busy.

Not as many friends as he'd like drop by to see him but he makes up for it by conversations with his telephone friends.

When the new dial telephones were installed, Bruce had to work out a system of dialing without looking at the digits because moving the phone from its cabinet shelf up onto his bed every time was much too awkward and time-consuming. He did this by notching two key digits as guides

and now dials as quickly and accurately as a normal person whe-| looks at the dial face.

Another relaxation and diversion is turning up the volume on his front door speaker and catching fragments of conversation from teenagers and other people walking along the street. Some of the neighboring young people yell greetings to him from the street when they think he's listening. Traffic noises are objectionable, however, and he mostly keeps the volume turned down to front porch or sidewalk range.

1 * *m

ARTESIAN WELL ON THE ST. MARTIN'S ROAD Drilling an old well deeper to find better water resulted in striking, at 104 feet, a vein of such pressure that it shot water up above the ground surface at the home of Alton Whitley. The picture shows the pump seated back on top of the well casing and the water bubbling out around it. The flow is said to be getting stronger a n d the water is running off downhill to the right of the picture. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo.

Well Drillers Strike Artesian Well At Home Of Alton Whitley An artesian well, the flow of which seems to be getting stronger by the day, was hit by a well driller early this week at the home of Alton Whitley on ths St. Martin road.

The strong-pressUred stream of water was hit it a depth of 104 feet, according to the driller, Gaston Huneycutt, who said he had been drilling wells in Stanly for a long time, and his father before him, but they had seen no artesian vein as strong as this in this part of the country.

When the vein was struck Monday, the spouting water erupted in a stream several feet above the surface of the ground, bringing up pebbles, according to observers.

Mr. Huneycutt tried pumping it off at the rate of 60 gallons per minute, but was unable to keep up with the flow.

The original well at this site was drilled about a year ago to a depth of 52 feet but the Water had a mineral content and was unsatisfactory for household use. Recently Mr. Whitley engaged Mr. Huneycutt to cement off the vein and drill deeper in hopes of find* ing better water.

Mr. Whitley said he checked the well Thursday morning and it appeared to be flowing stronger than the day before.

He said it was pure good water Of the best type.

Asked how he planned to harness this unusual flow of water, Mr. Whitley said he planned to leave his pump intact for piping water into the house. Then, he said he would probably bore a hole in the well casing about three feet below the pump and pipe the artesian flow off by gravity into a natural low place which could be later developed into a lake.

Well drillers say that while artesian wells are not uncommon in the low coastal areas of the state, they are considered quite unusual in this area.

I

From Hardwoods To Pines

Hardwood Control Operation Is Underway A large scale hardwood control operation is underway now on an 80-acre tract of land near Rocky River in southern Stanly County.

This tract of cut-over land, owned by Dr. Henry Hill of Albemarle, is being concerted from undesirable hardwoods to pine seedlings. At the present time, work is confined to a 15-acre portion of the tract, but eventually Ithe entire tract is slated for conJversion into the production of j.pine trees.

All hardwoods in the area are being eliminated. Firewood-size ! hardwoods are being cut and hauled out of the area. Smaller hardwoods, the scrub variety, are being killed by chemicals.

John W. Stokes, county forester, is giving technical assistance in planning and carrying out this large scale operation.

No Natural Re-seeding In this particular case, the land, unsuited for cultivation, has been cut over previously and stripped of all marketable pine and hardwood timber. There is not enough pine left standing to re-seed the area by the natural method. So the landowner is clearing off all hardwoods of all description, and will set out loblolly pine seedlings over the tract at the rate of about 1,000 per acre.

Scrub hardwood, too small to be cut and hauled out for firewood, are being treated With a chemical known as 245-T. A gallon of this chemical, which KILLING UNDESIRABLE HARDWOODS WITH CHEMICALS costs about $12.00, is mixed with 25 gallons of fuel oil and one Dwight Hill, one of the men now working on the hardwood control project described in the ^gallon of cheap paint. The paint accompanying story, demonstrates how the chemical is sprayed into a fresh cut on the tree is ihcluded in the mixture to trunk. The tree slowly die and decay. All the area shown in the picture will be planted give a faint stain so the man do- in young loblolly will pine seedlings. The brush will decay and not interfere with their growth. ing the spraying can tell which —Staff Photo. hardwoods have been sprayed.

The spraying can be done with . one of the three-gallon all-purpose sprayers that are common around the farm. . m

— \ dlF • a >>

•

O

<U

B J B J ,

.

•

t i i . "U -. 3 CO rn c0 PU "

£ 6 5. _, «bo<o ..» £

.-

•

CO e

CO 0 J OT •

fl)

beg E bflC &_i=i °

CU Q . J D

E

1

_ E

o Wl •o hirtOT O c c OT OTOT 8 o S

OT 4) *=> M H S3 CB CB 3 P*OTO p »3 EES» ! « « C.E « .-o,S 5 (-< -B.K ft u ** .£?« X . S •O P 2 + 3 eB •" * a o B S C c K *».§? j>P P P ft w o S P ' CB •S »H B co a, g 5 > g * *" co~ O £m „§!'** a-p "JCg 353 . gm -(6 ??-C 0) "•' a « •5 £ . 2 - 3 rt 4> a * A* -1 J= - . 2 s wo** fi CO 01 >>£.£ 41 (Bip •«-* 01..-,•—< +•*

I

a * m ^

C o - * _ WW o"*

£to u,2« ^£ Q2S «OS'S « J J S .

>»*•

0

^•SSS'S^MIB

2 > c-

E--.5

O-O'

*"° 2 o<w

"JJ„-<*5 ftg 2 S *'* S

T3 ... g< > B

p 2

•'

E S M H t i & ' S o *>>Ǥ.

Oct-> 41 , c X> co 3 . P P 41 £ w i-

•5 P o s & " i - f - e r l O

CO

"P

x

cB

CB

<u o c >

T 3 o « C

w u; * «B M 5 6 OH

^

^ p

>>

bo

Rj" *

."

5h Jj C fri o

P aj 0)

OJ

^ * * °

4

SU M

"OT, , "-r (2*0 O

» , OT

OJOT* ;

OT

>

> <

t«

gE^

c £ 0 <«5 .2 5..CW.2I g (0 CD

. 2

OJ OJ >

. cB to+» JS 3. O be.: „ » ^ 3 5

O es

h g'o+.'o ait!

T? McB OT.O

2 5-^g8ai jcC s SS

>,.ts

O

m

r^TOM M CB OT

"t"! r i

fi

«l*C 2 «

t;

8)i-t

3

* T > S 3 - c &5 \n ai*-!x: t-<— O m t Q OT P . O

e

•rj ai <u 41 O O

j

••

«2 >>C 4J OT 01 • >> * 5 - p c.SS J e m o"a +334) « s * o P S cB u, C 4) SJ1—I CO • * * r> P 4) 01 S P 4) £ O B-g 4J73 p tfl p _ C £ ?

4-> fc<X < 3 cB otJ 4 (•ptmfc

• T3 J S

* S3*

E-.S ^ OT cB^

fe . T J 41 D . o CO OT 01 41

£•0 4) S 01

t3 " o •s

C 3

«B 9a

41 4)

cB* o

41 OJ OT M

M

c

tl

13 CB P C ? C (JJ w * «B 3 1^5 £?4i 1-1 o cB tn « -" §p WS 4) a m O

P.

e

bO

o 4)

o 1—' OT £ CB 41

.2&§3 2 m OTma,41OJ

M

CO j X 3 " " ^

I 8it* ig§ c

••-» 1

O . J!

OJ b£ K ' a ; E L . ' ST! c 4J T cB c . « r! £ rc l

fc.' x:

:e^

V . C ft

IIS

W * T^; i

B co j4i) <SMx 41 j H

l l * ?»| B.S2,

= « -t-"?.

A B S S « |

* »g

•->

£ » 4) cB 2 >>bo2 fa S £« CB ^ p O iQ

fa o bB2-D co 2 , c £ « £ c°2 OTco P .2

o 3 bS^, ggPU4J S.2ft <p W+* P cB 2 3 OT "C

r5S

B S

rn *

g cB fe*3* 3

G'D OT CO »4-l

OJ

b i ' O P.OT

C

*-i — t?

$2-

cu

•C O CO ™

•^ 41 2

* * % ^ 0)S

S

£ g

T . O C 4)

rt OT

01 5C-Q43 o C o _ rt o •*-»

5 M

C

t-i

IB P

«

ft"C'3

41 S 41 P £ ^ *9 G S * M

>

•c 5+3 S x. P tfl.S cB-O ?

W'OiS

CBIQ

S a g g S p •cS a*g£ ffi 41

S >

OJ

M

P

'-*.

_ PJs

SpS

" OT «M g PP co rt

3 M s e5p O * 41 ui ai coo

>>"P .

O

I»0• - H

' " H i . *

CO ftco

sic

• c b be w S * ^.

41 £J72«P P a s ^ , H S 3 k . O P r- o ec fa 83£.E .'rt +1 n c e 3 2 * - i £ OJ •S O P O T * 0 ) * O B 3 ^>>,OT tCBhce >>'n-3 * * co L * 3 BaT3 3 -p -o rt + J > 0) b CB «3 P 4> Ph E ™ « OT« <<>•{? « « S cB •be M .

4)

o

C

rt +-1

OT •S 4J <i, e * P

p ^ t o . 4 i m 4) H """S 60 to OT <8 CO

H o« •

41 4) >-i 41 £ 41

oOTrt

2c •H

P

OJ

-A!BS

'OT£ B S

rt

3

CO "O (jj

3

4j c g .2 "fa a;

»-Sc2 2 P

41

(0 n +3 4)

•gfip

T « rt 41 O rt P

|6S

XO

C

E^P O P to co-B

..P*3

- s i •c

"H3

^

ft

5

OJ CO e f i * „ «'l C O B p OJ -B •2 5*9 E " p "2 B° faOT>-. « * S PS-: - 1- 9.

O

ft

O

_ „ P OJ «

01

^ rt±j S BxiJC P P OT P 41 r- O O -f^ + J o M . 2 . 0 . 0

fll'C

c CB 2 o . e 52 A h ? ftp o h ^B o

•— O) X !

1.1U1 U3CJ.I

P

41

fa

rt-<^•x 41 -rn ?• CB jOT <J CB _ , ..-,

C'OJ

^ ^ r t

^ cMel's!« 9 <« S ?2

S P r - j 41 P +3

|OT

>°,a.c S* © * ^ . P

fi " 9 J -

CB7"i + J 0) In OT «0

h £

3.0*5.5 ^ 2 > i >- i - 3E; <M

ftg

P5

S

P E l ^

s

a r j gx: gx:

Fingermarks, A New Dress, And A Pile remembered wak father and mother who ingMrs.up Duffy I father, Ranee Bullock, sat on the lock's around midnight the lived a few miles dway.

Anoth'porch idly whittling on a stick. er son went to bring some neigh- night before and seeing the yelSeveral other unkempt children bor women in to help.

(Names used are fictitous) low glow of lamplight at the A little girl, maybe eight or 10, lolled around the porch and in Bullock home. She knew in her Another Look Dame walking up the path to the the yard. Mrs. Duffy hesitated mind that Rose Bullock, though neighbor's house one bright Sun- at the porch uncertain as to While they were gone, / Mrs. exhausted from her day's toilin flay morning just as the family what she should say or do.

Duffy went back in the bedroom the newground, was busy makwas preparing to leave for Big Finally, Ranee Bullock nodded to look again at something that ing that new dress to wear to her Meeting Sunday at church. his head and Jerked his knife had bothered her. She bent down parents' home next day.

The Pile of Logs Recognizing her as one of the hand over his shoulder and mut- close to the still body. Sure enough, there were long whitish While the women were busy children from the large family tered: "She's in there." marks on the dead woman's dark laying out Rose Bullock for that lived in the old house down Fingermarks swollen throat — finger marks— burial, the folks outside the by the creek, the neighbor womApprehensively, Mrs. Duffy no mistake about it. They were house could see a big pile of an, Mrs. Duffy, called to her: entered the crude and strangely to see. She went back out burning logs in a partially "Morning, Penny, you're out quiet house and something drew plain and whispered the news to her cleared field not far away. These early." her toward the open door of a husband and he came in and were the logs the dead woman A closer look at the young girl bedroom. On the bed lay Rose looked. piled the day before. Smoke caused Mrs. Duffy to remark: Bullock, her wide and sightless On Saturday, the day before, had steadily from the pile and "My, child, you look scared. Any- eyes staring at the ceiling. Her Rose Bullock had spent the day rose there licked out a face and neck were purplish- cutting, dragging, and .piling occasionally thing wrong?" ragged blanket of flame which black and her throat was horThe response from the solemn, logs and sprouts in the creek- flickered brightly until it was big-eyed little girl was a bomb- ribly swollen. Mrs. Duffy knew bottom newground near the again subdued by the smoke. she was dead without touching house. She worked at the wearishell.

Somehow the watching folks con"My daddy says for you to her. some task from sunup until nected the smoke and flame She hastened back to the porch dusk, stopping only long enough from the pile of burning logs to come down there," she said hollowly as if reciting rehearsed and there sat Bullock whittling. to cook a bite to eat at noon and the spirit of Rose Bullock and it words. "My mommy is dead. He About that time Mrs. Duffy's water the Bullock stock at the was a somber, respectful crowd says for you to come down there." husband and two sons drove up spring branch. Mrs. Duffy had that watched the pile burn. Hats She turned and started walk- and they came inside and viewed been at the spring at the same were removed at the sight of ing back along the downhill the body. time. the orange flames playing over path.

"Have you let her folks know?" "Reckon I'll take the children the logs.

• Mr. Duffy asked. "Have you and go spend the day tomorrow Saw Her Day Before question arose as to how Shocked, Mrs. Duffy turned to made any arrangements about with Pa and Ma," she told Mrs. to The dress the dead woman for Duffy. "Ain't seen them in a burial. her husband. "Why I just saw laying her out?" father wanted to Mrs. Bullock late yesterday. She Bullock only mumbled that he long time. But I got to make send to aHer store for a new dress. was planning to leave early this wasn't in any hurry. Turned out my new dress first. Ma gave me They brought the question to the morning to spend the day with he wanted Mrs. Duffy to prepare the material two months ago but her father and mother. You the body for burial by herself. I hadn't got around to making unconcerned • and unemotional husband.

He tried to discourage any gen- it yet."

I reckon anything is wrong?"

"You better go on down and eral news alarm about it. But It wasn't hard to see why she He nodded to a new dress lyI see," her husband said. "Me and Mrs. Duffy wouldn't have it. didn't get around to making the ing across the back of a chair. the boys will finish getting ready "I got to have help," she told new dress. Not with half a dozen "There's a brand new dress. and load up the food and we'll him bluntly. "I can't lift her young children to tend, all the That's good enough for her." by myself. We're going' to let field and house work to do, and come on by there."

Buried In New Dress Mrs. Dufty got to the old house people know about this." a shiftless husband to tolerate. It was the dress that she had Mr. Duffy sent one of his sons down by the creek just .a few There was little or no visiting or steps behind Penny. Penny's in the old car to tell Mrs. Bul- communication between Rose's completed making with her own hands just a few hours before.

• 'ii'MmtawiiiMinMllir parents and her husband. They They the dress on her—the had advised against the mar- dress put that she had worked unriage to begin With. til after midnight making — the Husband A Woodsman that she planned to wear Most folks thought of Ranee dress on one of her few pleasant days, Bullock as an anti-social night- a Sunday visit with her parents. wandering woodsman who pre- They buried Rose Bullock next ferred the woods to the fields and day at Liberty Hill Primitive Bapwho hunted, trapped, fished, and tist Church and the whole coundrank moonshine whiskey. Rum- tryside turned out for the rites. ors were that he was brutal to The Bullock children didn't his wife and kids. proper clothes to wear to Neighbors poured into the Bul- have church for the funeral" and the lock home that bright Sunday neighbors in and bought morning when the word got out. clothes for chipped Later, the chilThe Duffy boy who had gone dren were them. out" to variafter Rose's parents said it was ous families"farmed to keep until Ranee i the hardest job he had ever done Bullock married again and made in his life to tell the folks the a home for them. news. When he got there they It is not believed that any were standing in the tyard look- formal Investigation was ever ing down the road on which made into the death or that there Rose and the children were to was ever any official verdict arrive. given as to what caused the Gradually Ranee Bullock's death of Rose Bullock. But the story came out. He had got up neighbors were firm in their about 4 o'clock that morning and belief that she died at the brutal left to make a round of his fish hands of a drunk and enraged traps on the creek. When fie re- husband. turned two or three hours later For months and years afterhe found his wife dead on the and even today, the story bed just as she was now. Simple. ward, of Rose has remained a Too simple, thought the neigh- favorite Bullock one in western Stanly bors who stood around the yard County — the story of fingertalking. They had seen the marks, a new dress, and a pile fingermarks on the throat of of burning logs. the dead woman. Their version of what had happened could be stated simply, too. Couldn't Ranee Bullock have come home drunk the night before, became enraged at the news his wife I planned to visit her parents next | day, and choked her to death?

By FRED T. MORGAN

fcfl

4-A

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C . FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18. 1957

He Called The Man A <$>-

Al Carter had stolen the hog, As long as she lived, and she I t is apparently unknown now I probably butchering it by night lived to be an old woman, "Aunt as to just who made the trip out I.?

To accuse a m a n of stealing and selling or trading it to pork- Jane" told about the gruesome west to arrest Carter. Someone '.

"V^ur hog was the next thing to hungry people who asked no sight. went for the purpose of making i calling nim a hoss thief — the questions about its origin.

Fled With Knife positive identification of the suUltimate in flrey epithets— Carter, his fury abated by his spect.

Carter heard the accusation among the struggling, war-tired and his anger flared. He wasn't dripping knife, stepped over the Caught Carter Plowing people of the South in the un- the type of m a n to ignore such body of h i s victim and glanced In Oklahoma, or wherever the certain days a t the end of the finger pointing. There had to wildly about him fo see if any- place was, they did some disCfvil War. one had Witnessed the fight Had creet undercover work to locate be a showdown.

Such an accusation meant a On the morning or October 18, his eyes fell on the little •Negro the suspect who was a farmer in fight, bloodshed, and harbored 1865, he shouldered his long- girl, who was now frozen by the community. They found the hatred t h a t often erupted into barreled muzzleloader, fastened terror to the gate, the fearsome suspect's farm and, in concealhis wicked homemade hunting knife might have shed mofe ment, watched him murder. plowing blood. Still gripping his knife, across a field. '"Watch him, boys/^ ,It did lead to murder here In knife to his belt, and walked he ran along the fence Until the eastward across the fields to a Stanly man said. "If he stops and Stanly County. woods swallowed him.

Lilly's home. spits when he gets to the end of A murder with one of those Negro Jane, gibbering as only the row, that'll be him."

Lilly In Corn Crib ironic twists that fate somean hysterical child can do, ran dhre enough, when the m a n times inserts into the picture to Bushrod Lilly sat in his log t h e house and sounded the got to the end of the row, and make the whole t h i n g look so corn crib shelling corn and out to alarm, being met by the women turning his team of futile and unnecessary. through the logs he saw Carter who, alarmed by the shot, were started around, he turned and This murder occurred about a coming. There wasn't time to coming outside to investigate. mules spat tobacco juice the bushes. rrdle east of the present village run to his nearby home for his They got Lilly inside the house "That's him," he atcried.

"Let's, OT Palestine on the farm now gun. and on the bed before he died. 'im."

Carter stopped before the open His blood dripped on the floor getCarter occupied by Charlie Cagle. The offered no resistance. door of the crib and looked in- and for decades afterward t h e They returned date was October 18, 1865. with him to Alside at Lilly. The muzzle of his occupants of the house said t h e bemarle and put Chaotic Conditions in jail rifle, cradled in his arm, bloodstains would never wash without incident. him Conditions here as in other long A formerly pointed directly at the seated away. parts of the South were chaotic. man. friend of Carter's of the Pales-rf Bushrod Lilly was buried in tine community visited him in Crippled Confederate Soldiers "I hear you been saying I were back home helping to har- stole your hog?", Carter said, his t h e cemetery of what i s now Ba- Jail and said that the m a n wai din Baptist Church.

The still unbelievably aged. vest their first crop in five years. bleak His hain face showing no emotion, legible inscription on his tomb- was Other soldiers hadn't got back His eyes snowy white, his face wrinwe*e blazing slits. yet. Some would never. There' Lilly looked into the muzzle of stone reads: "B. W. Lilly, born kled and gaunt, and his body was shifting, restlessness, and the gun. His chin quivered. June 9, 1802, died October 18, thin and emaciated. edgy nerves as t h e returned vet- But his voice was firm. "Yeah," 1865, age 63 years, four months, "If remorse, heartbreak, pleadand nine days." erans and their families tried to ing, sorrow, and repentance said. "I- been saying i t You A few days after they buried would bring Bushrod Lilly back, patch together enough substance he did steal my hog."

Lilly, the mourning folks around foe survival and to re-adjust would have been back and alive Carter's mouth twisted into a the Lilly household had a new ahe long themselves to a land so ravaged snarl. ago," Carter is re"FVe come to kill you if touch of grief added to their bur- ported totime by war t h a t often there Wasn't you don't have said in his cell. take t h a t back and even tools left with) which to tell folks I didn't steal your hog," den. They heard grunts coming Punished By Conscience from the edge of the forest and work. It isn't difficult to see, spat He told friends who visited looked up and saw a fine razorthen, against this background of h e"But you did steal my hog," back hog Cmme trotting happily him that he had hardly seen a privation, how a family hog— Lilly Said. even a nondescript old razorback ing back." "I ain't taking noth- into t h e yaroT It w a s tKevnog moment's peace since h e killed Lilly had accused Carter of steal- Bushrod Lilly and left this counhog—was a valued possession, a Carter brought his s u n u p ln ing and butchering. try. Thoughts of his terrible act possession t h a t would cause con- firing position and aimed it Years passed and nobody saw had plagued him always and siderable alarm when it turned squarely at Lilly's heart and fir- anything more of Carter. Rumors tormented his dreams. Whatever I up missing. . \jTi ed, But a s h e fired, he purpose- were t h a t he had fled out west they did with him now, he said, Bushrod W. Lilly, who lived at ly pulled the barrel up and the to Indian territory. He left a couldn't be any worse than the the presentday Cagle place, had ball struck a log above Lilly's wife and daughter a t his home- punishment he had already takseveral hogs on his farm. He head. stead, marked now only by a en from his own conscience. prized them highly as meat for "You c a n t scare me like that," giant oak tree, a spring, and the They tried Al Carter, a beaten, | his family. When winter's meat- Lilly said, "you ain't gonna kill remnants of an orchard. contrite old man, in big court i n ! preserving cold arrived, he plan- nobody." Then Lilly laughed Albemarle, the story goes, a n d !

Found Murder Weapon *» ned to butcher his hogs and salt loudly and mockingly right in In the dark of October nights, the judge sentenced him to life them away in the smokehouse the gunman's face. folks claimed you could see a in prison. He died in a prison ] for winter eating. Lilly prefrlight hopping along t h e rail within a few years after being I Carter Stabs Lilly ably d i d n t - g e to t h e battlefields fence where Al Carter had run committed* t h u s ending the story I The laugh drove Carter Into a with the South's forces during fjenzy» o f T n a d n e s s .

Dropping following his dastardly act. of the m a n who killed when he 1 the war, he being well over 60 his useless rifle, he screamed Some years after the murder, was called a hog thief. years of age at the time t h e curses at Lilly and drew the people Searched along the fence | war ended. He was an upstand- wicked hunting knife from his and found the murder* weapon. ing man, respected, and looked t When Lilly saw the flash The handles were rotted off and toTfor morale leadership in the bofe lfhe knife, he bolted out t h e the long blade was tarnished] community during the war. door before Carter reached him with thick rust. The knife isj and r a n around the side of the said to be still in existence!

Al Carter p i s neighbor, Al Carter,, was crib with Carter in hot pursuit somewhere.

Years passed . . five, 10,15, UO. more on the shady aide, having slashing at him with the long Al Carter w a s largely forgota disposition for trouble making knife.

At t h e paring fenca between t e n around Palestine except for arid plundering. It is unknown whether he went to war with the crib and his log home, Lilly the Lilly family and for oldsters the S o u t h s army, though it is tripped and fell sprawling on who ilked to tell the story of prpbable that he, too, was ^past the ground on his stomach. Be* the murder to their families the age for active service at t h e fore he could move, Carter around a blazing fireplace at time. Carter lived about half a pounced upon him and drove the night While the wind whistled mile west of Lilly and their f arms long-bladed knife Into his back outside in accompaniment to the joined* An old wagon road link- again and again. He pulled the scary tale. An occasional curied the two homes. A rail fence wounded m a n Into a sitting po- ous person would come and look staggered u p across the hillside sition and stabbed him some a t the blood on the floor of the Lilly home and the bullet hole toward the woods from the Lilly more.

Unknown to either of tha two in the log at the crib. farm. Carter was dark and Then a message came to Stanswarthy. Folks said he had In- men, a little Negro slave girl, dian blood in him. He was the: "Negro- Jane"- was swinging on ly t h a t electrified the Palestine type of m a n who harbored ill the fence gate within an easy community. A man thought to will in his heart and magnified stone's throw of the two men and be Al Carter had been spotted by trivialities until they became a n she saw everything. She couldn't a visiting Albemarle m a n out obsession. He bullied people in have been more t h a n six Or in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Inquiries were thfc neighborhood when they eight,-yet the scene made an in- or someplace. delible impression on her young made by officials here. Enough protested his outlawry. p n e of Lilly's hogs turned u p mind. "De big knife, hit went evidence t h a t the suspect was missing. When the hog didn't clean through Massuh Lilly and indeed Carter w a s uncovered show up for a day or two, Lilly coined out on de t'other side, that officers organized a trip out there. , \ let it be known t h a t he thought she told them later.

By FRED T. MORGAN

A

5*

I Possesses Mechanical Knowhow

16-Year-Old Is Collector Aid 10-A

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C . FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1957

ROBERTS GUN COLLECTION During the past two years, Robert has collected at least 16 rifles and shotguns of an early vintage and a few small arms. He has a considerable amount ot money tied up in the guns and is adding to his collection whenever possible. He also repairs firearms for people and is currently embarked on a project of making a complete pistol by himself.

—Staff Photo.

fixer'

wife from whom the jar was obJ tained told them t h a t it h a d been filled with canned goodd every year of its existence ex-l cept during the Civil War years.1 If you have any old g u n orl mechanical relics to sell, swap,| exhibit, or talk about, see Robert—he's interested.

A 16-year-old Endy High School student is a whiz at fixing and (collecting things.

He is Robert Adams, son of Mr. I and Mrs. Fred T. Adams who live lort the Charlotte Road just outside the western city limits of AlI bemarle.

Robert's room holds most of his treasures.

There, you see racks and rows of long-barreled guns and scads :of other intriguing relics over all of which Robert keeps a sharp eye.

Edison Phonograph His most recent addition and one of his most treasured posses-1 sions is a 60-year-old Thomas A. Edison phonograph.

It actually works, too, although it was in sad condition when Robert and his dad picked it up at an antique shop near Albemarle about two months ago.

-""*/ Together .they made a spareOLD EDISON PHONOGRAPH time project out of restoring the Robert Adams, 16, who has restored the old machine, here neglected old antique. demonstrates the use of the record player. In the foreground Mr. Adams, Robert's dad, is a can be seen the cylinder records and their containers. On the refrigeration and air-conditioning left is the wooden top which fastens on the machine so it can j serviceman and a handy man to be lifted and carried like a suitcase. The big metal object is have around when things are the "horn" er amplifier for the machine.

—Staff Photo. broken and won't work. Robert is fast gaining a similar mechanical gun had lain neglected in his Record Titles knowhow and he's bringing some The "titles of the four records smokehouse for 60 years. Robert fresh ideas along. are: "Oh; Mr. Brown," "In the has worked out his own methods Fixing the phonograph was a Land of Plankety Plank", "Cu- of rapid loading of the old guns, (more tedious job than they pid's Arrow", "And You'll Have and also has found by trial and error, the right amount of powTo Get Off and Walk." thought. der, shot, and wadding to ram Though the records are much down Made Parts the muzzle. the worse for wear, you can get I t took a lot of study to figure He's killed game with the old out how the thing worked normal- a coherent performance out of guns, rabbits, squirrels, and birds, ly, then making and replacing the them. and does a lot of target practicThe large metal amplifier (seen broken parts took time and skilled in the' accompanying picture) workmanship. One tiny piece in He has percussion cap guns, a the needle head of the delicate greatly improves the reception. small woman's derringer, and mechanism had to be fitted down Because of its bulkiness, Robert several relatively recent firearms to 40 thousandths of an inch. But has not yet attached it to the sprinkled in with the relics. phonograph permanently. they got it working.

Quite a collector, fancier, and Robert figures the set and the gunsmith, Robert has been two Four records came with the in- records manufactured about years assembling his present colstrument— one four-minute rec- 1894-98 were cost in the neighbor- lection. ord and three two-minute rec- hood of and $100 for a complete outNot only does he collect old ords. The records, as well as the fit. Back a t that time, it would guns, but he restores them, makwhole machine, are a curosity. have been comparable to the TV ing, in his father's well-equipped Made of wax and some early set of today. shop, the necessary parts to put form of plastic, they are in the There is no volume control on form of a cylinder about four and the set, however, the speed is ad- the guns- in top mechanical order. He does his own welding and one-half inches long and two justable. machine work. Lately, he and inches in diameter. Rather fragile, Gun Collection his dad have been doing gun they come in well-padded cardOn the other side of Robert's repair work for other people. board containers, the outside of which bears the label "Edisoq Gold room is his gun collection, quite Old Fruit Jar Moulded Record." Also the Slo- an impressive array of long-barAnother relic l n ' h i s room t h a t firearms of a bygone era. gan "Echo All Over the World". reled Robert prizes highly is one of the Some of them date back as much The label bears the copyright as 150 years." One old muzzle earliest models of Mason glass date of 1904. It also says they loader was obtained from a Stan- fruit Jars. It bears the date, are not to be sold for less than Jy The Stanly County houseCounty farmer who said the 1858.

35 cents.

*k

Jkxmual Dedicated To Him Twice

Dewey Osborne Is Devoted To Oakboro School A school janitor who is honored by having the school annual dedicated to him must be quite an unusual person.

But a school janitor who has had two school annuals dedicated to him must truly be a remarkable person. /This one is.

No person at Oakboro School has made such a lasting impression upon the students of the Institution over such a long period of years as a little man with a big grin who is the school janitor.

Strange that a janitor should wield more influence with the student body than the principal or any teacher?

Not when you know Dewey Osborne, the janitor.

For the past 31 years this mild little man who's always smiling has been a solid rock of helpfulness and harmony to the hundreds of boys and girls who filled the school's classrooms. He has been counsellor, guide, mediator, and friend to all.

"Guiding Light" In short, he has been the "guiding light of stability" for new students, present students, and former students as far as the school is concerned.

Ask a student who graduated from Oakboro High School 20 years ago what he remembers about his school days there and he'll mention Dewey. Ask a member of today's senior class who Is the most beloved and highly regarded person on the school campus and he'll say Dewey.

Dewey is a man who likes to help. He considers it a part of his job to promote Jharmony among the students ana do anything he can to stir the fires of ambition and give a boost toward success. He does it quietly and without intruding and becoming obnoxious. The students know that in Dewey they have a person to lean on and confide in.

litical rally, a talent show, or community meeting. Dewey's duties doesn't specify that he's supposed to be there to have the place ready. Yet, he's always there to make the meeting place comfortable. "Dewey'll be there", or "Dewey'll take care of it" are' phrases that make you know the folks around Oakboro School put a lot of confidence in Dewey. • «L; And Dewey's faithfulness is appreciated.

Every time there's a juniorsenior prom, an alumni banquet, or a .class reunion, Dewey and his wife are Invited, you can be sure of that.

School Annual What more conclusive evidence is needed of the admiration and esteem in which Dewey is held than the fact that the school students dedicated their school annual to him some years ago?

This year, the school annual is co-dedicated to Dewey, along with Mrs. Juanita Harwood.

Dewey is i>7 years old. The job at Oakboro school was his first public job. He's never left it.

Dewey, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Osborne, was born and reared on a farm in the Oakboro community* He attended the Oakboro schools and farmed until 1926 when he took the job as janitor when the first brick building (now the elementary school building) was completed.

C. A. Reap was county school superintendent then. James P. Sifford became superintendent shortly thereafter.

School Principals He remembers all the Oakboro fl school principals since he took I the job. These have been M c - I Cree, Hill, Turner, Brothers,!

OAKBORO SCHOOL'S NO. 1 MAN Haynes, and the present principal, I Dewey Osborne is shown here in a familiar position as he O. T. Cowan. checks the boiler at Oakboro School. He has served as janitor "We have been fortunate In I of the school for 31 consecutive years, putting in at least 10 having good principals here at I hours a day on the job. Students have twice dedicated their Oakboro School," Dewey said. I "Mr. Cowan, our principal now, is j![ -Staff Photo. school annual to him. one of the best." knows everything that goes on To begin with, Dewey had one Knows Everything For instance, one of the faculty around here but tells nothing." boiler to tend. Now he has four, "He's the No. 1 man around two oil-fired and two hand-fed members said of Dewey: "He here," a member of the senoir coal boilers. In 1937, the present class said. "Dewey will do any- high school building was added. thing for you. He's always avail- Seven years ago, they built the able for anything you want or gym and the new cafeteria was need around the school." added about three years ago.

Whenever there's anything to Dewey is married to the formdo at the school at night, which er Emma Whitley and they have there often is, no one has to in- one son, Bruce, who is a graduate form Dewey about it. He's the of Oakboro School. Bruce, a vetfirst one there and usually the eran of 16 years with the U. S«. last one to leave. He has the Air Force, was recently graduatlights on, the heat up, the furni- ed from the University of Monture, ready, the place cleaned up, tana, by attending night classes. and stands by for anything that A Master Sergeant now stationed might arise. in Massachusetts, Bruce is marWhen a basketball game is ried to the former Gerogia Herplayed in the school gym, he has man of Oakboro and they have the heat on and the water hot one daughter. for the players to take showers.

Summer Vacation During the game, he roots for the Aside from his regular duties home team. When the game's during his nine and one-half over and the people leave, he months of the school year, Dewey remains to clean up. picks up odd jobs during the summer school vacation and Always There Say the school is used for an keeps the grounds neat. Mowing outside activity such as a po- the grass is just as much his job as tending the boilers, he figures. il He lives in a house on the school 1 propertyOnly ona other person is still 1 at the school who was tJjerel when Dewey came. He is Pauli Strickland, teacher ot vocational 1 agriculture. Dewey and Mr. _Strickland have been close pals] over the years.

No one remembers ever having seen Dewey mad or having heard him use profanity. For that mat. i ter, it would probably be hard for anyone to remember aeeing him wear a jacket, even on the coldest days. He says It's too much trouble to put on a coat when he runs from one boner room to another, so ha Just leaves \ his coat at home.

In all his 31 years on the Job, Dewey says he has missed but] six regular working days on account of sickness.

Students refer to him affectionately a s "Hambone" and "SparkP "Dewey is wholly dedicated toj Oakboro School and to all the students and faculty members.

Mr. Cowan, the principal said

J

4

.

Father And Son Partnership

The Hills Of Misenheimer Have Growing Gyp Collection Since he sold Cloverine salve

and won a real shooting pistol n when he was a kid, Leroy Hill,

PRIMITIVE WEAPON Mr. Hill holds here a primitive weapon which he believes was used prior to the first firearms. His right hand is on the lever which pulls the blade back down into the wooden staff.

—Staff Photo.

42, of Misenheimer, has had a warm spot in his heart for firearms.

However, not until about five years ago did the gun bug bite him and start him on a guncollecting spree which has shown no signs of letting up.

Instead, the bug keeps biting harder.

As a strictly spare-time gun collector and hobbyist he has accumulated approximately 80 guns in the antique and odd category, plus 25 more or less modern guns.

They are of all ages, lengths, and sizes. The guns are short and long, fat and lean, simple and complex.

All are shootable.

"We put all our guns into firing shape as soon as we get them," he said.

Partnership The "we" In the deal brings in the other half of the partnership. He is Larry Hill, 19, son of Leroy. This father-son partnership makes up one of the fastest-growing gun collections in the state. It's still a sparetime deal, though, for Larry works, too.

Leroy is employed by the Carolina Aluminum Company at Badin where he has worked for over 23 years. He works in the plant's machine shop.

Larry calls his father "Leroy" and since Leroy is energetic as a kid with a new toy most of the time, few strangers know they are father and son.

Both are licensed gun dealers, which means they can display, exhibit, and transport guns as

are valuable for STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C., FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1957 reasons".

THE LEROY AND LARRY HILL GUN COLLECTION Here is a portion of tha Bill gun collection ln the odd and antique classification. The Hills have around 25 other more modern firearms. That's Leroy In the picture. His son, Larry, 19, makes up the other half of the partnership. Larry was not available when the picture was made.

—Staff Photo. long as they are openly dis-flintlock, the muzzleloader, and in odd ways, thus possessing played and are not used for any at least one representative gun much sentimental value. criminal purposes. of every type manufactured in "Many of these old guns would not bring much money," he said They attend meetings and this country. shows of gun collectors through- Many of the old guns have been while speaking of the worth of out the Carolinas where they added to his growing collection the firearms, "but some of them buy, sell, trade, and talk guns with other dealers from over half the nation.

Refused 55,000.00 Asked what he valued his collection a t Leroy said he had refused an offer of $5,000 from a woman collector at one of the shows. The check was good, too, he assumes.

His most primitive weapon is a long wooden lance-type outfit with metal clamps around it.

Work a lever in the center and a wicked-looking blade slides out the end. It can be locked in place. This weapon might have been used by a rider on horseback. Although not a firearm, the long-handled spear is a prize piece in the Hill collection.

The oldest firearm in his collection is a Matchlock Which represents the earliest type of firearm ever devised. He has the

sentimental

Sentimental Value How could you place a monetary tag on the first old pistol you ever owned—the one you earned by selling Cloverine salve?

Or the other pistol that your sister took away from you and hid for 15 years? Or the two beautiful odd matching flintlock rifles that had been lying obscurely under a man's home in the dirt for 25 years? Or the one special gun which you finally wranged from a dealer by trading him 11 of your own guns?

One item in the Hill collection that will probably never be for sale or trade is a tiny little 41 derringer that ties in with a famous Stanly County crime. The story goes that this derringer was taken from Alec Whitley, notorious Stanly badman, after he was captured here and lynched for murdering Bert Tucker, another Stanly man, in Arkansas.

Larry's ambition is to kill a deer with a flintlock rifle. He's going to be in the woods trying to realize this goal during the coming deer season.

Along with the wide assortment of guns, the Hills have numerous powder horns, bullet moulds, ramrods, and other gun accessories, new and old.

Old Car Fans The Hills are also somewhat noted for their tinkering with old cars. Presently they have a total of seven motor vehicles, four cars (the oldest being a 1926 model), one pickup truck, and two motorcycles.

Both Leroy and Larry are dyedin-the-wool motorcyclists. Back during World War II when gasoline was rationed, Leroy wanted to take a jaunt to New York City.

So, he and his wife, and Larry, who was five at that time, rode the family motorcycle to the Big City and back.

The guns are kept in special racks In Larry's room at home when the two aren't hauling them around to some gun show or other, or to some meeting where they are presenting a program on their guns.

It looks like the Hill gun collection is going to keep growing for a long time to come.

DERRINGER WITH A HISTORY Legend has it that the small derringer in Mr. Hill's right hand was taken from Alec Whitley of Stanly County, who was lynched here in 1892 for murdering Bert Tucker in Arkansas. It has been a pDrize piece in the Hill collection for several years now.

—Staff Photo.

6-A

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C. FRIDAY. SEPTEMBER 28. 1956

Trees Are Important - - Let's Protect jThem

By FRED T. MORGAN Think of it—Forest Hills without trees!

The city of Albemarle barren of trees.

What an ugly picture. How bleak and naked it would be without our green friends. How foreboding.

It hasn't happened. Probably it won't, Yet, it is quite within the realm of possibility. a

Possibly because of the growing Should Be Burned lack of care and respect being Both County Forester John W. shown our trees. Because of the Stokes anfl Federal Entomologist recklessness with which we arc I L. W. Wilson say that if a tree, destroying our vegetation in and either in the yard or in a timber around our cities and the absence stand, is attacked and killed by of replacements for the victims. insects, it should be removed imThe trend needs reversing. We mediately and preferably burned. peed a new appreciation of. trees, They are against the common i hot only in the aesthetic sense, practice of "topping," cutting off but a realization of the import- all the branches back close to the ance of trees to life itself. trunk. It never does any good, Like Member Of Family they say, and nearly always cripOne Albemarle man says he ples the tree, many times so badly . treats the trees in his yard with that it never recovers.

A tree has as many roots unthe same affection he shows a member of his family. In fact, derground as it has branches he considers his yard trees mem- above so "topping" a full-grown mature tree throws it way out of bers of his family.. balance and stunts it immediately.

Yet our trees are dying. ' Sawing off a large limb on a A ride over the city will show mature tree is about like a major trees that are dead or dying, some operation on a human being, Mr. of them being prized specimens Wilson says. in the yards Of attractive homes.

Select Pruning It is said that a tree never dies This does not mean that, select from old age alone. , pruning for improvement in the j appearance of the tree cannot be What then?

Lack of protection and t a r e done with safety. Dead, injured, I crooked, or otherwise undesirable would cover it. branches may be clipped off A GOOD WAY TO SAVE A DECAYED TREE Subject To Disease against the trunk of the tree.

THese wounds, however, should be L. W. Wilson, local entomologist with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, examines a "patchSince trees are living things they are subject like all living trimmed properly and painted ed" tree at the home of Wade Johnson, corner of Oakwood Avenue and North Ninth Street. Mr. things, to d'sease, decay, and with commercial wound dressing Wilson said the cement-patching job on the oak was an expert job done by a tree surgeon who death. When a tree is wounded, or household paint to prevgnt in- knew his business. A good job like this one will prolong the life of a tree for m a n y years, h e said, and it is an example of what can be done to save a diseased tree. New growth around the 'from whatever cause, rot-produc- fection.

Prolonged dfy weather has a hole is already growing over the cement and within a few years the cement will likely be coming organisms go to work and if —Staffff Photo. not checked, they will weaken and telling effect on trees, according pletely hidden. . to Mr. Wilson and Mr. Stokes. eventually kill the tree.

The art of tree surgery, which Especially the trees in our yards. ele of the branches. You can includes the cutting out of dis- Lack of moisture weakens them throw some water ove: the tops » eased or decayed spots on trees and leaves them vulnerable to of the holes, too, to help start and patching them, has been com- insect attacks and reduces their the chemicals dissolving.

Above all, the local tree exnormal capacity for withstanding pared to dentistry. perts say, when you loose a tree When you have a cavity in a injury.

This is what has happened to by all means set out another. tooth, the dentist excavates the Three Main Parts decayed matter, cleans and steril- many Albemarle trees, they think. izes the wound, and fills it with The past four or five years have A tree has three mail, parts — material which will give solid been rather dry and the trees the roots which anehor it and here have failed tc develop their feed it, the trunk which carries support. . Same way with a tree, the ex- normal stamina and healthy re- the sap and lifts the leaves and perts say. When a tree develops sistance to adverse conditions. branches to the sunlight, and the Fertilizer Is Vital a rotten spot from a i injury, you leaves, which are the food facjean dig out the rot, trim up the Water and fertilizer are vital tories. wound, clean it, sterilize it with to healthy trees. They must have Trees'purify the air by taking .creosote, paint it with shellac, water and mineral food from the out carbon dioxide and giving and pack the hole with cement soil. Tiny feeder roots from trees back oxygen. Humans, on the or asphalt. The tree responds by spread out just under the soil other hand, give off carbon dioxflourishing and "breathe" air as well as ob- ide and thrive on oxygen. It's a sorb the dissolved nutrients in the cycle which mustn't be disrupted.

V ground. This is "'here fertiliza- Trees are used for shelter, tion comes in. windbreaks, and to beautify.

A good way to apply fertilizer A long list of food and commer-1 is to punch holes with a stake or cial products come from them. pipe around under the outmost They provide homes for many J reach of the branches.

PUnchj animals and birds.-to these holes anywhere from a foot' - They are among the oldest liv-l to three feet deep. Fill them ing things on earth. with a complete fertilizer which Trees make the simplest home contains nitrogen, phosphorous, more beautiful. and potash, plus trace elements.

All mankind benefits from trees, j Stagger the holes around the cirThey need our protection.

aiHE*gU3l

l^giH

Can

*

They Hacked Off His Head, Arms, Legs -

#

By FRED T. MORGAN People parading on Albernarle's streets that Halloween night in 1925 saw the faint yellow glow in the black sky north of town.

But they were not alarmed. The glow did not spread and they knew the fire wasn't big. Probably someone burning brush.

Perhaps it entered the minds of some that the fire was the work of some prankster who set it off just for deviltry. Such things were not uncommon around Halloween time. Few people, however, were concerned enough to leave the merriment of the streets and the warmth of the crowds and venture out into the cold night and investigate the blaze.

On their way home later that night some of the Halloweeners did go by the dying fire. As they had vaguely suspected, what had burned was nothing but the old abandoned barn that had belonged to Dee Boyd about a mile and a half'north of town near the Salisbury Road. The loss was inconsequential.

About daybreak next day, Sheriff R. N. Furr was awakened out of a troubled sleep by the jangling telephone. What was it?

What? He gasped.

Body Found A charred, multilated body had been found in the ashes of the burned barn.

Sheriff Furr sped to the scene, picking up County Coroner T. F. Morgan on the way. A small crowd had already gathered and were looking upon the charred flesh and bones of the torso of a man's body. The officers bent down close to the ghastly sight and Coroner Morgan made a brief examination.

Only the burned and blackened torso of the body remained. The head, arms, and legs were missing. Morgan could find no clue to the man's identification.

Both men noticed the body carried the strong odor of gasoline fumes.

The man who had discovered the body said there had been no activity around the old barn for months of which he was aware.

Footprints around the place had been obliterated by the trampling of the crowd. But before he left, the sheriff found an empty tin snuff box and a small black cat good luck charm which had shiny eyes. It was the type of trinket that might be worn on a watch chain.

Body on Display Morgan suggested they put the . body on display in the funeral home on the chance that someone could identify i t In the next few days, several hundred people came to view tha pile of bones and fragments of charred flesh on the pretex of identifying it. The majority came, however, simply to look upon the gruesome spectacle.

Sheriff Furr got nowhere by checking all his missing persons

to the arrest and conviction of the persons guilty of the crime.

Soon the original reward was Increased to $500.00 with the state paying $300 and the county $200.

Still no response and no breaks.

Sheriff Furr then requested of the commissioners that outside help be hired and put on the case. The commissioners okayed the proposal.

Detective Arrives Nicholas Phitapoulous, ace private detective of Norfolk, Va., came to Albemarle to take the case at Sheriff Furr's request.

After being brought up to date on all developments, his first move was to compile a list of all Dad's friends and acquaintances who had heard about his rumored wealth. The list came to over 300. Then the elimination process began. One by one the names were marked off as alibis were verified.

T. F. MORGAN . . . Was county SHERIFF R. N. FURR . . . Led Finally the name of John Gray, coroner at time of the murder. investigation into the Dad Wat- 54-year-old textile worker, came kins murder. up. He was not to be found at heads which he kept in his pockthe place he roomed and board- ets. reports. Deputy John C. Fulton ed. The landlady said he had worked with him on the base, but packed and left town on Novemthey made little progress. Who ber 1. She was positive because was the murdered man? Who she had observed her 29th wedwere his killers? What was the ding anniversary. motive? Why had the head, arms and legs been hacked off? These "That Gray â&#x20AC;&#x201D; he's a peculiar were burning questions. People man," the landlady said. "He bearound here had never heard of a lieves in voodoo and witchcraft.

He even carried cat ears and more brutal crime. dried snake heads around in his "Hiree days after the discovery, pockets. Said they kept evil Robert Moss, manager of the ice spirits away from him." plant, offered the theory that the Sheriff Furr produced the black corpse was that of L. W. "Dad" charm he had found at the Watkins, night watchman and cat janitor at the ice plant. Dad burned barn.

"That's like the one he wore "These will keep me from gohadn't been seen since the aftering to the electric chair," he on his watch chain," she said. noon of October 31 and he had grinning. "They keep missed a recent payday which Gray had left no forwarding boasted, address when he moved, she said. the evil spirits away." He diswasn't like him to do.

Phitapoulous and the officers played the cat ears on the tips of Most everybody knew Dad. He were sure Gray was their man. his fingers. was 55 and lived alone in a shack They flashed a statewide general In March, 1926, Gray went oh on the west side of town. Usually description of the man and it was trial for his life before Superior he minded his own business and relayed to neighboring states.

Court Judge Michael M. Schenck. his main weaknesses were pretty Special venires were drawn to Gray Picked Up women and whiskey. Dad s age hear the case. The court appointand build fitted with the corpse. Three days later, Gray was ed Attorneys W. L. Mann and G. picked up by police in China D. B. Reynolds to represent Gray But the motive?

Grove. Returned to Albemarle, and Sweatte.

Rumored Wealth the gray-haired man denied any Robbery, Dad Watkins' neigh- knowledge of the crime, saying During the trial, the defense bors seemed to think. Several it was only coincidental that he raised the question of Gray's of them said they had heard Dad left on the day after the burned sanity. His 79-year-old mother was worth a fortune. That he and hacked body was found. As took the stand and said that John kept his money hid In his shack, to the money he had been spend- had been sickly and nervous as a that he lived frugally, like a ing, he said he had cashed in an youth. She looked at her son squarely and said, "John, it's too tramp and you wouldn't think he insurance policy. had a dime.

Officers quickly checked all in- late to call on Mom now."

The door to Dad Watkins' surance agencies. None reported Several sordid versions of the shack was open when Furr and an insurance policy being cashed murder came out in court. TestiFulton arrived. Inside, the shack by a John Gray. mony even revealed that two had been ramsacked, with a Sheriff Furr produced the black gold teeth in the victim's head trunk opened and the contents cat charm. *TTou lost this off had been removed for their scattered over the floor. But there your watch chain at the barn value. wasn't any sign of blood.

Case Went To Jury when you set fire to Watkins' Before an overflowing court"He wasn't killed here, that's body," he snapped.

Gray grew sullen and shaken room, the case went to the jury sure," Sheriff Furr said.

Taking a cue from neighbors, and refused to comment any they went to a boarding house more.

Off to one side, Phitapoulous and questioned a woman friend of the old man's. She said she said to Furr, "He's our man, at hadn't seen Dad since several least one of them. But we don't have enough evidence to get a days before the Are. We need a confesThe case seemed bogged down. conviction.

Nothing developed. The county sion."

Drunk Was Jailed board of commissioners offered a reward for information leading That night a drunk was thrown in the cell with Gray. As the hours wore away, the drunk tried to engage Gray in conversation, finally succeeding in winning his confidence.

"You look like a good guy," Gray said at last. "I've got to get something off my mind. If I don't tell somebody about it I'll go nuts." "what's wrong, pal?" the drunk said.

"I helped kill a man," Gray whispered. "It's got me worried sick. But I'm not going to take the blame by myself if they find out I did it."

"Who did you kill?" the drunk asked casually, seeming to display only the interest of a tired drunk with problems of his own.

"An old man named Watkins," Gray said.

The drunk jumped to his feet, ripped off a phony beard, and raked makeup off his face, revealing his true identity. Gray looked at him in astonishment.

It was Phitapoulous the detective.

"The confession will stand up in court," the detective assured Gray. "You might as well tell I the whole story.

Anxious now only to share the blame with his confederate, Gray agreed to talk. In Furr's office, he told aU the gory details.

"I helped kill Watkins, all nght," he said. "But the old man wasn't worth a fortune like most people figured. We got $1,100.00 altogether." | "Who helped your* Sheriff Furr

Then Burned Him about 4 o'clock on a Friday afternoon. One hour and a half later the jury returned with a verdict of guilty in the first degree. On the following Saturday morning, Judge Schenck sentenced John Gray to die in the electric chair on May 21, between I the hours of 6 and 11 a.m. It was the second time in history that a person from Stanly County had been sentenced to die.

Carl Sweatte was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 25 years at hard labor! in Central Prison.

A movement recommending clemency for Gray was starteu here and gained support. Even though tickets were received here for the execution, leaders of the movement succeeded in getting Governor McLean to act. On the day before Gray was to die, the sentence was changed to life in prison.

The cat ears and snake heads j probably didn't have anything to do with staying the execution, either, for Gray later died in prison.

They Hacked Off His Head, Arms, Legs 1

By FRED T. MORGAN

#

People parading on Albernarle's streets that Halloween night in 1925 saw the faint yellow glow in t h e black sky north of town.

But they were not alarmed. The glow did not spread and they knew the fire wasn't big. Probably someone burning brush.

Perhaps It entered the minds of some that the fire was the work of some prankster who set it off just for deviltry. Such things were not uncommon around Halloween time. Few people, however, were concerned enough to leave the merriment ot the streets and the warmth of the crowds and venture out into t h e cold night and investigate the blaze.

On their way home later that night some of the Hailoweeners did go by the dying fire. As they had vaguely suspected, what h a d bumed was nothing but the old abandoned barn t h a t h a d belonged to Dee Boyd about a mile and a half*north of town near the Salisbury Road. The loss w a s inconsequential.

About daybreak next day, Sheriff R. N. Furr was awakened out of a troubled sleep by the jangling telephone. What was Ft? W h a t ? He gasped.

Body Found A charred, multilated body had been found in the ashes of the burned barn.

Sheriff Furr sped to the scene, picking up County Coroner T. F. Morgan on the way. A small crowd had already gathered and -were looking upon the charred flesh and bones of the torso of a man's body. The officers bent down close to the ghastly sight and Coroner Morgan made a brief examination.

Only the burned and blackened torso of the body remained. The head, arms, and legs were missing. Morgan could find no clue to the man's identification.

Both men noticed the body carried the strong odor of gasoline fumes.

The m a n who had discovered t h e body said there had been no activity around the old barn for months of which he was aware.

Footprints around the place had been obliterated by the trampling of the crowd. But before he left the sheriff found an empty tin snuff box and a small black cat good luck charm which had shiny eyes. It w a s the type of trinket t h a t might be worn on a watch chain.

Body on Display Morgan suggested they put t h e body on display ln the funeral home on the chance t h a t someone could Identify i t In the next few days, several hundred people came to view the pile of bones and fragments of charred flesh on the pretex of identifying it. The majority came, however, simply to look upon the gruesome spectacle.

Sheriff Furr got nowhere by checking all his missing persons

to the arrest and conviction of the persons guilty of the crime.

Soon the original reward was Increased to $500.00 with the state paying $300 and the county $200.

Still no response and no breaks.

Sheriff Furr then requested of the commissioners that outside help be hired and put on the case. The commissioners okayed the proposal.

SHERIFF R. N. FURR . . . Led investigation into the Dad Watkins murder. reports. Deputy John C. Fulton worked with him on the base, but they made little progress. Who Was the murdered m a n ? Who were his killers? What was the motive? Why had the head, arms and legs been hacked off? These were burning questions. People around here had never heard of a more brutal crime.

Three days after the discovery, Robert Moss, manager of the ice plant, offered the theory that the corpse was that of L. W. "Dad" Watkins, night watchman and janitor at the ice p l a n t Dad hadn't been seen since the afternoon of October 31 and h e had missed a recent payday which wasn't like him to do.

Most everybody knew Dad. He* was 55 and lived alone in a shack on the west side of town. Usually he minded his own business and his main weaknesses were pretty women and whiskey. Dad's age and build fitted with the corpse.

But the motive?

Rumored Wealth Robbery, Dad Watkins' neighbors seemed to think. Several of them said they had heard Dad was worth a fortune. That he kept his money hid in his shack, that he lived frugally, like a tramp and you wouldn't think h e had a dime.

The door to Dad Watkins* shack was open when Furr a n d Fulton arrived. Inside, the shack had been ramsacked, with a trunk opened and t h e contents scattered over t h e floor. But there wasn't any sign of blood, j "He wasn't killed here, that's sure," Sheriff Furr said.

Taking a cue from neighbors, they went to a boarding house and questioned a woman friend of the old man's. She said she hadn't seen Dad since several days before the fire.

The case seemed bogged dowhv Nothing developed. The coihity board of commissioners offered a reward for information leading

Detective Arrives Nicholas Phitapoulous, ace private detective of Norfolk, Va., came to Albemarle to take the case at Sheriff Furr's request.

After being brought up to date on all developments, his first move was to compile a list of all Dad's friends and acquaintances who had heard about his rumored wealth. The list came to over 300. Then the elimination process began. One by one the names were marked off as alibis were verified.

T. F. MORGAN . . . Was county Finally the n a m e of John Gray, coroner at time of the murder.

54-year-old textile worker, came up. He' was not to be found at heads which he kept in his pockthe place he roomed and board- ets. ed. The landlady said he had packed and left town on November 1. She was positive because she had observed her 29th wedding anniversary.

"That Gray — he's a peculiar man," the landlady said. "He believes in voodoo and witchcraft.: He even carried cat ears and dried snake heads around in his pockets. Said they kept evil spirits away from him."

Sheriff Furr produced the black ' cat charm he had found a t the burned barn.

"These will keep me from go"That's like the one he wore ing to the electric chair," he on his watch chain," she said.

Roasted, grinning. "They keep "Sweatte—Carl Sweatte," Grav e evil spirits away." He disJ said. ayed the cat ears on the tips of Lured Him To Barn s fingers.

Gray told how he and Sweatte In March, 1926, Gray went on had heard about the money Dad |il for his life before Superior | was supposed to have hidden in ittrt Judge Michael M. Schenck. | his shack. They lured him to >ecial venires were drawn to tne abandoned barn under the tar the case. The court appointpretext t h a t they had a gallon l Attorneys W. L. Mann and G. of new liquor they wanted him • B. Reynolds to represent Gray lid Sweatte. to Vsample. e Je! h I m t o d LJ! £ J £ «rfh with a During the trial, the defense hatchet when we got him to the "ised the question of Gray's ay s a i d w i «««"' «<£u *hout emo- ••nity. His 79-year-old mother e c u t off ok the stand and said that John « 2 " «then , T h £his ? w arms head I .and and Mi legs.

We id been sickly and nervous as a n n a iybod t0 hi wTu l i y identify uth. She looked at her son him if the body was ever found. uarely and said, "John, It's too I got a can of gasoline from the te to call on Mom now." back seat of Sweatte's car and Several sordid versions of the we poured it on the body, then lrder came out in court. Testie w a l l s of m y even revealed that two w i r a then £ d V? barn, lit the torch."the old Id teeth in the victim's head 3 and d been removed for their limbs'* a b ° U t t h e h e a d J lue.

W pu hem ln a «J!i if l x tow sack Case Went To Jury h»%khlin?d 0 W nt h e i B2 u at I Jo n S the road ^Before an overflowing court«ff J ° j ' don't know bm, the case went to the jury 16 4116118

Then Burned Him

etln^bS''^ "

^-

W f oo f« M U r t e r i ! ] g D a d a n d hackl e ' W s head and limbs and setting fire to the body and barn, the two men came back to Dad's fo,mS ?i? d ms e a r ce hy « dh i duntil they den In tank. °" * Sweatte Confesses n< TS arrested Sweatte, 25vJ2l i% year-old mill employee, a t his home. Confronted with Grav's signed confession, he readily admitted his part in the crime declanng, "it was Gray who hit the old man over the head with the hatchet" Awaiting trial, Gray played with his cat ears and dried snako

1

about 4 o'clock on a Friday afternoon. One hour and a half later the jury returned with a verdict of guilty in the first degree. On the following Saturday morning, Judge Schenck sentenced John Gray to die in the electric chair on May 21, between the hours of 6 and 11 a.m. It was the second time in history that a person from Stanly County had been sentenced to die.

Carl Sweatte was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 25 years at hard labor in Central Prison.

A movement recommending clemency for Gray was starteu here and gained support Even though tickets were received here for the execution, leaders of the movement succeeded In getting Governor McLean to act. On t h e day before Gray was to die, the sentence was changed to life in prison.

The cat ears and snake heads probably didn't have anything to do with staying t h e execution, either, for Gray later died in prison.

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C . TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13. 1956

Uwharrie Refuge Open To Deer Hunters Movember 19

man compartments and two 25200 Per Day Ollie Thompson, manager of man compartments. Hunters must Hunters by the hundreds will the refuge, reports t h a t the quota stay in their assigned territory. be pouring into the Uwharrie of 200 hunters per day for the Rifles and shotguns will be perGame Refuge in Montgomery first four days of the gun season," mitted on the hunts. The rifles County next week to try their November 19-22, have been filled Aould be of 250 — 3,00 caliber luck at bagging buck deer. for weeks and that no other hunt- and larger. Shotguns should have For the third consecutive year, ers need apply on these four days slugs. No buck shot will be perthe 15,000-acre wildlife manage- as they cannot be admitted. mitted. ment area will be thrown open to Applications for admittance on Only Bucks gun hunters for a two-week period these four days greatly exceeded Only bucks with visible antlers starting Monday, November 19,. the quota, therefore drawings can be taken on the hunts. and ending Saturday, December 1. were held and the 800 winners As for the bow and arrow huntBut this week, the reservation were notified.

Beginning on Friday, November ers, the bows should have not is open to a new type of hunter, 16, and continuing until the end less than a 45-pound pull. No cross the bow and arrow hunter. of the season, hunters will be bows will be permitted.

He doesn't make any noise but taken on a first-come first-served Barbed, explosive, or poison arhis weapon has proven to be just basis until rows are taboo. as deadly as the rifle and shotgun is reached. t h e 200-per-day quota No fully automatic firearms of his contemporary. be assured of a place among may be used on the hunts.

The bow and arrow hunter is theTofirst 200, many hunters arrive Neither will dogs be allowed. given a one-week start on the at the check-in on the after- As a safety precaution, it is gun hunters. However, he must noon of the daygate they wish desirable that hunters wear red observe "the same regulations and to hunt and campbefore overnight so as caps or red cloth over their restrictions as the gun hunter. a position near the shoulders.

Reports are that large num- to command of the line next morning in Don't take along your bottle of bers of sportsmen are now hunt- head of the early morning arriv- booze, either. Intoxication will get ing with this primitive method. front you expelled from the hunt imLarge organized groups of arch- als. mediately and cause Vou to lose This Is okay with the refuge ers are in the Uwharrie reservation this week, taking advantage officials as long as you register your hunting privileges for the of the pre-gun season to stalk with them and observe the ac- season. the deer. Many Albemarle and companying rules of this practice.' Shooting from a car is not alLong Lines Wait lowed and it is against the reguStanly County archery fans are Mr. Thompson says he has seen lations to have a loaded gun in included in their ranks.

On Friday and Saturday of this nearly half-a-mile of cars waiting your car while on the reservation. week, November 16 and 17, the in line on the road to the check- You are not to shoot across a road on the reservation or firebow and arrow hunter may hunt in gate. both in and off the Uwharrie re- Check-in time this year will be your gun within 200 yards of any building or camp ground. servation. This does not hold true 5 a. m.

CAMPING FACILITIES IMPROVED No Carelessness All hunters must be out of the for gun hunters, however. reservation by 6 p. m.

Carelessness with hunting wea-1 This year those wishing to camp a t t h e entrance to the Uwharrie reservation will find greatly Prospects for a good deer har- pons can mean abrupt cancella- improved facilities as can be seen above. Wood is already cut for tye outdoor cookingj?lts,pervest this season are good, accord- tion of your hunting permit. manent picnic tables are available along with garbage cans and a well, equipped with a h a n d ing to Mr. Thompson.

Hunting fee is $3.50 per person pump. Extensive use made of the camping facilities is expected during the current season.

A deer count in March of this per day.

—Start Photo. year showed about one deer per You must be 16 years of age to nine acres. be eligible for the hunt. have been reached and greatly Mountain Park reservation, is for- Mr. Thompson. Scores of the deer All hunts will be supervised by Bag limit on the reservation is exceeded as it is expected to be ever closed to hunting. have left the reservation and the refuge attendants. one deer per day and two for the during the season at hand.

Mr. Thompson and his associ- scattered Into adjoining areas and The reservation area is divided season. During the preceding two ates have supervision over the today It is not uncommon t o see Camping Facilities into five compartments, three 50- seasons in which the refuge was wildlife management in the Stan- deer hi most any part of Stanly For those who wish to camp at ly area as well as In the Mont- and Montgomery counties. open, only one deer was allowed to any one hunter during the sea- the entrance to the refuge, the gomery section of the Uwharrie For the feeding of the animals, camping and parking area has Game Refuge. son. around 200 acres of permanent Beginning December 12, the re- been Improved and enlarged. Pic- The present population of deer grasses and foodstuff have been servation will be open to small nic tables, cooking pits, garbage in the refuge are the offspring of sown and are maintained by the n game hunters until the end of the cans, and a well have been added. 125 deer trapped and turned loose refuge personnel. Many miles of The Uwharrie Game Refuge in the forests of the reservation in roads and foot trails criscross the • squirrel season.

Last year, during the two-week comprises some 18,000 acres of January of 1945. The deer came reservation.

I deer season, approximately 1900 U. S. Forest Service land in Mont- from the Reynolds Estate about A number of the beautiful 1 hunters out of a possible 2,000 gomery and Stanly Counties. Only 30 miles from Elkin.

Uwharrie hills, considered among the portion in Montgomery counl w e r e admitted to the reservation Multiplied Fast the oldest mountains in North •lfor hunting. Had it not been for ty Is open to public hunting, Since that time the deer have America, are within the reserva1 disagreeable weather, the quota however. The portion in Stanly multiplied amazingly, according to i tion.

County, included in the Morrow of hunters for the periods would

By FRED T. MORGAN

UWHARRIE GAME REFUGE This sign greets visitors to the Uwharrie Wildlife Game Refuge in Montgomery County. The area is reached from N. C. Highway 109.

—Staff Photo.

3-B

CHECKING STATION AT THE REFUGE ENTRANCE A long line of cars filled with eager hunters will be waiting on the road leading to this checking station next week when the two-week deer season opens to gun hunters in the 1,500- acre refuge.

Only 200 hunters per day will be admitted. The hunting area lies beyond this point. All h u n t s are supervised by t h e refuge personnel.

—Staff Photo.

Negro Jim Knew It V

By FRED T. MORGAN The long-barreled gun in the hands of Negro Jim was aimed directly on the back of the white m a n plowing in the field and it closely followed his every movement. The cheek of the blocky face of the colored man pressed firmly against the stock of the weapon in his hands. His finger rested lightly on the trigger. His eye squinted through the rear sight of the gun, along the barrel, and focused on the middle of t h e man's back not more t h a n 300 feet away.

From his concealment beside a boulder in some trees near the bottom of a hillside at the edge of the clearing, Negro Jim could look down on the working m a n and watch htm at close range as he plowed back and forth across the small field.

He h a d been here for some time. The gun had been aimed unwaveringly for so long t h a t Negro Jim's hands were begining to quaver slightly from the tension and sweat glistened on his jet black face. He w a s a big man, robust and tall. Yet he trembled now and terror a n d

•

i^asWi Wk

_f g n i , I m teU mortally wound- he sold out his holdings and left ed. Master Tom, with a smok- this country. But the memory ing long gun in his hand, join- of him and his cruelty lingered ed his brother and the two men on and on. drug the dying m a n off into the Today Bear Creek flows wild night. They carried the dead and lonely through t h e bleak Negro back in the woods and left hills around the old plantation him a n d next day spread the 5 1 the winter wind moans word throughout the community through pine needles and that someone had shot and mur- nx x?d t r e ethe * a n d shrieks angrily dered him there in the woods at mthe u l n s oof f aa long-abandoned lo White neighbors had m » n t fl e Zruins ^g-a log structure.

When strange doubts about £ ? l ™ „ £ ™ ? £ ? ** -structure. doubts about the way Negro Jim noises are heard atWhen night, people had died. Some knew that Mast- round about will tell you t h a t er Tom shot him in cold blood ld crazy Ne ro Jtel a d from ambush while his brother J ? * " his had decoyed him into the light troubled conscience out roaming of the burning barn. They bur- the creek lowlands looking fo!

Master Tom,

n

wildness registered on his face.

All he had to do now was pull the trigger and his ordeal would be over.

But he didn't pull the trigger.

Slowly, mumbling and gibbering like a crazy man, he eased the big hammer down and let the gun barrel sink. He lowered his head on his arm on the boulder and racking sobs jerked his big frame. Down below, t h e plowing m a n was unaware that his life had been spared. Unaware, too, t h a t his life had been similiarly spared on several previous occasions.

Walks Away Negro Jun straightened slowly, his face twisted into a mask of frustration and uncertainty. He turned, carrying the heavy long gun at arm's length, and began walking back up across the heavily-wooded hillside. Tears made pools of his black eyes and there were stains on bis cheeks.

Fear and dread dwelt on his face.

He walked steadily through the thick woods and hills for about half an hour until he came out into a field across the creek from the homestead of his master. In front of the cluster of log shacks and barns, he saw Master Tom standing . . . waiting. Waiting for an answer, for a report Master Tom was a big man, broadshouldered and stalwart and roughhewn. Negro Jim knew him as a cruel and vicious m a n who tortured his slaves for sport.

He stood there now with his feet widely spaced. A big chaw of tobacco was clamped in his burly jaw. His eyes were narrow slits. His face showed a n air of displeasure. His hands fondled a coiled leather whip.

Negro Jim stopped timidly before him, mute and speechless.

"Confound you, you black whelp," Master Tom roared like thunder, h i s face contorting in fierce rage, "you failed again!"

The Beating Master Tom made a swift movement with his h a n d s and Negro Jim felt something like a finger of fire sear his shoulder and the side of his neck. He had felt the cutting sting of the wicked whip before.

Master Tom's hand moved again and the whip snaked out and tore a hole in Negro Jim's cheek. With a howl the black man fell forward on his face at the feet of his master. The whip cracked again and again and Negro Jim groaned in agony and begged for mercy.

When Master Tom tired of the sport, h e bent down and jerked the bloody black man into a sitting position.

]

OLD SLAVE QUARTERS This crumbling old log structure, still standing in western Stanly County, is said to have once been used as living quarters for slaves. It might have been this very building in which Negro Jim lived as a slave of Master Tom's.

—Staff Photo.

"Three times I've sent you out took long hickory strips that had to do that job and you've lost been twisted into a flexible club, your nerve and failed," he roar- comparable to a piece of garden ed. "If, you don't finish the job hose today, and with it beat the next time, I'll kill you. It'll be terrified Tucker into a pulp.

Tucker stumbled back home either him or you."

He shoved the almost insen- more dead than alive. sible m a n back into the dust and As he lay on his rough bed In strode away. the slave q u a r t o s , Negro Jim grew sick at his stomach as he Nursed His Wounds remembered that beating he had For the next few days Negro stood and watched, powerless to Jim nursed his savage wounds interfere. And he thought, too, (he had one ear nearly torn off of the beating he himself had by the whip) and kept out of the taken a few days ago for refusing way of Master Tom. The black the third time to kill a second m a n was torn b y inner strife. He man for Master Tom. He knew feared his master and hated and what was coming. The next time loathed him at the same time. Master Tom ordered him to kill He had killed for him once. Over the white man, he'd have to do and over he re-lived t h a t day it, or be killed himself. This when he had pulled the trigger of knowledge tormented him night the long gun, under the terrible and day. pressure of fear and threats from Back To Field his master, and watched his victim, a defenseless white man Early one morning a few days whom he had shot in the back, later Master Tom found him and writhe and die on the ground. shoved the long gun into his The only excuse for the cold- hands. "He's back in the field," blooded killing had been t h a t the he barked. "Don't you come back victim had disagreed with Mast- here without finishing the job er Tom over the location of a this time. I told you what would boundary line. The crime went happen." A mad glint burned in unsolved ln the community, al- Master Tom's eyes. though white settlers in the area As Negro Jim walked through had their suspicions t h a t Master the woods and over the hills toTom was forcing his slaves to do ward his intended victim, a storm his ambush killings for him. raged inside of him. Would he The memory of that crime shoot the m a n ? Should he warn curled Negro Jim's insides. He the m a n his life was in danger was vastly troubled. He knew it and for him never to come back was wrong. There had been still to that field? Could he, himself, another time, too, t h a t m a d e him run and get far away from wicked Master Tom? But what chance sick to think about. would a runaway slave have?

Neighbor Tucker He knew it was wrong when A neighbor white m a n by the he pulled the trigger and felt the name of Tucker had aroused the long gun buck in his hands and ire of Master Tom because of saw the white man lurch violentsome insignificant reason. Master ly, stagger, and crumple to the Tom had it in for him.

One fresh plowed ground and stop bright Sunday morning, he feign- kicking. ed a reconciliation and invited Back home, he nodded mutely Tucker over to his place on the to Master Tom as he surrendered pretex of viewing some prize the long gun. A fiendish delight hogs. Once there, he asked Tuck- swept over Master Tom's face. er inside the house for a drink of White Men Come brandy. However, once they got inside the big room, Master Tom The next day, a group of white closed and bolted the heavy door. men from the community came A dozen Negro slaves, all solid to visit Master Tom. They askand robust men, stood in an im- ed him if he knew the neighbor penetrable circle around the down the creek had been murroom. Master Tom led the now dered and why. They asked him alarmed Tucker into the circle where was Negro Jim and why and the fear-crazy man, who had Negro Jim had been allowed .to guessed what was coming, tried l e a r n to shoot a rifle? to escape. But he couldn't dent When they left, Master Tom the human circle. Master Tom took Negro Jim to an isolated corner of the woods and told him to hide there until things cooled ofl*. They brought food to Negro Jim from the house and he drank from the creek. But two days of t h i s isolation was all the black m a n could take. The terrific strain and emotional pressure that had been building up in him for weeks exploded and Negro Jim went berserk. Early in the n i g h t he stumbled out of the woods, raving and muttering, and up to Master Tom's house.

He drove all the slaves out of their living quarters, turned all the stock out of the barn, and took an axe and tried to chop his way into the log house of Master Tom's when no one would open the door for him.

All the while, he yelled wildly: "Master Tom made me do i t I didn't want to kill the man. He made me."

None Stopped Kim None of the slaves were of a mind to try to stop Negro Jim. Master Tom knew that to come outside would be suicidal for the enraged black man was yelling for him to come outside and he'd kill him.

The next day, the white meil of the community learned that Negro Jim had been yelling about killing the man plowing and about him coming to try to kill Master Torn. They waited.

That n i g h t Negro Jim was back. But this time, Master Tom was prepared. Negro Jim set fire to the barn in an effort to get Master Tom out of the house so he could kill him. He stood near the house and yelled for | Master Tom to come o u t Instead, Master Tom's brother, who lived up the creek, called to Negro Jim and identified himself and approached the black man, unI armed, and began talking to him.

Drove Them To Church Each Sunday

Stanly Airman Befriended Orphans In Korea One of the first jobs medical specialist Bill Harward, of Route 3, Albemarle had when he landed at the U. S. Air Force base, Taegu, South Korea, In November 1956 for a year's tour of duty, was to "go get the orphanage Children to sing for us".

November is cold In Korea and since driving an ambulance was a part of his duties anyway, he asked and received permission to drive the ambulance out to the O. Li Ni Jip Children's Home, several miles distant, and bring back the children.

When he arrived at the orphanage, he found 12 young girls waiting. They ranged in age from three or four to 10 and 12.

They were dressed in clean but faded dresses.

He took the children in the ' Warm ambulance to the base where they composed the choir and sang for services In the post {chapel. After the service, he drove them back again, and he tarried to visit awhile In the orphanage.

That chance beginning launched a deep friendship between Bill and the children of the orphanage, a friendship that grew and intensified throughout the year.

Went Every Sunday â&#x20AC;˘ From that Sunday on, Bill was the man who drove out for the Children's choir each Sabbath.

He missed only one Sunday duri n g his entire year there and that Sunday w a s missed because fee was visiting with a missionary.

The children considered it a great honor to sing for the American airmen in the base chapel and transportation was all they asked.

After that first meeting, much of Bill's off-duty time was spent a t the orphanage and working in behalf of the children. He met the superintendent of the orphan-

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION Air Force medical specialist, Bill Harward and his wife hold a framed certificate preSfented to him for his work with orphanage children while serving a year with the Air Force in South Korea. His wife is the former Miss Patsy Burleson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hoyle Burleson of Route 3, Albemarle. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo. age, Ik Whan Lee,, and the director of the board of trustees, Choo Won Lee. He learned there were approximately 26 boys and 19 girls at the home, ranging in age from infants of eight months to 13 years of age. Practically all of them were abandoned children, castaways, and many were of mixed blood* I k Whan Lee and his wife tried to find food and clothes for them.

Lee worked as an interpreter for the U. S. Army at Taegu and he put much of his salary into the support of the orphanage.

The remainder of the support came from donations and gifts.

There were no state-sponsored grants to depend on. Often there was not enough of anything to go around.

The children were housed in old military barracks and buildings.

Abandoned Children Looking around Taegu, a city of Some 300,000 people, Bill said it was not hard to understand the plight of the homeless children.

Families lived in squalor. Naked children roamed the streets. Parents were u n a b l e to provide necessities for their families. Abandoned babies and older children

were a daily occurence. Shacks and huts bulged at the seams with terribly crowded occupants.

After two months of Sunday visiting and off-duty helping at the orphanage, Bill noticed that the choir members still wore the same dresses he had first seen on them. Some of the boys wore the same ill-fitting clothes he had seen on them originally.

They had no other clothes.

Bill wrote a letter back home to his pastor, Rev. B. D. Castor, pastor of St. Martin's Lutheran Church, in which he described the plight of the children and asked for donations of clothing and cash. Mr. Castor led a drive in the community and some four months later there arrived In Taegu several boxes of clothing and about $50 in cash for Bill to distribute to his orphanage friends.

"You never saw such a happy bunch of kids," Bill said.

He has colored slides showing the children holding up their new garments and excitedly showing them to each other.

The choir of 12 girls sang with renewed vigor at their base chapel after that, he said. The children excelled in singing.

Sadness At Leaving When the time approached for him to leave, there was some sadness on the faces of the older children and the supervisor expressed keen regret.

Bill got permission from his superior to use an Air Force truck to take the children, all 45 of them, out into the mountains 20 miles from Taegu for a last picnic and farewell party.

One of his most vivid memories of the parting with the children was when they assembled in a I group and sang "God Be W i t h !

You Till We Meet Again" fori him in the Korean language.

Prior to his parting, Ik Whan j Lee presented him with a framed certificate of appreciation for his work with the orphanage children. Written in both English and Korean, it said in part: "We are honored to present this js letter of appreciation to you in grateful appreciation for conspicious and meritorius deeds; for your assistance in the spiritual and physical program of our Children's Home during your tour in Korea. The members of the Board' of Trustees and we express our deep appreciation of your kind service."

The certificate is signed in English and Korean by the supervisor and director of the board of trustees.

Bill treasures the certificate.

Also a bronze rice bowl which the children gave him as a golngaway present.

Already since he got back to the states, he received letters from the children.

Bill will spend the remaining two and one-half years of his hitch with the Air Force at the &ir Force Base, Charleston, S. C. where he Is assigned to the base hospital.

JA bandoned Rock Quarry On River

By FRED T. MORGAN ^ ^ ^ ^ A hole in the wall beside the river.

A rockbound fortress moated by e gurgling stream.

A minature Monaco clingling to a shelf above a toned down Mediterranean.

It's one of Stanly County's oiggest abandoned rock quarries.

No little thing, it yawns at you Grand Canyon-like.

You feel tiny, unnervecj, unbalanced by its bigness, its emptiness, by what's not there.

m

The impact of the wide open rock pit hits you abruptly as smooth stone floor. You descend your car comes around a curve a narrow ridge somewhat like a in the old road. There it is train going over a high trestle. stretched out long and wide and On the right the road drops adeep on your left while the river way sharply to the river and on the left to the quarry floor. rumbles on your right.

Ar old rock quarry is not a Poking around in the depths glamorous place. Yet it is not of the big hole, you see the endwithout grandeur. less pieces of Atone everywhere.

Rusty spots dot the rocks and Like Badlands The craggy cliffs ringing the pinpoints of mineral gleam from hole look like the badlands from the chunk you hold in your out ol a western movie. Trees, hand. Up near the base of the stark, dead, and snaggy, stand cliffa, the rocks are damp in the guard like sentinels on the cliff shadows not yet penetrated by top and dark green pine bushes Ihe sun. A thin trickle of water out under a jumble of cling precariously to the red soil seeps and below it, the chemical on the brink. Below them, the stoh? substance drying out of the face of the cliff is jumbled rock, water left a puzzle of whiteseamy, cracked, and house-sized stainedhas lines on the hard rock portions of it look as though they floor. are hanging on only by the help of some unseen magic hand that A glint of sunlight catches A view upriver from the end of the cliffs hugs them tenaciously to the your eye from amid the rubble. bluffs bosom. Looks like a tos- Ifs a smashed tobacco tin. Here View sed pebble or the pressure of lies a broken pick or shovel Up here,Topside over a hundred feet one's foot would start an ava- handle. Over there is a discard- abovo the river, where the first lanche tumbling down toward ed glove. Your shoe touches a impressions hit Isyou all over athe river. tangle of thin blue wire used in gain The view is magnificent.

Inside and on the bottom, the setting off charges of dynamite You can see an abandoned farm, quarry is a nest of stones. There and a tingle of apprehension house and buildings miles upare millions of fragments of grip" you as if danger still lies river. Blazing color is creeping blue-gray slate of all shapes and in the discarded wires. A silvery into the hills on the Anson Counsizes. spider webb waves its fragile ty side of the river. Buzzards Shelfs of rock and miniature beauty between two rough stones. soar through the air, below you clifff jut out of the floor with now, as they scour the river area Climb If You Like outcroppings as erratic as a for carrion. A bird gives a shrill If you're, a venturesome soul, city' i skyline. â&#x20AC;˘?all from across the river. The may want to climb around sky is a smooth blue velvet Two pools of crystal-clear you bluffs surrounding the big blanket water, trapped in corners at one the hole.

If so, use care, for the terend of the quarry, look like maj- rain is treacherous. Blasts have The shallow turbid river is estic lakes at the foot of tower- loosened sections of solid stone studded with hunks of rock from ing mountains. Toss a hunk of cliff where you're standing. stone off into the deathly still bjg as rooms and the deep dark the create interesting patterns depths of the pool and you have cracks between them could swal- They of ripples on the surface of the a gorgeous display of sun-tinted low a dozen people and still flowing stream. Two thirds of ripples, shimmering over the hunger for more.

In the event clambering around the width of the river water is surface. the ends of the cliffs doesn't ap- muddy. The remaining oneNature has painted a brilliant peal there is another way third, nearest the Stanly shore picture beside larger of the pools. to gettoonyou, top.

Out at the entrance is much clearer due to the water As the water level receded, it to the quarry, near where the coming from Long Creek which left a series of deep-yellow lines crushers and screeners con- empties into the river a short in a1 rainbow curve on the smooth veyors once stood, a and distance above the quarry. forsaken roc ' bottom.

How Many Man Hours? road winds up the steep hillInteresting and rather amaz- side, dodging the pine trees, Standing on the cliff edge looking to the casual visitor is the stumps, rocks, and curving out ing down into the gaping pit smoothness of a major portion perilously close to the brink. you wonder how many hundreds of the solid stone bottom of the It's navigable, though you may of thousands of manhours went quarry It soars away in a grand wish you hadn't started. into the eating away of this hillupsweep and would be as smooth On top, there's a good place on side. (And how many hundreds as i rolled-out carpet or a gym the road to park and get out and of thousands of tons of raw slate flcxr except for the rubble of look. Bushes hide the jumping has been blasted loose, hauled stone on its surface. This is off place, so be careful. You ad- out and crushed, and used to Tranquil pools on smooth floor stratified stone, following a def- vance cautiously for you're a- stabilize Stanly County roads. inite pattern. It slopes west- warÂŤ? that the firmament ends Maybe millions would be a betward at about a 30-degree angle. and the'^tfr begins in a few more ter measuring stick.

Drive Down Inside steps. Stop even with the last of Wonder how many prisoners You can drive right down in- | the bushes. It would be foolhardy fiom the Stanly County prison to the quarry and out onto the to go further. camp toiled in this "rock hole'", f the words that denote the height [ of hard labor misery among the prisoners.

It took 10 years of blasting! and hauling, drilling and sweat-1 ing to tear this giant-sized bite of stone out of the river hillside, j Tl -. Stanly County Officials ofl the North Carolina State High-I way & Public Works Commission! had a 10-year lease on the property. The 10 years were up in July of this year. So the Highway pulled out.

One wonders why it was abandoned. It looks capable of another 10 years' workings and of yeilding more billions of tons of stone.

Looks Lonely Now The old hole looks lonely for the battering of the air drill, the growl of the dump trucks, the thunder of the dynamite, the labored chomping of the heavy jaw crusher nearby, and the knots of workmen.

A few hundred yards downriver from the quarry lies the mouth of Alligator Branch and, old folks say, up the branch a ways is a cave which alligators from the eastern swamps once used as breeding grounds.

An abandoned rock quarry is a wild and unglamorous place.

But it- has its grandeur. It is nature'* ampitheatre to the performance of a river. It has its majesty, tranquil lakes, rugged scenery, roaring river, forested hills, and glass-smooth stage floor upon which the creatures cf the night perform.

â&#x20AC;˘

Looking down at the river from the 100-foot cliff top

INTLY NEWS AN The Stanly Observor Established 1881

4 Stanly County Newspaper of Character ALBEMARLE, N. C TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1958

NEWS AND PRESS RECEIVES AWARDS University of North Carolina President William C. Friday, right, is shown presenting a plaque to Fred T. Morgan, feature editor of the Stanly News and Press, in recognition of the winning of first place in feature writing in the 1957 contest for semi-weekly papers in the state. George B. Weaver, left, news editor, was presented certificates showing that the paper won second place in news coverage and third in competition for the best editorial page.

First Place For Features

News And Press Given Recognition In Annual Newspaper Competition #~

The Stanly News and Press was a winner in three out of four contests for semi-weeklies during 1957.

The paper won first place in the state in feature writing and received a handsome plaque and certificate at the awards program of the N. C. Press Association Institute Thursday evening in Chapel Hill. Fred T. Morgan-is feature editor and received the plaque on behalf of the newspaper.

The News and Press took, second place among semi-weeklies for news coverage and third place for its editorial page. For each of these the paper received a certificate. George B. We'jrer is news editor and editorial writer.

The News and Press was the only semi-weekly to receive more than two awards during the presentation program. There were 23 papers entered in the contests for semi-weekly newspapers this year. â&#x20AC;˘

.*â&#x20AC;˘< Other Winners Tatking second and third places, respectively in the feature writing contest were the Herald, Ahoskie, and the Chapel Hill News Leader.

First place in news coverage went to the. Waynesville Mountaineer and third to the Elkin Tribune.

First place for the editorial page went to the Smithfield Herald and second to the Chapel Hill News Leader.

T"he photography contest, in which the News and Press did not place, was won by the News-Messenger, Hamlet, with the Laurin(Continued on Page 2-A)

+

Storm Smashes Buildings In County Monday •

By FRED T. MORGAN Parts of Stanly county really took a battering from the elements during a severe storm Monday afternoon.

Wind, rain, lightning, and hail smashed outbuildings and devastated crops.

Damage from the storm probably mounts up into the thousands of dollars.

Minor damage like broken TV antennas, toppled chimneys, ripped roofs, and uprooted trees went unnoticed compared to the spectacular destruction caused in other areas.

v

*R*"

STANLY NEWS AND MESS. ALBEMARLE, N. C . FRIDAY. AUGUST 24, 1958

1-D

it. While airborne, It Farmers saw their buildings damaging brushed over some fruit picked up and hurled to the also trees and scrubbed the top of a ground in splinters by the tor- six-foot clothesline post without nadlc winds. breaking it. The frame structure Or they "saw them burned to landed crumpled and smashed on the ground after lightning the hillside in a spot six or eight struck and set them afire. feet higher t h a n its original poFields of corn, in prime condi- sition. tion for silage, were tangled and An amazing thing about the beaten down by the prankish was that a 1956 model winds, the driving sheets of rain, garage w a s in the garage at the and, in some cases, by battering car time it took to the air and the hail. was not even scratched as , Major damage appears to have car as the owner could deterbeen confined to the southern far section of the county from which mine.

Mr. Kendall estimated that it direction the worst of the storm would several hundred dolapparently came. There was lars to take replace his building. spotted damage from a point The damage occurred here at north of the Aquadale-Cotton- approximately the same time as DAMAGE ON GUY H. MOOSE DAIRY FARM ville road to the George Kendall at the Moose and Moyle farms. home two miles south of AlbeHere is a portion of the wreckage of the 200-foot equipment shed on the Moose Dairy farm on marle on the Norwood road.

Ray Mabry Garage highway 52 south of Albemarle. Wind hurled the long shed backward into a pasture. Of the About an hour earlier, at ap- numerous .machines parked inside, only the combine shown above, was damaged by the falling Moose Dairy Shed proximately 1:30 p. m., Mrs. Ray —Staff Photo.

The most costly destruction Mabry who lives two miles east timbers. seen in this area was at the Guy of Aquadale on route 1, NorH. Moose & Sons Dairy on the wood, said she saw the car gaMOYLE BARN DEVASTATED BY WINDS Norwood road where the wind rage and washhouse blow over This is what was left of the barn at the W. C. Moyle home near Union Chapel church Just off t h a flattened a 200-foot-long equip- right outside her window.

Norwood road. No one was at horae at the nearby dwelling house at the time the wind left t h ment shed with the exception of "I heard a n awful roar of the barn in shambles. Pieces of sheet tin off the barn were blown for long distances. —Staff Photo. a 20-foot section on the south wind' right overhead," she said. end. and looked out the winConstructed of framing and "I went lust In time to see the gasheet metal siding, the shed dow blow over backwards." housed various farm machines rage In this case, the open end of and equipment used on the big the empty garage was facing Moose dairy farm. In the shed east. The wind it up, were one combine, three trac- hurled it backwardpicked a few yards, tors, one haybaler, two trucks, and stopped it with the smashed and a workshop which contained open end facing west. numerous handtools.

"It looked like the wind might Falling timbers damaged the have been starting back with combine but the other machines it," one neighbor observed after were relatively unhurt.

Facing east, the long shed was h e viewed the twisted wreckage.

A dog in a doghouse near the toppled over backward and pieces of sheet tin blown a s far as garage w a s pinned beneath the 200 yards away across a pasture. timbers but was extracted unElectric wires carrying 220 volts' hurt* Harvey Mabry Farm to the shed were torn into. A large door was blown off a big Ten minutes earlier, at the hay barn only a few yards from Harvey Mabry farm, half a mile the shed. southwest of the Ray Mabry place, Mr. Mabry sat on his Heavy Rain. Too porch and watched two exMr. Moose said the damage oc- front tremely dark clouds coast tocurred at approximately 2:45 Monday afternoon. The sky was ward each other, just south of very dark, he said, and the rain his home.

"When they came together, it came in thick sheets so hard t h a t he could only see a short rained the hardest I've ever seen it rain," Mr. Mabry said. "There distance. thunder and lightning, too."

Gene Moose, who is associated was The wind rose and wailed with the operation of the dairy, was on his way home in his car fiercely around his home and during the heaviest of the rain. buildings and there was so much "It w a s a big, heavy, black tumult that he didn't know for cloud," he said. "The rain came a few minutes that he had lost in torrents and the wind roared a building. When the rain let a n d blew limbs off trees while I up, he saw his corn crib and sheds had been blown over backwaited in the car." into the cotton field. In -.A rain gauge on the Moose wards farm measured the rain at the crib was a large quantity of slightly over three inches in less corn in the shuck, 15 bushels of t h a n a two-hour period Monday Irish potatoes, milking equipment and miscellaneous farm afternoon.. tools. Most of the equipment A 25-acre field of corn on the was undamaged, but the buildMoose farm was also twisted and ing was and the protangled in spots from the high duce left smashed exposed to the rain. winds; A large cedar power pole In "It seemed to have swooped down in places," Mr. Moose said. h i s barnyard was snapped by He recalls strong winds and hard the wind "and disrupted his powrain about two weeks ago, but er. He had to get emergency nothing as destructive recently help from Norwood to rig up tema s the Monday afternoon storm. porary power so he could milk He estimated that it will take that evening.

The twisting winds also blew $2,000 to replace his building. three pieces of sheet tin off his W. C. Moyle Barn grainery and five pieces of tin About half a mile south of the off his barn roof, letting the rain Moose farm, the winds devas- drench the interior of these tated a Small barn at the homej buildings. of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Moyle. No Lewis Ross Home livestock was injured here but Around 8:30 Monday night, a quantity of baled nay was left there was a terrific clap of thunexposed to the drenching rain. der and sizzling lightning at the This barn was built of framing home of Lewis Ross in the Cedar and sheet metal, which was scat Grove community of route 2, tered over a wide area.

Norwood. Mr. Ross went out on his back porch and looked in George Kendall Garage One of the most freakish the direction of his outbuildings pranks played by the hurricane- but could see no damage and force winds happened at the went back inside. Minutes later, home of George Kendall, ap- a neighbor arrived and yelled proximately half a mile north t h a t the Ross corn crib and its two sheds were on fire. This iof the Moose farm.

Here a double-car garage, its particular building had been out :>pen doors facing the south, was of Ross' view when he looked This cdmbination garage and washhouse on the farm of Ray Mabry, two miles east of Aqualifted from its concrete founda- from the porch. tions and slammed down against By the time they got to the dale, was demolished by the wind about 1:30 p. m. Monday. Mrs. Mabry heard an awful roar and —Staff Photo. pastureland hillside a good 75 building, it was ablaze all over rushed to the window in time to see the building topple backward. feet away. and little could be done to save VThe building rose over a three- it. In the building were 25 bush- . straw, and a quantity of lumber, dered in the tight bales of straw some damage to crops, the soakJot fence, several yards to the els of corn in the shuck, 70 bush- all of which was lost. for hours and watch was kept ing rains have hit a t a time ir of the foundation, without els of barley, 100 round bales of HARVEY MABRY LOST BUILDING TO WIND One of the Ross boys had some on the smoking ruins of the when they will give much-needed young quail and pheasants in building throughout the night to help to our pastures and great Above is what remains of a corn crib a n d its adjoining sheds on the farm of Harvey Mabry pens adjoining the shed. They prevent the fire from blazing up benefit to our growing crops on route 2, Norwood. Winds whipped this building backward into the cotton field leaving fts conwhich are now nearing maturand doing further damage. succeeded in saving all but 12 tents, which included a quantity of corn and potatoes, exposed to the rains. The milk bulk cooler of the pheasants.

Reports reached Albemarle ity." in the foreground w a s not damaged, although electric power was disrupted.

—Staff Photo.

The Norwood fire department that a barn belonging to Luther arrived some time later and pre- Almond at Ridgecrest w a s also vented the fire from spreading Struck by lightning and burned Ito other Buildings. Fire smoul- on Monday night. However, this was not verified.

High Water High water and flash floods which followed the worst of the rainstorm were responsible for washing at least one car from the road and undermining tht foundations of one bridge.

A fisherman returning from Lake Tillery about 8 o'clock Mon day night reported that he posi tively saw a dark funnel-shaped I cloud over the river when flashe of lightning Illuminated the sk; at intervals of a minute or two Vernon A. Huneycutt, count; farm agent, made a tour of th< county farmlands on Tuesday I and said his conclusion was tha damage to crops w a s at a mini mum. In some places the wind I twisted and tangled corn which will m a k e it difficult to work with in silage-making and hardI er for a harvester to get to it in t h e fall.

Milo, a short, drought-resistant crop, w a s relatively undamaged Cotton crops were revitalized.

The rain brought new life to late gardens and pastureland. about which there had been much concern among farmers ln NOT WIND HERE—BUT LIGHTNING AND FIRE some rainless sections of the Lightning set fire to a corn crib at the home of Lewis Ross in of straw, a quantity of stacked lumber, and 12 young pheasants county. community on nn route from pens near the shed which held a number of quail and "This Is the first good general the Cedar Grove church community rout 2, Norwood about pheasants being raised by one of the Ross boys. The bales of county-wide rain we've had in :30 Monday night during the electrical storm. Help arrived too straw were still smouldering when the above- picture was snapmany weeks," Mr. Huneycutt late to save the building which had a shed on either side. Lost ped in the rain about noon Tuesday.

—Staff Photo. said. "While there has been in the Are were 25 bushels of corn 70 bushels of barley, 100 bales

Around Florida On An Aircraft Carrier

News And Press Reporter Took Cruise With The Navy

By FRED T. MORGAN (First of a series) I recently returned from a 1300mile land, sea, and air cruise with today's modern Navy aboard ship, aircraft and "wheels".

Three days with the Navy wasnt long enough to put crusty barnacles on my legs, bells on my trousers, or peppery salt In my speech. But it was long enough to fill me with praise and wonderment at the quality and efficiency of the phase of Naval operations that I witnessed.

Conclusions, I realize, should be drawn near the end of a piece of writing, but I want to make it clear now that if the USS Antietam, on which I cruised, is

typical of the Navy's ships and if her crew is typical of Navy crews in general, then our Navy is ln good hands—real good hands. like Invitation to participate in this cruise was extended to me by the headquarters of the Sixth Naval District, Charleston, S. C The USS Antietam I reported aboard the USS Antietam about noon on a Monday at May port, Fla. which is on the Atlantic coast near Jasksonville, Fla. The Antietam is an aircraft carrier of the Essex class. When I first came in sight of the ship tied up at the dock. It was a huge gray blob rising impressively out of the water. Several hundred yards to the southeast, the Carrier Essex Itself lay at anchor in the Mayport carrier basin.

The Antietam is assigned to the Chief of Naval Air Basic Training, Pensacola, Fla., for the purpose of training student pilots in carrier flight operations. Before new student flyers can qualify, they must make a number of landings and take-offs on the carrier. This is where the Antietam comes ln. It has been operating in the waters off Florida since April of this year.

What impressed me in addition to the hugeness of the ship was the spic and span, neat and ready appearance of everything on board, including the crew.

Since my Navy days in World War II, I've heard about seaworthiness and shipshape and all that. On this cruise, I really saw it in action and reality.

As for bigness, the Antietam is 876 feet long and from 100 to 125 feet wide. It displaces 37,500 tons and has a draft of about 30 feet. The flight deck stands 51 feet above the surface of the water.

This would make the Antietam roughly equivalent in size go three football fields placed end to end on top of a four-story building.

The ship carries a crew of about 1200 men and 75 offioers. This is considerably under what it would carry If it was in regular fleet or war time duty.

History of Name The name Antietam stems from the name of an important battle

USS ANTIETAM—NAVY AIRCRAFT CARRIER This Is the aircraft carrier on which News and Press reporter Fred T. Morgan cruised around the state of Florida as a special guest of the U. S. Navy. The cruise began at Mayport, Fla. and ended at Pensacola, Fla., a distance of approximately 1.000 miles. Flight operations were held aboard the carrier on the last day of the cruise.

—U. S. Navy Photo. in U. S. History as the names of most Navy aircraft carriers do.

(A few carriers are named for old distinguished ships of the Navy itself). The Antietam is named for the battle of Antietam Creek, fought near Sharpsburg, Maryland, on September 17, 1862 between the federal army of the U. S. and the army of the Confederate States. Four years ago, the Antietam was given the honor of acting as custodian of the Antietam battle streamers actually carried in the historic battle.

The colors are now encased on the ship's quarterdeck.

As for the history of the ship, its keel was laid March 15, 1943 at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Commissioning came 22 months later. The ship did not see active service in World War II, but it did operate in support of the Japanese Occupation for about three years. During the Korean War, the Antietam's aircraft dumped almost five thousand tons of bombs on the enemy. It has cruised widely with the Atlantic Fleet in Europe, Mediterranean, and Carribean waters.

Although some of Its teeth have been pulled since it assumed training carrier status, the Anteitam is still a rugged Man of War and could be converted back to full wartime capabilities in a matter of days. j Some of its guns have been sealed and others removed for its training exercises in Florida waters. It has bomb arid ammunition storage space galore.

saw several first rate movies, each preceded by a Navy training film. Also, we civilians were shown a number of short movies on fleet and flight operations.

These were shown in the ready room which is used for briefing pilots and for educational purposes.

The Hangar Deck My room was number 225, which meant I was on the first deck below the hangar deck which is No. 1 deck. The hangar deck is the first deck below the flight deck, the "landing field" deck which you see from the air. The hangar deck, which runs practically the entire length of the ship, is where the aircraft maintenance work is done and where planes are stored. It is comparable to the hangar at a land base. Three elevators shuffle the planes between the hangar and flight decks.

The ship cruised at about 22 knotts as we went down the east coast of Florida, around the keys, and back up into the Gulf of Mexico. It has a top speed of 33 knotts. A knott, which is the

Navy's unit of speed measurement in the sea and air, is equal to a mile and one-eighth.

To get an idea of our trip, stretch out your right hand, palm downward, fingers together, and thumb apart. Consider your thumb as the state of Florida. We left from a point way up at the top of the left side of your thumb, circled down around the end of it and ended at a point about midway out on your first finger.

Going down the east coast, we ranged 15 to 20 miles off shore.

We cruised about 13 miles off Key West, Fla^ Just barely within sight with the natural eye.

Through binoculars, the city came to life and one familiar with it could pick out various landmarks.

On A Cruise With U.S. Navy

Flight Operations On Carrier Exciting To Reporter

By FRED T. MORGAN n-.

Flight operations began on •fMakes some people wonder board the USS Antietam early on * What*s the difference, anyhow. the third morning of our cruise.

J heard the planes roaring over So the Russians got us goin', before we were allowed to go Beat us to the outer space. topside.

They got no call to blow the bugle j We had been told what not to And claim to be a special race. do while the planes were landGod didn't make a special people ing and taking off, namely not r And give them all the breaks; to set foot on the flight deck or It's up to individuals stick our heads out of a hatch.

Or zippo! We might get chopped ( To correct their own mistakes. ' into little pieces by a propeller And when everybody's projeckinj or struck by flying debris.

With things beyond their ken, The warning had been emSomethin's bound to happen j phasized the afternoon before To separate boys from men. when 'we were shown movies of crash landings On carriers and The country's in an uproar, the havoc wrought by them.

Fire this one, and fire that; But it calls for lots of thinking Commander Harry H. ThompBefore we go to bat. son, air officer, and Lt Comm. R. E. Howard, assistant air operaWhy not Just confess i t . tions officer, -had lectured and We've been lazy and serene.

11 briefed us on the air operations We've lost time in dallying, •; we were to witness now.

Figuring what the Russians "The guys on the flight deck mean. know their Job," they told us. ': "They'll take care of whatever That's no way to win a contest happens. You gentlemen .stay That's no way to beat the gun; a put where you'll be safe."

That's no way to build a nation, b Our safe place was high up on That's no way a race is run. t the island structure at a place Nations are like people, called- "sky aft". Here we had t: an unobstructed view of the flight They must go by the rules. deck and approaches. Officers And when they throw the book o o were with us to answer quesaway tions.

They're classified, like fools.

Oi Ship Faces Wind This nation has the know-how i l We were still many miles out To build the things we need. in the Gulf of Mexico. The day Our biggest problem's keepin' was bright and crisp and the J( Our brains from goin' to seed. wind steady — perfect flying COMING IN FOR LANDING ON CARRIER A weather. The ship was headed a T-28, two-place, prop-driven trainer plane, comes in for a landing on the flight So when you see the Sputniks Ji into the wind with The windcorn- deckHere of the USS Antietam, operating in the Gulf of Mexico. Two types of landings are made As o'er the skies they roar, ai ing about 10 degrees off the port —the touch-and-go landing and the arrested landing. In the latter landing, the tail hook of Just don't get all excited.

A bow. If the ship headed direct- the plane engages a taut wire cable across the deck which brings the plane to an abrupt Remember w hat was there bely into the wind, the flow of air though safe and smooth halt. fore. deflected by the island structure would play tildes with the land- the engine to full power and take extreme corner of the flight deck wore the Mae West life preserv- And as for flyin' saucers ing planes. It was desirable that off down the straight deck, I stood on a grillwork walkway er in case we hit the drink. I And lights' that disappear, the planes using the carrier face If some damage or difficulty off the side of the ship with my was in flight No. 1. As our chop- Just keep a calm demeanor, a total windage of about 25 arises on landing, such as a flat shoulders about even with the per rose vertically from the deck, There's nothing hurts like fear. knotts. The ship's speed was ad- tire, the plane is taxied or pushed deck. Facing deck, the LSO the pilot circled the big ship and justed accordingly. Shifts in to one of the three elevators and was to my left the if you want to marvel and I could look to I got my last look at the USS And wind direction meant that the taken down to the hanger deck the right and see About things out In space, the planes comAntietam from the air. We were Just think about the stars and ship had to change its course. where maintenance crews im- ing in just a few feet off the just barely in sight of land as mediately set to work to correct moon The first aircraft to arrive was deck. Mr. Howard explained the we took Off in the helicopter. It the difficulty.

• a helicopter which hovered a few LSO's signals and .1 could watch cruised 200 feet over the water That look, down on the race.

For the student pilot who has the pilots responds Off to the at about 70 knotts. hundred yards off the starboard Millions of years they've been stern at a height about even never before landed on a carrier, aide of the LSO's station was a there.

Plane Ride Back you can imagine that the carwith the flight deck. In the event netting, into which the LSO could a plane hit the water, the hell- rier, many miles out at sea out jump in case the approaching At Pensacola, I was fortunate, Placed by the Master hand, along with' three other civilian Pttfl of mystery and beauty, copter could effect speedy rescue of sight of land, looks somewhat plane tried to land on him. like a postage stamp as he ap- At times, students fly mirror guests, in being able to hook a Distant hard to understand. operations.

All planes using the carrier proaches. Yet, he must land on approaches, utilizing a new car- plane ride back to Jacksonville But the one who made those that day were T-28, propeller- It This is his big moment. He's rier landing technique in which Naval Air Station aboard a twinplanets; driven trainer planes with tri- been preparing for it for months. they keep a reflected light cent- engine Navy beechcraft plane. VTade the sun to shine by day, cycle landing gear. They were His future as a Naval pilot hinges ered On the mirror with respect We made the 350-mile trip in Caused the stars to twinkle powerful little two-place planes on his making the required num- to vertical and horizontal ref- about two hours and 20 minutes, brightly, cruising at an altitude of 3,000 ber of successful landings — and erence lights. painted a vivid yellow. {hows the present score today. feet at about 130 knotts. making them well.

He knows, First to land were two planes After all flights had been comcontaining two instructors each. too, that four wave-offs (bad ap- pleted, My three days of "active duty" feeble man may have his mohovering helicopter aboard ments, The instructors would act as proaches) and he's washed up, landed the Antietam convinced on board tot refueling. me that the day experience and explore.

Landing Signal Officers (LSO) for this trip anyway. these big mobile landthe two instructors' planes ing fields are and will continue Jut he finds God's secrets only and bring in their student pilots. Commanding vantage points Then brought up and they took to oe a vital part in the security j/hen He wills it; not before.

Their planes were immediately high up on the island structure, were off, their mission completed. we found it a thrilling game to lowered by No. 1 elevator to the of our country. The men and of- .nd when the time is ready hanger deck to be out of the way bring in each new pilot. We got Early in the afternoon, five ficers I met impressed me as be- >nd only then, we may helicopters landed aboard to fly hepped up worse than fans at a of the coming flights. ing fully competent and efficient half game. Though the pilots us civilian guests from the ship at their jobs. If the glimpse of Understand the plans as written First Flight Arrives didn't know i t we were pulling to the Pensacola Basic Training Navy life I saw aboard the Antie- 'or our lives another day.

Naval Air Station. We rode-. three A flight of Ave students paral for and cheer thenl repeat — L. L. C. .WIUCJJUS parai- ;— them - « « all « » the u w way w a y MM. Cne»< u u e e | tam tain is is any a n y criterion, criterion, tnenl repeal leled the ship, then peeled off at i n S ™"*m when they landed sue- to a 'copter with our luggage. We that our Navy is in good hands.

30 : - second Intervals, coming cessruily. around in the landing pattern.

No Plane Accidents I• First, each student pilot had to Though there were probably I make two touch-and-go landings several hundred and —touch the deck with his wheels take-offs on the landings Antietam that] then take of again without stop- day, there were no accidents, or ping—before he started making even any near-accidents. Th his required total of six arrested ship has logged many thousand landings. Touch-and-go landings arrested landings on its angl. were made on the angle deck of deck which is 10 degrees off the port dent. without a single strike acci from the axial deck. The Antietam, by the way, was the first Prior to the angle flight deck, that missed the wire carrier in U. S. Naval history to the .plane with its tail hook usually be equipped with the angle flight cables take off again because deck. It has many advantages couldn't the cluttered deck ahead. So over the old straight deck earner. of it had no alternative but to crash I learned that the LSO is the into barriers thrown up to keep key man in bringing the planes v it off parked planes and away in to a successful landing. With from the island structure. The his brightly-colored paddles, he record achieved by the gives the approaching planes cor- safety angle deck method is remarkrective signals to guide them In.' able.

He signals if they're coming in too high, too lowi too fast or too Although the Antietam is slow, or too far to one side. If equipped with catapults, one on the approach- is too faulty, he either side of the forward flight waves them off and they have to deck, they were not used for the students taking pit in the propelcircle for another approach. ler-driven trainer planes. The We watched as, one by one, the catapults on the Antietam work yellow planes settled swiftly past by compressed air and hydraulthe LSO, hit the deck, then roared ics. A terrific ramming motion off the end of the angle deck. in the catapult room far below Then came the arrested landings. beck is transferred upstairs and A gvtjf with binoculoss checked literally shoots the plane into the each approaching plane. The air. words "all down" meant that the plane had its landing gear, flaps, While up the sky aft position, and tail hook properly down. I talked with two. ship photogThen, the LSO took over and raphers who are stationed there brought the plane in. As he gave during flight operations to take the cut signal, the pilot cut his still and movie pictures in case power, and the plane settled a plane is in trouble or in case down. The tall hook caught one of an accident of the six taunt wire . cables The chief of the ship's photo let me use one of the ship's ' stretched across the deck' which lab Speed Graphic cameras to make i brought the plane to a sudden, some exposures of planes landbut safe and smooth stop. ing.

"Hook Runner" Visited With LSO After the plane is so arrested, a Comm, Howard, a World War "hook runner" disengages the II Navy fighter pilot apd a vetwire from the tail hook and a eran Landing Signal Officer himplane director has the pilot taxi self, invited me back to the LSO the plane forward to take off po- platform at the rear of,the flight sition for a free deck run. Then on the side to view » . w v s * * * w * %* **.v-»_ w * , » • . « • * * • 4. *•.«,«• i deck w w » * v *» \,ii\, |port *UU O lUC IU VICT the dispatcher has the pilot run the LSO operations. Here on the

N

kgnLeaion

w

I * '

¥

Compares Ship With Floating City

10-A

STANLY NEWS

operation before we got to Pensacola.

I learned through my persistent wandering and question-asking that the Antietam carries almost two million gallons of fuel oil, enough for her to steam, at full speed, around the world without refueling if she wanted to.

Also, that the high octane gasoline she carries for her planes is enough to take one of them a distance greater than to the moon and back.

Also, that the provisions she carries on every trip are more than enough to last the average family a lifetime.

Machine Shop The Ship's machine shop is a compact wonderland of mechanical wizardy, capable of manufacturing and repairing almost any mechanical device aboard.

Its laundry, equipped with huge washers', driers, and ironera, handles many hundreds of shirts, trousers, and other wearing apparel each week. The service is free.

One day, we visited the ship's armory and saw a small arsenal of firearms, small and large. We 50 airplanes depending on his I saw the place, far below deck, where bombs, explosives, and ship for their only landing strip.il amunition would be stored if the The captain is responsible forll ship were in combat duty. An the safety and proper function of I elevator took them to the hangar about 100 million dollars worth r of machinery moving through I deck.

Sick bay was taken off our list the waters with say 2,500 men of eligible places to visit because aboard. a number of men were confined there with the flu and the medical officer said it would be unwise for us to expose ourselves.

His assistant did tell us about the sick bay, however. It had 39 beds, four of which can be isolated. Anywhere from 15 to 50 men report through sick bay each morning for treatment or examination of minor ailments. It has complete facilities right down to major operations, although it is always preferable that non-emergency operations be performed ashore. Ihe ship's pharmacy compares favorably with that of a small hospital.

The doctor said there were no cases of veneral disease aboard the Antietam.

Two Major Enemies Fire and water are the ship's two major enemies and the Antietam's fire control and prevention system is a highly organized and precise one. Three LOADING UP ON FAMOUS NAVY CHOW stations are strategicFred T. Morgan, left, News and Press reporter, is shown as he goes through the "salad" chow "conflag" ally spaced the huge line with the Antietam's crew. He has already been through the main chow line, as can be seen hangar deck. along These are pushby the loaded tray. The man with him is Harold Meyerheim, department store president of button brain centers of the fire Jacksonville, Fla., one of the other 12 civilian guests on the cruise.

—U. S. Navy Photo. system, capable of setting off and sending chemical Coffee is consumed by the hun- Engineering is another phase Roaming around down in the sprinklers fogs along the deck to smother dredpound daily, I would judge of the Antietam's operations boiler room one day where the fire and bringing down watfrom all the coffee-drinking I Which takes in several hundred temperature sometimes gets as the er and foam "curtains" which saw aboard. Fll say one thing j of the crew. The engineering of- high as 130 degrees, I saw one bottle up the fire. for sure, the Antietam's crew is ficer, Comm. J. E. Balson, is re- of the four big steel shafts which A maze of pipe with special the coffee-drinkingest. bunch of sponsible for the operation and drive the screws. It was about sailors I ever saw. I asked one maintenance of all machinery, 20 inches in diameter and hollow nozzles circles the ship to give of the commissary men how much piping systems, and electrical inside. The four three-bladed lt a showerbath in case of atomcoffee was consumed per day. He power devices not specifically as- screws are around 10 feet or ic fallout. Then the crew would turn to and scrub it down. Sorta said he didn't know, but there signed to another department He more In diameter. +, like scrubbing your back with a there were at least 75 coffee sta- is charged with the prevention Soon after we pulled out of brush while in the shower. tions around the ship where cof- and control of damage and the Mayport of the bearings on Viewing all these installations, repair of the hull. He is also re- No. 4 shaftone fee was drunk daily. ran hot and the shaft I developed a new appreciation sponsible for furnishing light had to be stopped Profits from the operation of power, while maint- for the position of the commandventilation, heat and the ship's three stores goes into fresh water to the ship and for enance crews labored round the ing officer of this ship. There is a welfare and recreation fund for the crew, stowage, and use of clock to replace It. Running on no job in civilian life which comthe enlisten men, according to fuels and lubricants. three screws slowed the ship's pares with that of the Captain one officer. speed somewhat and made It a of the Antietam. He is somePractically everywhere I walked trifle harder to steer, they said. times faced with the situation, Ship's Payroll inside the big ship, I saw a maze Disbursing and payroll comes of pipes, ducts, and wires on the The boys had the shaft back In for instance, where there are say under the supply department, overhead and bulkheads. Looked too. Mr. Hobbs said the Antie- like, to me, it would be enough tam's personnel represented a to run any plumber and elecmonthly payroll of approximate- trician batty. ly $180,000. Paydays come at the Four Engines middle of the month and at the end of the month. We saw the Maintenance of the ship's propaylines in action one day. The pulsion machinery comes under pay is in cash or check. When engineering. She is powered by the ship is operating in foreign four engines developing 150,000 waters, enough cash is taken horsepower and capable of drivalong to meet the anticipated ing her at top speed of 33 knotts. payroll and other expenses until Her engines, fed by eight high the ship returns. For instance, on pressure boilers, can develop apa Mediterranean cruise, the ship proximately the amount of power carried around a million and a required for the normal needs of alf in cold cash. a city the size of Seattle, Wash.

Navy Chow Aboard Antietam Praised By Reporter

By FRED T. MORGAN (Second in a Series) A ship the size of the USS Antietam Is a floating city, selfcontained and independent, as well as being, in this case, an Important instrument in the first line of defense of this nation.

The Antietam acrries enough of everything to sustain it and its crew for a minimum of 90 days. In an emergency, this time could be doubled.

This big ship has everything a city has, perhaps with one notable exception—women. There are no women sailing aboard the Antietam.

But everything needed to sustain life and limb, plus perform the big carrier's job, is available.

And ifs available in a highly organized and efficient manner.

No city could be run under any more orderly manner than the Antietam.

Every man aboard from the captain on down knows his job and does it. Officers can delegate their authority but never their responsibility.

Familiar Services Were you to go searching through the ship as I did, both guided and unguided, you would find such familiar installations as a soda fountain, cold drink machines, several stores, a laundry, library, lounges, tailor shop, bake shop, mess halls, kitchens, fire stations, photo lab, hospital with X-ray, lab, and operating facilities, stock rooms, electric shop, battery shop, and even an incinerator and shoe shop.

The crew sees movies in the evenings on the hanger deck and they play touch football on the flight deck on occasion.

I talked with the ship's librarian for a few minutes. He said the ship's library of several thousand volumes was used extensively while the ship was at sea. Fiction, mainly murder mysteries, was most popular with the crefl, he said. Next would come the how-to-do-it, do-it-yourself, biographies, and historicals.

From the ship's education and training officer, I learned that scores of the men are taking correspondence courses, not only to meet requirements for advancement in rating but for general knowledge, to complete high school educations, and for college credits.

•

Ship's Chaplain Briefly, I talked with the ship's Catholic Chaplain, Lt. Comm.

John J. O'Neill, who explained the religious life program aboard ship. Mass is held daily and protestant services are held whenever the ship is in port. A prayer is said each night at taps by the chaplain over the ship's PA system.

Supply is one of the interesting departments aboard the Antietam. Supply officer, Comm.

J. F. Hobbs, has some 400 men in his department and hos jurisdiction over everything from cotter pins to paint. It Is his job to store all supplies and have material available when needed.

He is accountable for procuring, receiving, storing, issuing, and shipping all stores as well as being responsobile for operating all the ship's service activities, including the general mess and the preparation and serving of all food.

This runs into a whale of a job when you consider that in one division alone, electronics, the department has over 60,000 Individual items in stock.

The Navy has long been famous for its chow and I was once again made aware of this by the abundance and variety of food we had aboard the Antietam. We civilian guests ate and slept in the officers' quarters, except for one meal with the crew. Officers get the same food, however the serving is a bit fancier. When we had lunch with the crew, we carried the familiar metal tray and went down the chow line designating the choice and the amount of food we desired.

Mr. Hobbs told us it cost approximately 94 cents per day to feed each man aboard, a statement that brought surprised comments from some of the business men guests.

Commissary Tour We toured the gallies, bakery, butcher shop, and the several big walk-in refrigerators where the fresh vegetables, fruit, and frozen foods are stored. We saw the food for one meal under preparation all along the line. Potatoes, for instance, are mechanically peeled and sliced for French fries.

Thirty tons of meat are consumer aboard the ship in an average month, plus seven and onehalf tons of spuds and three and one-half tons of bread.

u

As A Result Of Tinkering

Winters Perfects Improvement On Egg Grader M. E. Winters, truck farmer of Plyler, has perfected an improvement on an egg grader which folks tell him is the most efficient, foolproof gadget they have ever seen for grading eggs by mechanical means for small scale operations.

He has built and has in use about a dozen of the new machines and' is working on others.

Most of them are being used by experienced Stanly County poultrymen and egg dealers who praise their performance.

"Mr. Winters' machine is a definite improvement over older ways of grading eggs for the small producer," one of the county's top agriculture leaders said. "It has marked advantages for the producer who maintains a flock of several hundred layera" Chain Reaction Demand The first one he built for himself. Then, a neighboring egg producer saw it and wanted one like it. So, the natural chainreaction demand followed.

It began about three months ago when Mr. Winters got mad with a mal-functionlng egg grader at his place and began tinkering, determined to fix the machine or bust "I get riled up plenty when something won't work," he said.

"A machine is made to do a job. When it won't do that job, or does it poorly, then there's a flaw. The flaw has to be eliminated."

In this case, he did more. A natural born 'lingerer and jacket-all trades, he saw room for improvements and ended up by re-designing the machine according to his own ideas. This one works, he says, and works well..

Basically, ifs the same machine —but with the kinks taken o u t Individual Pivots K operates on the same principal. The eggs come down a

are large, medium, small, and the small culls for which no scales are necessary since, they roll off the end of the ramp. Unlike the old machine, the scales en Mr. Winters' version operate on individual bearings or pivots.

Each set of scales has adjustable counterweights on the rear so the owner can adjust them according to his tastes or grade standards. There's nothing to wear out and he says the machine ought to last a lifetime. I f s light and portable.

Since the scales work on Individual, calibrated pivots, they are much more sensative, Mr. Winters says, therefore more accurate and efficient. \\ In addition to the improvement in the weighing devices, his machine is made With wider channels for the graded eggs to drop into and a larger accumulation area. The machine requires no power for operation.

The eggs roll along by gravity.

One person can operate it.

A Case A Day Pays A farmer who produces a case of eggs a day, or even less, can well afford to own an egg grader, Mr. Winters says. A producer can realize over a dollar an hour by grading his eggs which command a higher price on the market.

Mr. Winters sells his machine for a modest figure. He isn't interested in a patent or trying to mass-produce his improved grader. However, he figures building and selling a few of the machines would be a profitable M. E. WINTERS AND EGG GRADER way to spend the dull winter Small egg producers like Mr. Winters' egg grader because months.

In addition to building things it is simple to adjust and has a larger accumulating area. Farm experts say it is ideal for the small poultrymen with under in his wood and machine shop, 1,000 layers.

—Staff Photo. Mr. Winters is one of the county's top truck farmers and raises metal ramp, < Inclined slightly ito weight, dropping them into some of the best tomatoes, strawdownhill, and roll onto the scales I the proper rubber-cushioned ac- berries, grapes, small fruits, and which grade the eggs according I cumulating area. The grades vegetables seen around here.

v»*fvi rarnlina Ooultrv market I TV* «• »-

' *• Tint rate to I T T

»otr TVfrfniilrrr'tiirinar C o .

New London's Mrs. H. M. Crook

She Makes Slipcovers And Drapes By Hundreds

m

She lives alone in a house by the side of the road at New London.

She's a jolly elderly lady with a smile and a twinkle for everyone and she can whip up one of the best home-cooked meals you ever sampled.

Here at this same location, she's lived for about 40 years or more.

The products from her busy needle and sewing machine are legendary in Stanly County.

She'll be 80 years old on Friday.

If you haven't already guessed her identity from these clues, her name is Mrs. H. M. Crook.

Perhaps you don't know her personally, but chances are you've see some of her needlework in the homes you have visited.

Specialty Her specialty is making slipcovers for your couches and chairs, and drapes for your windows.

Ask any seamstress and she'll . tell you that making slipcovers for chairs and couches is tedious business, involving lots of skill and dexterity with the needle and tools of the sewing trade.

Mrs. Crook has been making them — good looking slipcovers that fit and stay put — for the past 20 years. She's made hundreds and hundreds. And there have been no complaints with her workmanship.

Deliver and Pick Up As a rule, the people who want her services, deliver their chairs and couches to her door and pick them tip there when the Job is done. Only in emergencies or by very special arrangement will she go to the owners home to do the work.

The owner furnishes all materials, delivers, and picks up.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES MAKE IT RIGHT Mrs. H. M. Crook is shown here making final adjustments on a slipcover for a chair which she made in her home in New London. For the past 20 years, she has become widely known for her excellence in turning out tailormade slipcovers and window drapes. She will be 80 on Friday.

—Staff Photo.

Covers have been made for peo- she doesn't know who wm get ple and families she has never the work she does. seen nor heard of. Lots of times, She does a lot of work for a firm in Albemarle which brings her slipcover jobs as well as many orders for window drapes.

Drape Measurements As for the drapes, all that Is necessary here is the exact measurements, if you know how to take them, which a lot of people don't, she has learned.

The biggest drape job she remembers was making 50 yards of velvet material into drapes for the windows of a Stanly County church.

An average couch takes approximately 12 yards of 48-inch material, which Includes three cushions.

One of the pet peeves Mrs. Crook has about the people who bring her work is their occasional reluctance to provide a good grade of material.

"Good sturdy material to start with is a 'must*," she said. T t takes good material to make a job completely satisfying."

Never A Sewing Lesson She has never in her life had a sewing lesson.

Born Henrietta Mae Austin, the daughter of the late Mary Jane Tally and J. D. Austin, she began sewing for her family while still in her teens. She was born

and reared two miles north of New London. One of her brothers was a medical doctor; another was a lawyer. They have all passed on.

Like her parents before her, she has three sons and one daughter. They are: C. B. Crook of Albemarle, Barrett Crook of the Isenhour brickyard community, and Woodrow Crook of Smithfield, Va. The daughter is Mrs. F. R. Auman of High Point She has eight grandchildren, five girls ana three boys, and i one great grandchild.

Some of them are expected for, the observance of her 80th birthday on Friday.

Meanwhile, she has five slip-1 cover jobs promised and drape | orders waiting for her busy hands.

She estimates she will turn out a little more than $100 of slipcover and drape work for the month of February.

News And Press Rep< 12-B

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1958

CITY OF ALBEMARLE FROM THE AIR

This aerial view of the industrial and business heart of the City of Albemarle was taken from an Air Force jet plane at an altitude of 10,000 feet and at a speed of approximately 350 mph.

The view is north. The square is near the lower right earner. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;U. S. Air Force Photo.

orter Flys Jet Plane With Air Force m

»y FRED T. MORGAN I took a ride in an Air Force jet plane the other day and Tm here to tell you that my experience gave me a new respect and appreciation tot the men who man our country's modern military aircraft which, Fm convinced, stand at the forefront of our nation's first Hne of defense today.

• For years, Fve read about jets, altitude which turned everything sonic speeds, barrier-crashing, below into a patchwork quilt space travel, and, more recently, with only pinpoints of recognizmanned rocket and missile space able domesticity and civilization. flights around the earth and to We leveled at 5,000 feet It seemthe moon. Who hasn't? Such ed only minutes had passed bestuff is commonplace now. fore I recognized the lake develBut my recent flight with the opment area at Norwood.

Air Force was the closest Tve Blewett Falls dam was our first ever come, and probably ever target and Capt. McClure had his will come, to actual participation camera controls ready and was in any of these wonderous devel- busy coordinating the movement opments. of the plane with the pilot Then We didn't go so fast, or so we "shot" Hydro Dam at Norhigh, or so far on this flight. Nor wood, Swift Island Bridge, Nar'did we try to set any records or rows Dam, and two different incrash any barriers. stallations on the river near East Still, the flight was an eye- Spencer in rapid'succession. I opener. A spectacular eye-open- recognized each of them as we i er to me. passed. We circled over Statesville and made another run back Attack at Space the river. Circling again H wps a small-scale offensive down Wadesboro, we climbed to at the stratosphere; a miniatur- over ized launching at outer space. 10,000 feet and headed back.

It was an Infinitestimal taste of 400 BOH Was Tops the rigors our flyers go through So far during the trip I watchas they probe ever closer to man- ed the altimeter and true air inned rocket flights into the solar dicator on the panel in front of system. Although the plane on me. The air speed averaged 350 which I rode is a highly complex, mph. When we started to climb, superb ship for the job for which the air speed increased to 400 lt was designed, it is still a mph and we climbed 5,000 feet crude, primitive form of rocket In what seemed like a very few when compared to the task of seconds. From time to time, I conquering the yet-unfathomed talked to Capt. Reed on the radio. light years of space up above our Albemarle at 10,000 feet looks heads. rather hazy and indistinct You Such were my thoughts and can easily pick out the familiar impressions on this, my first, jet landmarks like the dty lake, the flight into the wild blue yonder. Palmer poultry houses, the Efird and Wiscassett Mills, but smaller The Destroyer The plane on which the Air things blended into the mass of Force permitted me to ride, in my vagueness. capacity as an accredited news We straightened up somewhere correspondent for military activi- over Gold Hill or Rockwell and ties, was the RB-66 "Destroyer" headed back south, coming dibuilt by Douglas. The versa- rectly over Richfield, New Lontility of this plane enables it to don. Albemarle, and Norwood. perform satisfactorily either at Visited With Pilot stratospheric or minimum altitudes. Two Allison J-71 Jet en- While we were at 10,000, Capt. gines *slung the pods beneath its McClure let me sit in his seat and sweptback wings give it a speed go through the motions of his operations. I looked through his in the 600 to 700 piph class. camera sights and into the radarWings of the Destroyer are so through which he takes thin, it looks like they droop a scope, pictures occasionally, depending little out at the end; like they entirely upon radar and not upon are flexible enough to flop and natural vision. Also, I visited give a foot or two. The tail briefly up front with Capt. Reed structure is taU and the nose is who explained various pilot funcalmost as sharp as a newly- tions to me. trimmed pencil.

I learned that this plane, The ship has a wing span of through Its vital photo-intelli72 feet, six inches; an overall gence, can swiftly furnish neclength of 75 feet, two inches; and essary information about enemy a height of 23 feet seven inches. troop movements and concentraIt is produced in three ver- tions, information that could sions, as a bomber, photo intel- quickly spell the difference beligence reconnaissance, and tween victory and defeat weather reconnaissance. The Two hours and fifty minutes type I rode Was a combination after take-off, the wheels of the of the bomber and photo intel- Destroyer touched the 9,000-foot licence reconnaissance which concrete runway at Shaw and I carries a crew of three, the pilot, the navigator-bombardier-photographer, and the gunner. I rode in the gunner's position.

Mid-Air Refueling All versions of the Destroyer are equipped for the probe-anddrogue method of in-flight refeuling, a technique which has been fully flight-tested and which extends the range of the RB-66 indefinitely. I wanted very much to witness this mid-air refueling—a ticklish, closely coordinated operation—but it Just wasn't on the agenda for our mission that day.

An electrical control system on the plane eliminates at least 10 pilot functions and requires no manual switching. As for the reliability of the Destroyer, satisfactory functional testing has been conducted under extreme weather conditions from minus 65 degrees to a plus 160 degrees.

There are no kinks or bugs in this sleek ship—it's a sharp, capable Man-O-War. The Air Force doesnt waste a lot of time pussy-footing around when there's flying jobs to do.

Although I was treated quite courteously and shown every consideration down at Shaw Air Force Base where the trip originated, there was no coddling and bowing and scraping when it got time to fly. Since I had met all reauirements — physical fitness, montal aptitude, and a flight in the altitude chamber, there were few formalities for this trip.

Briefing Session In the ready room, I met my pilot, Capt J. C. Reed, and the navigator - bombardier - cameraman, Capt J. C. McLure. Briefly, they outlined our mission, a regular routine training flight, which was a flight 200 or more miles up-country to take aerial photos of certain installations. On my behalf, they scheduled the mission up in the Albemarle area rather than some other neck of the woods. I had to shed my duds, top to bottom, and don a flight suit, heavy high-topped shoes, flight helmet oxygen mask, and parachute. The chute, as well as the other trappings, was an unaccustomed burden to roe, but I imagine it's a comforting burden to those men who fly our planes.

We had to stoop under, the long and low-bellied 66 and climb a few steps to enter the plane.

Inside the cabin, there's room for three and only three men. Capt.

Reed sat way up front to the left by himself where he had unobstructed view through the wraparound windshield. I sat in the gunner's seat about four feet behind him. An instrument panel separated us. Capt McClure sat about four feet from me on the opposite side of the plane.

An Air Force Captain by the name of TSteve" checked me out on flight operational procedureshoulder and seat strap hook-up, oxygen, radio communications, and emergency ball-out techniques about how to work the ieat ejector after the pilot had ettisoned the canopy.

Smooth Take-Off The take-off was smooth, swift d my ears were filled with the :ream and whine of the two jet gines, one of which was just tek of the tiny window near head. Objects on the ground [shed by until we climbed to an

USAF JET RECONNAISSANCE PLANE. THE RB-66 This is the new 700-mph, 35-ton, jet reconnaissance plane in which News and Press reporter Fred T. Morgan recently flew on a regular training mission with the U. S. Air Force from Shaw Air Force Base, S. C. His story of the trip appears on this page.—U. S. Air Force Photo.

«— . was amazed at the ease with dollar, jet ships with the ease which the 35-ton jet space ship you and I drive our automobiles was landed. or open and close the doors to Capt. Reed, I learned, hadn't our homes. been flying the 66 very long, alExperience and regular trainthough, as a pilot, he is about as ing is the key. For instance, the versatile as th^y come. He is a aerial Photo Interpretation Secveteran of six months and 50 tion at Shaw can take the shots combat missions of the Korean we made on this trip, process War as pilot of a prop-driven them, and give you a wealth of B-25. Prior to coming to Shaw, information about Albemarle, he spent three years on the fac- gleaned solely by what they find ulty at West Point Military Acad- and evaluate on the photos, which emy. information will be amazingly accurate.

"Eyes of Tac" A word about Shaw AFB. Shaw is known as the "Eyes of Tactical Air Command". It is the only tactical reconnaissance unit in the country. The largest base in TAC, it is the only base in the two Carolinas that houses a numbered Air Force, headquarters of the Ninth Air Force, commanded

by Major General Robert M. Lee. The base commander is Col. Harold F. Wilson and the base has a population of around 14,000.

As the "Eyes" of TAC, Shaw stands ready to join other TAC units at a moment's notice in fulfilling TAC's role of operation in either all-out or limited wars.

Shaw is a part of a Composite Strike Force.

Importance of Training This flight made me realize more acutely the strategic role these flyers play as national defenders and in determg aggression. Also the necessity for frequent training flights such as the one I participated in as an observer. Regulation training flights give them that razor-edge sharpness which means "ready for action* dispersal at a moments notice in time of national emergency. These men, seasoned flyers, can handle the big million-

14-A

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C. FRIDAY. MARCH 21. 1958

Uie Not Complete Without It

Tom Aughtry Is A Guy Who Loves To Paint Quality paintings — originals, full color enlarged reproductions, and pictures tailormade to your space and taste—are coming in wholesale quantities from the talented brush of Tom Aughtry, young painter who lives north of Albemarle.

Samples of his work are on display in half a dozen business places in and around Albemarle puid in several private homes.

As the samples bring orders, Tom fills them with surprising speed.

He is a fast painter, turning out a completed painting in a matter of just a few hours. Now that he is devoting more time to his painting vocation, he meets the challenge of the easel with a vigorous offensive. Lately, he has been spending up to 10 hours a day at the creative board.

Sales Supervisors Tom and his wife, Juanita, are assistant supervisors for North Carolina for the Wear Ever Aluminum Co., a subsidiary of the Aluminum Company of America.

They are in charge of 10 N. C. counties and supervise a sales force of 31 people which increases to 75 during the summer months.

When transferred to this territory three years ago, they asked to make Albemarle their home and headquarters.

"We passed through and visited in Albemarle a number of times," Juanita, the attractive wife and mother, said. "We're country people and love the small towns. We have become quite attached to Albemarle and the people here."

Two and a half years ago, they bought and moved into the old Jeo Lee Green homeplace near old Clairmont School about halfway between Highway 52 and Palestine. Right now, they're in the midst of remodeling the home and developing it and their two acres of ground.

"We keep hearing bits of his-

TOM AUGHTRY AT THE EASEL Although he has never had a formal art lesson, Tom can turn out a quality painting in two hours. He and his wife, Juanita, are planning for future sales promotion of his work.

—Staff Photo. tory about the old house," Juanita said. "Someday we'li have a comprehensive history of the old place pieced together."

Natives of S. C. Both Tom and Juanita were reared near Columbia, S. C. There, in his formative years, Tom had the opportunity to watch a master painter at work in the person of Jim Heise, renown profession-

al artist. His association with Heise (watching from a distance might be a better description, Tom says), plus a natural inclination to things artistic, led him into a life of art. Now his life would never be complete with the brushes, colors, and easel.

From boyhood, Tom has, intermittently, painted everything from small signs to murals. But all for fun and pleasure and Irresistibility. The Carolinas are sprinkled with paintings he's given away—fine paintings that do credit to any home, hall, or gallery.

Since they were married 19 years ago, Juanita has tried to get Tom to devote more time toward th& commercial aspects of his talent. Only very recently has he consented. Now he has turned most of the Wear Ever work over to his wife and he devotes about 90 percent of bis time to painting.

A Picture In Two Hours Tom does a lot of pure memory work. He remembers a scene from a visit to the mountains or sea, gets his colors ready, and turns out a finished picture in a couple of hours.

An average reproduction job takes three to four hours. He can reproduce a picture postcard scene into a big four by six painting. His sense of proportion is such that he can put the postcard scene over your entire wall if you want it that large. In fact, he intends to do murals and wall-size paintings when the demand arises. To the black and white originals, he supplies his own color judgment in turning out the full color reproduction.

Tom has never had a formal art lesson. "You never learn art, anyway," he says. "Art, as well as everything else, is a constant process of learning."

A beginner shouldn't start with oils, he advises. He says start with watercolors. Gradually work into oils. Learn to mix your col ors and where to put them.

They Love the Country Juanita, who loves the country so much she says: "The dirt between- my toes brings me cioser

to God," believes each person has some calling at which they excell. While Tom's is painting, hers is meeting people. Her imposing sales record with her company proves her right.

Their 13-year-old son, Ken, a student at New London School, is an athletic - minded "outdoor" boy who loves dogs. The Aughtrys have two registered dogs now and they are planning a kennel project for Ken. Their long-range improvement plans for the old Freen place include finishing up the home, landscaping, a terrace, a studio down in the trees for Tom's painting, perhaps a swimming pool, and the kennel project for Ken. It means a lot of work and decisions ahead of them. But then the Aughtrys are the type of peo pie who enjoy meeting a chal lenge head-on. They're modern minded, aggressive young peo pie who know what they wan and how to go after it.

With the steady growth in Tom's painting output and the consequent popularity and placing of his work, they intend to give more attention to the promotional and distributing side of the business and perhaps apply to it the merchandising techniques they already know so well.

The Aughtrys attend the Bethany Methodist Church.

fk

•

co.C.5-« B* ••> -G o cB ffi

4)

CO IO

0>

a

u

K

<'

s < Q K

W •J

S <

s u n • J <

CO 10

H K P.

3 O

a < ca

o

a B o O

. to aj ca 55 M

£°

g

•Sstut.

=*2 < c ta

to W>T3 O

I

£•0 g >

n ai >-2 J

•

' eu **>9*~ c * •tn , 3 O CO £8

•33 .o.JS aj

4) at a ir<

C <D

C

KI C

* 2

ggu.n £

•g &?g C

Sgftf I H w (A >

\

c

• O CO

^ a

<a>

OT CB £ 0 ^

a & es

*3 £ t ) 0) M+-1 C 3

be 3

c

M

X <U T3 Oi M r* * 5 O O § a) .—.

•hi

o

co M

CE3fi<R

are o n bu Albe home

< H

0) ••••

s of his half a and a veral p

w S5 >« J

eg £

0)

'fig CB - C ca*'

+3

xZ

M

ffi

a2

^1 H

tS2o,*o^ 8

£ ¥

ctJ o S •S CJ3 g C 4) > W) cB

5^ > 2T3w

i*

aos

4> »** ^* 0

co &.i=,'0

«*_s CO +a . C

>— 3 O

C * g+5 * ^ CO? »« a> JC

s ft-*-*frt TO O »

°

u

10 ©

° g3 2

'U

CO

c S R * 1 at

co 5 »o

C o

co co eBU

CO

> X, CO

™"S g «

ca co

hi

0, ™ CO tt» c o<gfc! S » CO - * -LJ ° O ft-C K

-22*g > *J <c

a

9a

3 0) " 0) co "S 0) >-.

0+3

c a TH

rt ^- ^ " O O

tt)

3

S 6 + J ^—

»

M»

be co' p ^ fc!

>><

. „ CB OJ

co t > i . to O"co T3 cB CO ft

^3

O i c8 *•' rS i—i

« 2 a»

g?_ E o

• c ^ S * - cO =

,»-i W C * 2 0) > > T 3 O 3 S 3 a i> (!S

! > «*f-ti r • O jto 2 Pp g •OJI g c o r t ^ M o QJ'O c U

cd «

*? o ,-,

C efi

!7 •H*tJ.Q 5 2'S'o 5 co X<a> ! © 2 B^§ 8 ! 2 | « n P C 3 ru * SCBSd)i f si ^ o o o >• £^g C CO

£s (_i

o o

c .. o —

— .?P aj e

few O) E£

Cj?

5' f t g o ,

° &ji'

n.32

J o

co ^3 * a 9* ~ JS PL, J 3 cO at

PAINTINGS BY TOM AUGHTRY Here are samples of the type of original paintings Tom has been turning out lately. He has more than 30 distributed in Albemarle and vicinity. Tom has a long background in painting but only recently has he begun to develop the commercial possibilities of his a r t —Staff Photo.

Some Thievery Going On, Too

Highway Sign Vandalism Is Heavy In Stanly County

By FRED T. MORGAN

Highway sign vandalism in Stanly County is costing you money.

At least $3,000 a year. And maybe a good deal more Local State Highway sign department officials say that if all vandalized signs were replaced immediately, the cost would run as high as 20 percent of their annual budget.

Thif is taxpayers' money—your money and mine.

Not all the damage can be chalked up in a monetary way, however.

For most of the time, an estimated 98 percent of the time, vandals pick out as their target the warning signs which are erected to guide the motorists safely by hazardous road conditions.

Removing these warning signs and devices, or defacing them so as to render them ineffective, leaves a danger spot exposed and unprotected. Many an unwitting motorist has fallen prey to them, sometimes paying with his life or serious personal Injury.

Tampering With Life Thus, the vandal who tampers with the strategic warning sign is literally taking the life of the motorist in his hands. He is a public enemy and should be treated as one.

The sign vandal has expensive tastes. He'd much prefer shooting holes in the big 18 by 24, or 24 by 26-inch reflectorized metal signs than molesting the smaller less-attractive road signs. These are tha yellow -and black signs that glow under your headlights at night and tell you to be careful at curves, crossings, bridges, and other danger spots. They make better targets. He seems to get a bigger kick out of destroying something pretty. The irony of it is, these are the very sighs that safeguard your safety.

Small reflectorized delineators and shiny reflectors attached to posts which outline dangerous curves, hazardous shoulder conditions, bridge approaches, and other danger spots, are another target of the vandals. They like to strip them clean, or do it in spotty like missing teeth. This leaves a ragged, unsightly mess.

Other Vandalism Other forms of vandalism include :

,

Changing the lettering on signs.

This can get vulgar, obscene, as well as ludicrous. If a mileage sign says "Albemarle 16," the vandal adds another " 1 " and makes it "116" miles. Whatever the intent, the tampering usually ruins the sign and makes replacement inevitable.

Whittling. You'd be surprised how folks like to whittle on the wooden mileage signs, located at country crossroads, which tell you how far it is to the next place.

Some signposts have been whitted in two.

Target Practice People with guns seem to enjoy shooting holes through the big, bright, attractive road signs. In the backwoodsy areas, especially during hunting seasons, sign erectors don't replace bullet-punctured signs until well after the season is over. They know the new sign would be perforated by triggerhappy marksmen. There is no closed season on target practice, however. This happens the year around.

Switcheroos There's the adventuresome, though deadly, type of vandai who likes to switch signs both in location and meaning. He switches information and mileage signs from one county to the next. He changes curve symbol signs to read the wrong way. In the place of a stop sign, he might substitute a sign which said, "Resume Safe Speed." Like the psychopath who has an irresistable urge to set Are to a building just to watch it burn, this guy delights In sending you the wrong way up a oneway street, or into a deadend road which he labeled "ThruWay." He's a vicious chap with a diabolical mania and obsession.

Off his rocker, in other words.

But he's still circulating, much to the consternation of safety men.

Purely personal prejudices.

Highway sign erectors have carried on running feuds over long periods of years with farmers, and

VANDALISM COST OVER $100 HERE Two of the three bridges here have been stripped of the posts, equipped with delineators, that flanked tlhe bridges on every corner. There is supposed to be three equally-spaced posts on each comer of the bridge to give the effect of tunneling the taffic across. Flagrant vandalism here at this one spot In Stanly County has cost the Highway Department well over $100.

—Staff Photo. other roadside dwellers who just won't let an objectionable sign stay put. Maybe the origin of the dispute has been lost in antiquity but, nevertheless, every time a new sign is put up, "something" happens to it.

Load Restrictions Weight limit signs a t bridges are often objectionable to truckers with heavy loads. If one pulls up the weight limit sign and throws it down in the bushes, then there's nothing t h a t says one can't take his overloaded truck on across is there?

Wrap-Arounds Certain vandals like to pin a sign's ears back and see how grotesquely they can warp the piece of metal. Another vandal can't stand to see a sign standing up straight and proper and he juggles the posts until they lean over drunkenly and knocks the signs awry.

As distinct from vandalism, there is outright thievery of highway sign materials going on.

Chemically-treated, long-lasting highway sign posts make

very desirable pasture and fence posts and many are the Stanly County farms which now contain some highway sign posts in their fencing.

Highway signs, metal and wood, are used for roofing, to patch u p hogpens, and for other miscellaneous uses around the rural homes.

Delineators Fascinating Small delineators and reflectors on highway posts have a peculiar fascination for some people who use them as markers for their driveway entrance, on bicycles, cars, tractors, wagons, and trailers. There is a highway delineator on the rear of one Stanly County farm trailer which often sits parked with its rear end jutting out toward the road on a curve. Down the road a ways is a bridge which has been stripped of delineators.

There Is t h e farmer who removes t h e rust-proof galvanized bolts, which hold the sign to the post, and uses them for farm jobs.

In their place he substitutes wooden pegs, or wire, or nothing.

Can Be Identified What most of these people don't know is that all highway sign materials can be positively identified by highway men. The reason being that these materials are not on sale commercially at stores in this area. They are used by the Highway Department almost exclusively.

Each highway sign post bears the Inspector's stamp which is irrefutable proof of highway ownership, likewise, the other materials can be easily Identified.

Faced with such evidence, the person will usually bring in a non-present and often non-existent third person who gets the blame. "My son's buddy—he's in service in Germany now — brought those little reflectors by one day. Don't know where he got 'em.*' It's easy to re-possess In such cases, but next to impossible to prosecute and convict.

Officers Are Cooperating Getting back to sign vandalism, law enforcement officers of Stanly County have promised closer cooperation in prevention and in tracking down sign vandals.

A person caught in the act of damaging a highway sign can be charged with destroying public property, which on conviction,

Deterioration h a s already set in on this large reflectorized sign pockmarked with bullet holes. This is one of t h e more common forms of sign vandalism found in rural areas.

—Staff Photo.

probably .carries a fine of $50 or 30 days imprlslonment.

Highway sign erectors do the best they can with the problem.

Two men and one truck take care o* t h e sign erection work in both Stanly and Cabarrus Counties.

Obviously, they can't cover all the territory very often. Consequently, vandalized and damaged signs go unrepaired sometimes for months unless thei damage is reported and called to their attention. Vandalism is thei biggest thing< that prevents thel maintenance men from achieving the degree of maintenance they would like.

75 Per Cent Readable As long as a sign is 75 percent readable, It Is left up unless itl is at an important and strategic location. It Is left until the maintenance men are working the area. Immediate replacement of all damaged and vandalized signs would be virtually Impossible with the present sign department facilities.

A new sign, If unmolested, has a minimum life of six years with* out being touched. Some probably last double that time. When its effectiveness begins to fade from natural conditions, it is taken down, sent back to the shop, reworked, and sent out again. This way, it can be used over and over again indefinitely.

If, however, the sign's ears get pulled around behind its head, if it gets mutilated or bulletpunctured, its usefulness is ended. A bullet hole through a reflectorized sign lets in the rain a n d weather and deterioration cuts the sign's life by one-half or two-thirds. .

The average cost of each sign (all types) by the time it is completely erected out on t h e road a s you see it, is around $12.

And remember — it's your money.

0

BIRD NESTS AT THE BURLESON HOME Here are a few of the elevated bird nests around the home of Sam Burleson. Most of them are made of hollowed gourds. The cans and tin around the poles keep the cats from climbing up and raiding the nesting birds. Martins have been coming and nesting here at his home for over 25 years. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo.

Blackbirds Like Sam Burleson Blackbirds love the Sam Burleson home out on Route 3, Albemarle.

And the Burlesons like to have the blackbirds around.

This reciprocal affection is renewed each spring, for the blackbirds have been coming to the Burleson home and building their nests and raising their young for over a quarter of a century.

The birds are martins and they are about eight inches long. The male is a dark purplish-blue. The female has a little white on her breast.

Right now, Mr. Burleson has a total of 57 bird boxes high up on poles around his home. Most of the nests are made of dried and hollowed gourds. Others are made of boards nailed together, hollow log sections, and crockery.

He expects all the available nests to be occupied during the current mating and nesting season.

Now the birds are "totin' trash" for their nests. Soon, they'll be laying from three to eight white eggs per nest and incubating them.

Coma Year After Year Since the birds always nest in groups or colonies, Mr. Sam says they'll come back to your home year after year if you treat them' halfway decent.

He doesn't get to show the martins the hospitality he would like to give them due to the fact that he is handicapped with ailments and slowed down in his outside activity.

Back in February, he got out the poles and the nests where they had been stored in the bam, repaired them, and fastened the gourd racks to the poles. Then he set the poles in holes, spaced in a half-circle around his home, and waited like he has done for the past 25 years or more.

Usually the martins arrive about mid-March, but they ware later this spring due to the abnormal cold weather.

Mr. Sam loves to sit out on his porch- in the sun and watch the martins engfaged In their familyraising. Hi loves their chatter and he has learned many things about them.

Knows Their Habits For instance, thay catch most of their food on the wing like flies, beetles, bugs, bees, grasshoppers. They scoop up water

while flying over the surface of a pond. They stay airborne or elevated practically all their lives, he thinks, He says you vary seldom see a martin on the ground around his home.

It could be, though, that the martins are just being careful, for, over the years, they have lost many of their number to the cats around the Burleson home. The Burleson cats like the martins, too, but to eat instead of just for company.

To protect the nesting birds up on the poles, Mr. Burleson has wrapped tin around each pole for several feet beginning up higher than your head. This discourages the cats from climbing the poles and raiding the bird nests.

But when a baby bird, unable to fly, falls out of the nest, the cats pounce. Anyway, the adult birds abandon any baby bird that falls out of tha nest onto the ground.

The martins keep the hawks scared away and don't mix much with any other type of bird.

Serenade At Dusk They serenade you, too, down late in the afternoon when they come back to their nests in droves after a day off feeding.

When the young solo successfully and limber up their wings for a few weeks, the colony takes off for new grounds. Usually they leave in late June or in July.

"One thing you can always depend on," Mr. Burleson said, "more martins will leave than what come here to start with."

He says if around 100 adults came in March to start their mating and nesting, you can count on 500 or more leaving in July.

And then, he takes his 'poles down and stores the nests up

in the barn in readiness for the next season.

Just as sure as he is able to get around outside, those poles and nests will go up next season, too.

Already, the Burlesons have planted gourd seed to raise more gourds for replacing any nests that get damaged or worn out this season.

And For A Very Good Reason

Peddler Paul Never Came Back This Way ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ By TWO) T. MORGAH ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ this heart skip a few beats and waited until the man and woman , Time was when itinerant peddlers circulated through Stanly Started his teeth chattering. entered. county selling their trinkets, medical cures, and oftimes their Dimwit Digging Grave Satisfied that the man on the advice and services. ^Through spring, summer, and fall, these vae* bed was fast asleep (as indeed he Out there at the edge of the bond salesmen strolled through the gate and over the hill and rural people always had a cool drink of spring water for them yard, framed in a circle of lan- was) they crept closer. and time for a few minutes' chat. More often than not, they were tern light, was the dimwit he had "Hold the lamp high, woman," welcome overnight guests in the country homes because of the seen at supper and the man was the man ordered in a low callousinteresting assemblage of goods they displayed for the benefit of j swinging a pick and digging a ed voice, "so I can see how to git their host and because they brought fascinating news and stories rectangular-shaped hole. A grave. 'im the first lick". of far-away places. Many of them, to reduce overhead and incum- It couldn't be anything but a A long-bladed butcher knife, j brances, walked and lived off the fat of the land, carrvine their grave. And for whom? There raised high in his hand, glinted ] merchandise in a shoulder pack or in a hand satchel or grin and couldn't be much doubt about in the lamplight relying upon their wit and glibness to provide them with the that, either. He shuddered and necessities.

• . — _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ trembled.

He Waited No More Peddler Paul waited to see no Such a man was Irishman Ped- He stood at the door and lis- Back over to the door he crept more. So intent were they on dler Paul. and listened intently.

The sound tened and heard his hosts go back Sunset on a late summer day down stairs. Then he heard a he heard put another chilly fing- their grisly business, the man caught him out on a Stanly Coun- mumble of whispered voices and er into his heart. It was the un- and woman failed to see him as mistakable raucous sound of he sidled out the door behind ty back road with naught but a door opened and slammed. [knives being sharpened against them, hurried down the stairs and a rundown two-story house in across the room. Encouraged by sight up on the next hill. So he Mopping cold sweat off his face, a grindstone. the .success of his plan thus far, stopped there and asked for lodg- he sat down in the only chair in Dizzy now with fright, he stag- he open the outside door ing for the night and the folks the room and pondered his prob- gered to the bed and stretched andjerked there, facing him just about lem.

He got up and tried the agreed to take him in. out on the smelly covers. He lay to enter, was the dimwit, a giant It wasn't long before Peddler door and it wouldn't budge. Then, there for some time before he be- of a man!

Paul realized his choice for a he went to the lone window and came aware of a new sound—this place to spend the night had been found lt had been securely nailed jone close by. It was the muffled Peddler Paul almost collapsed. • ,'*"?'* an unfortunate one. There were shut. whine and howl of an animal. But freedom was so near that he ' no children ln the home and the He looked out into the black He got up and looked around choked down his fear and dashed' elderly man and woman were a night and the sight he saw made and there in the corner of the by the brawny giant who stood there slowly scratching his head strange, silent pair with shifty eyes. He felt undertones of unpleasantness and mystery in the house and the whole atmosphere of tiie place was one of unfriendliness. • Peddler Paul's uneasiness wasn't helped any by the abrupt entry of a third brawny dimwitlooking individual who sat down at the supper table and wolfed) his food down like a tiger.

Bedtime was suggested soon after supper and when Peddler Paul picked up his pack of merchandise to take with him to the room, he saw the grim-faced man , and woman exchange significant. glances. They escorted him up the narrow stairway to the second floor, the old woman carrying a kerosene lamp to light the way.

The old man pushed open a heavy door, shoved his blocky, brutal face close to Peddler Paul and growled, "In here."

Locked In Room He stepped into the dark room and the door creaked shut behind him and he heard the distinct metallic click as the door was bolted on the outside. Locked in!

Peddler Paul became thoroughly alarmed now. What possible raason could they have for locking him Inside than to do him bodily harm?

Striking a match, he found a stub of a candle on an old dresser and lit it and the feeble light showed him the sparse furnishings of the room. There was a rough bed, its covers mussed and unmade, over on one side of the ONCE OUTSIDE THE HOUSE OF HORRORS, FLEEETFOOTED PEDDLER PAUL STARTED RUNNING AND DIDNT STOP FOR MILES. room.

—3>room, he saw a little fice dog re- in puzzlement as Peddler 1 Paul garding him calmly and wagging fled into the night. his tail in a friendly gesture.

Maybe the dog had run into the They spy that Peddler Paul room at the same time he en- didn't stop running that night tered. Or maybe the dog had al- until he had put miles between himself and that house of horready been in the room. rors and that he never came Peddler Paul coached the little back that way again. dog to him and patted him and the dog wagged his tail and They say, too, that somewhere licked his hand in return. He lay in the hills of Stanly County back on the bed again, his brain there is an unmarked grave at feverishly trying to work out an old homeplace that, even tosome plan of escape from this day, just keeps on sinking in no house of horrors. Vaguely, he matter how often it is filled over. heard the dog go under the bed The reason is, they say, that Abruptly, the dog snorted and the grave was dug for two bodies sniffed loudly, then began to —and it got only one.

Wail and whine in frightened andmournful tones.

H e c a m e sand

clawed at the side of the bed.

Ghastly Discovery Lifting the candle from the dresser, Peddler Paul kneeled down beside the bed to look for the dog which had disappeared under the low-hanging covers.

The first thing he saw when he raised the covers and peered under the bed was the glassy eyes and cold face of a dead man.

If there is any greater degree of fear than being petrified by fear, that's what Peddler Paul was now as he fell backwards in the middle of the floor and a stiffled scream of terror tore from his lips. He scrambled to his feet and cringed against the far wall but he could still see the candlelight reflecting from the glassed eyes of the dead man under the bed.

The little dog whined again then remained quiet.

From outside the window came the thud of the pick as the dim-' wit worked almost waist deep in the grave he was digging.

A grating, grinding sound of a knife being whetted against a rough stone drifted ihto his conciousness from downstairs.

Poor Peddler Paul. He was most horrified. He was not accustomed to violence and death.

His wild-eyed, teeth-chattering,* knee-knocking condition would have been laughable had it been under less weighty circumstances.

But now, he was sure that they planned to kill him, bury him in' that hole outside, and take possession of his goods and money.

The realization cleared his head a bit.

Thinks Up Plan A glance at his watch showed him it was the hour at which a man who had traveled a long' way should be fast asleep. And the grinding downstairs had stopped. A plan was taking shape in his head.

Revolting as it was, he dragged the dead man out from under the bed and placed the stiff body on the bed and pulled the covers up over it to the chin until it resembled a man peacefully sleeping. Then he stationed himself in a place where he'd be behind the door to the room when it swung open inwardly. And he waited.

Only a few minutes passed until he heard stealthy footsteps on the stairs and muffled whispers outside the door. The bolt clicked back softly and the door swung inward and Peddler Paul's heart thumped fast and heavy as, hidden behind the open door, he

•

Stanly Has Booming Pulpwood Business If you were blindfolded and set down arbitrarily anywhere in Stanly County and pointed your finger, the odds are heavy that ^you'd be pointing to a stand of pine timber that would benefit by a selective thinning operation for pulpwood.

That's how widely and evenly distributed the pulpwood potential is hereabouts.

Stanly has a booming pulpwood business that is constantly growing.

A total of 12,269 cords of pulpwood were cut in Stanly during 1956, the last year for which figures are available, according to the Forestry Service.

And that trippled the production of the previous year.

There is reason to believe that the pulpwood business is still growing at the same ratio. $2 Million a Year * The value of the forestry and pulpwood crop in Stanly runs to $2 million a year in sales and increased inventory.

Of the total cash farm receipts in Stanly last year, forestry and pulpwood accounted for eight percent, edging ahead oi cotton, the one-time money crop king here.

Out of the 211,000 acres of Stanly farmland, more than 40 per cent is covered with some type of forest or woodland, all of which is present ot potential pulpwood sources.

While pulpwood cutting has been going on in Stanly County for the last 15 to 20 years, it has boomed in the last half dozen years with the sharp increase in demand for paper and paper products.

Time was when most pine timber stand thinning was utilized for stovewood. Stovewood has about played out now and pulpwood has taken its place. Fortunately, too, for the pulpwood market guarantees the landowner a perpetual source of year-to-year income if he manages his acres in trees wisely.

Two Pulpwood Yards There are two pulpwood-buying yards in the county, one at Albemarle and the other at Aquadale.

There is another pulpwood yard at Midland in Cabarrus County to which a lot of western Stanly County pulpwood goes. These yards operate the year-around.

A new market is anticipated when the Bowatter pulp plant on the Catawba River south of Charlotte opens up.

Prices for pulpwood range from $4.00 to $5.50 on the stump to $13.50 to $14.25 delivered ori the yard per cord.

The wood is cut in five-foot lengths from a minimum of four inches in diameter at the little end up to a maximum of 18 to 20 indies at the large end.

Several people in the county make a full time business of cutting and hauling pulpwood when the company makes stumpage purchases from landowners; Free Marking Service Pulpwood companies offer free marking service to landowners who have pulpwood to still. They Will send a professional forester to select the trees which can be removed for pulpwood. These oom-

#

PULPWOOD LOADING MECHANIZED AT MIDLAND A truck load of pulpwood can be transferred from the truck to the flatcar—a complete operation—within five minutes oy this mechanical loader in use a the Wester Bros, pulpwood yard at Midland, to which a lot of western Stanly pulpwood goes. This yard averages loading six or seven cars a day. The flat "bumper" ramp on the hoist is used for leveling up the ends of the pulpwood sticks after they are deposited on the stack.

—Staff Photo.

#

FLATCARS LOADED WITH PULPWOOD IN ALBEMARLE Here are four cars loaded with Stanly County pulpwood at the pulpwood yard in Albemarle operated by Piedmont Coal Company. Trucks may be seen unloading pulpwood onto rail cars here almost any day. Some full time pulpwood workers make a business of cutting and hauling pulpwbod the year around. Professional foresters say that summer cutting is okay if a.quick -Staff Photo. clean job is done. mercial foresters; who perform the four or five cords on the natheir forestry work here under the tural stand. supervision of Stanly forester In addition to the two yards John W. Stokes, work for the best maintained in Stanly County, pulpinterests of the stand of timber wood dealers will spot flatcars on and the landowner. Inferior trees any siding on the line that is conare removed, leaving the healthy venient to landowners who have pities with more room to grow at least a carload of pulpwood into saw timber. ready to cut and load.

County forester Stokes is also Wonderful Asset to Farmers J available for the- same type of "The pulpwood business is 4 marking, although the free ser- wonderful asset to Stanly Counq vices of the commercial foresters farmers," Fann Agei] gives him more time to devote to Vernon A. County Huneycutt said, forest fire work and other forestry has enabled the landowners practices. utilize their farm wood plots mc Mr. Stokes says the county is efficiently and profitably. By wj literally full of pine timber stands and proper management of tt which would benefit from selective acres in pine stands—periodic thinning for pulpwood. When the lective thinning and re-seedinj crowded and inferior trees are re- they can have a perpetual soi moved and utilized for pulpwood, of income from their trees." this makes the remaining trees The owner of pine trees and , less susceptible to bug attacks, that can be devoted to gro^j healthier, and quicker to reach pine trees is in a most favoi maturity as saw timber. position, according to a natj farm publication, which says/ Summer Cutting Okay wood needs for paper produfl Summer pulpwood cutting is America will double in thei okay, Mr. Stokes says, if a clean, 40 years. quick operation is done. In a lot Fanners who wish to plar of cases, laps left by saw timber on land unsuited fd operators can be utilized as pulp- seedlings tivation, or strictly as a cqj wood, which is highly desirable as rial venture, can get finanij it eliminates waste and reduces sistance the ASC pr forest fire danger and bug attacks. The ASCunder will pay the lai Such pulpwood is paid for at the $12.00 per acre toward rate of approximately $2.00 per of getting his plot establia1 cord.

J Most pulpwood now being cut UnderofthetheConservation Soil Bank in Stanly County is from natural division is designed to take] pine timber stands. However, which ive cropland out of prfl more pine seedlings have been set landowner can get zaf out here in the last two seasons the assistance in planting than ever before lings. The first year, Planted timber stands will yield $12.00 per acre for g^ more per acre than will natural stand established. Ther stands. In the first thinning op- is paid $10 per acre pe§ eration of a planted stand, some the next 10 years.

15 to 20 years after planting, six to 10 cords of pulpwood per acre Ninth largest city ii should be realized, compared to is St. Louis, Mo. •

Air Force Firepower Witnessed In Florida] m

»

at Eglin is a part of the Air Research and Development Command and it is responsible for the development and testing of aircraft, armament, and missiles used by the U. S. Air Force. The ARDC's job is to insure qualitative superiority of USAF's new weapons and missiles and to provide the necessary link between military requirements and the vast science-industry complex on which the U. S. Air Force must rely to discover, develop, and produce its weapons for the future.

National Anthem I felt a deep surge of emotion at the end of this gigantic display of air power when I, along with 6,000 other people, stood at attention while the Air Force band played the national anthem as a fitting close to this notable occasion. Where minutes before there had been the roar and whine and shriek and blast of jets and exploding munitions, there was now utter quietness save for the band. Hands were lifted in smart salutes, eyes were misty, and hearts swelled with pride.

And I was thinking about the AIK FORCE MISSILES ON DISPLAY restless adventuresome caliber of Chief among the Air Force missile line-up are the above opmen who make our Air Force erational weapons, left to right, Boeing IM-99 Bomarc interceptor what it is today—our major re- missile with a range of over 250 miles, the Thor, intermediate taliatory striking force against range ballistic missile with a 1500-mile range; and the Snark. any potential aggressor.

—Staff Photo.

By FRED T MORGAN I saw the U. S. Air Force's very latest fire power and air might demonstrated in thrilling action last week at Eglin Air Force Base down in the northwestern section of Florida.

The Air Force "power punch" packs an incredible wallop.

Believe me, the ready and operational * strike force that I saw put through its paces is the most spectacular show of military might you'll probably ever see outside a nuclear blast itself.

And practically every one of the aircraft used in this aerial fire power extravaganza is capable of delivering a major nuclear weapon to any target on earth and returning to home base—non-stop.

The occasion was the annual Aerial Firepower Demonstration held for the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference at the Air Proving Ground Center, Air Research & Development Command, Range 52, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Purpose of the event was to demonstrate the full capability of the modern U. S. Air Force before a select group of military and civilian guests from all over the United States and the friendly countries of the world.

If anyone left that show disappointed, especially first-time viewers, then he must be an STATIC FIREPOWER DISPLAY amazingly dull, unemotional, This is the Northrop SM-62 Snark, long-range strategic misand unfeeling individual with no sile with a 5,000-mile range, which was a part of the array of vision and patriotism. missile and rocket weapons on display at Eglin AFB, Fla. in conTiming and Coordination nection with the annual Air Force firepower demonstration last The timing and coordination in week. .

—Staff Photo. this hour and one-half aerial presentation was almost unbe- sparkled the sky with yellow tators in the U. S. and elsewhere. lievable. There were no gaps of light containing millions of All the maneuvers demonstrated action or interest, no break in candlepower. the Thunderbirds, demanding continuity, no awkward and ag- Fighter-bomber jets demon- by the utmost in pilot skill and onizing waiting. The narration their versatility ln straf- training, are taught to all USAF was beautifully geared to short, strated attacks on ground student pilots. punchy, pertinent information ing and rocket using napalm bombs, High-ranking, military brass, without intolerable ad libbing targets 250-pound conventional government officials, and VIP^ and sales pitching. Considering rockets, bombs, and 20 mm ammunition. were present for the firepower the magnitude and complexity of its scope, the show was the next Low altitude "over-the-should- demonstration in abundance. er" bombing with 1,000-pound There were news media executhing to perfection. bombs was demonstrated by F- tives from Europe and Asia. AnSetting for the show was miles 101 Jets, although an overcast other group of journalists were upon miles of open Florida prevented good vision of this act. from Belgium, Canada, Denwasteland, covered with nothing Air-to-air in-flight refueling, mark, England, Frarice, Germany, but knee-high scrub growth, using the probe and drogue sys- Greece, Italy, Luxemburg, Nethermany miles from any habitation. tem was demonstrated by three Norway, Portugal, Spain, The Gulf of Mexico was almost F-100 jets in position behind a lands, and. Turkey. within'sight. tanker. Also, a B-52 jet From the east came a press An estimated 6,100 spectators, KB-50 bomber refueled by a KC-135 group from Hong Kong, Honolua large portion of them civilians, tanker. was They flew at 800 feet in lu, Malaya, Philippines, Singasat in huge grandstand bleachers front of the stands. pore, Tiawan, Thailand, and facing the range on which had Six B-52 six-jet bombers, Viet Nam. It was the first time been placed the targets—obso- of thegiant that set the famous large groups from both sides of lete aircraft and simulated enemy non-stoptype record around the world, the world had met and mingled factories and ammunition depots. flew by In review the stands at a fire power demonstration.

The crowd jumped and yelled at 800 feet. Thepast size,of these Also ln attendance were Gov- I as two RF-100 jets blasted over long range heavy ships it ernors of half a dozen states, I the stands at 300 feet taking difficult to realize they made passed dozens of Senators and Represen-1 high speed photos, finished prints at near fighter speeds. tatives, Department of Defense of which were delivered for distribution about one hour later. The first supersonic bomber in officials, and the mayors of more I U. S. Air Force, the B-58 than 40 American cities.

Next a TM-61 Matador guided the "Hustler", details of Seven college presidents were missile was launched amid a which are performance still classified, made a in the stands as well as 250 memdeafening roar and flash of fire, low-altitude fly-by in front of the bers of the Air Force Association half a mile from the stands, and stands for inspection.

Represen- and military delegations from soared out of sight over the Gulf, of a half-century of prog- Canada, Cuba, England, Guatefollowed by two fighter jets who tative ress in military aviation, this mala, and Venezuela. were to deAroy it in case its ship designed to operate in the Scores of movie, newsreel, TV, self - destroying m e c h a n i s m speedis and altitude range with and private cameras ground failed. the leading supersonic fighter away during the show and pracVertical Sonic Boom aircraft of this erto. tically every other person had a Over the loudspeaker from the Final demonstration of the aft- still camera with which he tried altitude of 45,000 feet came the ernoon and the most fantastic a few frantic shots of the frenradio voice of the leader of four was the fabulous formation fly- zied action. v F-102 jets which were coming ing of the U. S. Air Force ThunOne hundred and fifty buses straight down toward the stands derblrds, flying F-100 Super Sa- and perhaps a thousand private in a dive to demonstrate the bre jets. Flying their four jets cars took visitors out of the area vertical sonic boom. When the at speeds up to 750 mph, these jets pulled out at 15,000 feet, the pilots performed loops, rolls, following the demonstration.

Static Display sound barrier breaking sonic vertical U-turns, corkscrew rolls boom came on down and cracked and other spectacular maneuvers Immediately prior to the aerover the stands like minor ex-' in close-knit diamond formation, ial show, we visited a static displosions. their wing tips overlapping, and play of planes and weapons at The horizontal sonic boom was maintaining a scant five-foot Eglin Main, where we took picperformed by a F-105 which separation. tures and examined counterparts blasted past the stands near treeof the planes used in the aerial Fabulous Thunderbirds top level at better than the demonstration. speed of sound bringing a ter- These four Thunderbirds per- As the largest U. S. Air Force rific "wham" with it which rock- formed with incredible precision base in the world, Eglin's reserand coordination, never wavering vation covers an 800-square-mile ed spectators in their seats.

After alr-to-alr rocket demon- from the smooth symetrical four- area and has a working force of strations, two RB-66 jets on a plane formation. Since their 12,000 people. It has a 10,000simulated night photo mission activation in 1953, the Thunder- foot and a 12,000-foot runway dropped 25 flash bombs and 204 birds have given 350 demonstra- and there are 10 auxiliary land- j flash cartridges each which tions before 19 million live spec- ing fields spotted around it. Over 35,000 square miles of water ranges and 32 bombing and gunnery ranges, most of which are fully instrumented, are available for testing. Every type of space age specialist known today can be found at work at Eglin.

One interesting place which I would have liked very much to have visited (I did go by the front door) was the Climatic Projects Laboratory, a huge "deep freeze-oven" where aircraft and support items of equipment are functionally tested in simulated arctic and tropical environments. Temperatures in this refrigerator-oven range from 65 degrees below zero to 165 degrees above zero.

The Air Proving Ground Center

•

LEARNING TO KNIT AT AUNT MARGARET'S SCHOOL Personalized instruction is being given to four girls here by Aunt Margaret (with the crutch).

Left to right, the girls are Tanya Lefler, Jean Ray, Charlotte Gantt, and Catherine Kelley. A number of other girls are learning to knit at her home also.

—Staff Photo.

1

'Aunt Margaret Operates A UniQue School In Albemarle

By FRED T. MORGAN

i

"Aunt Margaret's" School In Albemarle Is a school that is open the year around.

Not just for children, but for grown-ups, too. No one is too old to learn at this school.

Most of the students are feminine, though, the young ones and the old ones.

Not that boys aren't accepted for instruction if they apply.

If s just a type of school that , boys don't cotton to much.

While the one broad official subject taught in this little school is needlework, the younger students pick up a lot of miscellaneous Information about living i*i general. Things like how to get along harmoniously with other people, discipline, stlck-to-lt-lveness, and respect for authority.

The proprietress of this onewoman school is Miss Margaret Ingold and the location is Mari garet's Yarn Shop, 412 North Fourth Street.

Needlework Skills Needlework skills are taught here, including knitting, sew• ing,, crocheting, hook rug makinf, needlepoint work and about every other type of handwork done with needles, thread and yarn.

Aside from giving instruction in these skills, Aunt Margaret stocks yarn, needles, patterns, and all other knitting supplies you'll need. Her shop is open from 9 a. m. until 5 p. m. Monday through Saturday.

Some children come every day to practice knitting skills under the watchful and kindly eye of Aunt Margaret. A few start learning to knit when they're eight and nine years old and from here on up into adulthood.

The beginners are asked to come every day to practice until they learn the stitches and how to follow directions.

After that, they come only when they need help or to get started off on a new pattern or garment.

In a two-hour session on permanent fixtures on her legs three consecutive days, a new until 25 years ago when they girl can usually .complete a were removed to be used theresmall bedroom slipper or a after when necessary. For the baby bootee or some other past eight years, she hasn't simple article. Future help needed the braces. To get about now, she uses one crutch past this point depends upon inside, while two are required the person. out-of-doors.

Many Women, Too During the years, she has Instruction is by no means had 27 different operations by confined to children. Many Dr. O. L. Miller and Dr. J. E. women patronize this unique Jacobs at the Miller Clinic ininstitution and find great sat- Charlotte. Dr. Miller performisfaction and pride in the new ed her first operation in 1921 fields and interests that a few at the Orthepedic Hospital in hours of instruction in knitting Gastonia. She was the seventh or related skills opens up. patient admitted to the hosOnce proficiency is attained, pital. the knitter can even undertake Doctors would permit her to the ambitious task of knitting attend public school only two an entire dress If she likes. Sevand a half years during her eral of Margaret's women stuyouth. The remainder of her dents have done It. education has-been at home.

On occasion, Margaret her- Long a regular patron and visself will accept an order to itor of the public library here, knit a dress for a customer, especially in the earlier years, although her busy schedule she is a strong advocate of permits only a very few such home learning and self instruccontracts since knitting a comtion for those to whom such plete dress requires about all learning is suited. her extra time over a period of She learned to knit when she three months. was 10 years old and to sew "Knitting is loads of fun," soon thereafter.. Since then, Margaret says. "You ought* to has made her own clothes see the glow of pride a child she and clothes for her nieces and shows—even a woman, too— when she completes her first nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Whenever a new knitted garment." baby comes along, she knits it For instance, one girl, eight a wardrobe.

Her nieces have years old, finished a sweater hand knitted dresses. recently and, even though the day was extremely hot, she Business Is Growing donned the sweater and wore Friendship with the head of it home. the yarn department of a leadMargaret is an old hand at ing department store in Charknitting and other indoor ac- lotte led to her becoming the tivities. Destiny decreed it center of a referral service to that way. knitters with problems in thisAt the age of two, in 1911, territory. When the beginning she was stricken with polio at knitters with problems became a time when today's treatments numerous, she decided if she and rehabilitative techniques were going to help them over the rough spots, she might as were unknown. well sell them the materials, Walked At Eight too. So, nine years ago, she She learned to walk with stocked up on knitting supplies crutches at the age of eight and business has grown each and has never been without year since. the crutches since. Braces were *> Her business is not self-supporting yet due to the fact that she started small and puts all her profits back into the business to build up stock. She lives with her mother, Mrs. Ferd Ingold, and her sister, Miss Sara Ingold, a Public Health Nurse with the Stanly County Health Department. • The affectionate name "Aunt Margaret" came naturally from the neighborhood children.

Recently a little girl, knitting studiously, looked up at her and said: "How long do I have to knit here before I can start calling you 'Aunt Margaret'?"

One afternoon last week, 10 young girls, along with one visiting toddler, were observed absorbed in knitting projects^ various stages in Aunt Margaret's knitting room. Leaning on her crutch, Aunt Margaret went from one to the other coaxing out a bad stitch here and getting a complicated turn underway there.

Public school may be out, but Aunt Margaret's School goes on.

•

2-A

««H gathers or mother sits down a n a s r o c k up the children £l dr a ™ in the squeaky ° / * * L one in Come to think ol "> * w here .our family can rememoe ^ ^ that old chair ^ t ib Se c n e award first place. We $& ^ the den| ot.its presence there «• aae day.

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE. N. C. TUESDAY, JULY 1. 1958

The Vagabond Rocking Chair Speed Control For instance (I'm sure of this), We discovered the secret of the old rocking chair at the end of a it showed me how to vary its con. cold winter afternoon of leaf-rak- versational tone by speed conA slow backward rock ' ing when the warmth'of the house trol. stretched out the squak into a ? made you feel tingly and glowing. "sq-uu-eee-aa-kkkk," and a likeMy wife went j prepare supper Wise deliberate slow forward i while the girls, ages three and coasting motion wrung out the '- five, and I rambled into the den to squack into ' 'sq-uu-aaa-cc-kkkk." ~ tell stories. It was then that I An abrupt stop in the midst of j felt peculiarly drawn to that old the rocking cycle produced a ~ rocker sitting there scarred, and sharp 'ringing punctuation like ~ whacky-jawed, and plain as a the command "halt!" Depending X crumpy bag of garbage. I sat on where you stopped in the cycle down and leaned back comfort- and your skill as speed control, the ably. The girls piled on my lap, punctuation -could be improvised one on either side, their curly to scold, scream, command, exul% heads coming up under my chin. tate, mock, cheer, or, I submit, I My arms were about them. Then even swear, though I seldom exes the old chair closed its sturdy cuted an oath because of the del5 oaken arms about all of us, and icacy of explaining it to the children. On the other hand, furious g the spell was on. rocking angered the old chair, On the backward rock, the chair and it spat out a derelict medley \ said "squeak." On the forward of ghoulish whisperings and diai motion it said "squack." Said It tribe. ," plainly and unmistakably. Thus, at a comfortable leg-rocking I t wasn't long before we learnspeed, the chair serenaded us with ed the sideways wobble. Simply I a harmonious squeak-squack, by twisting my weight sideways t squeak-squack."

It made you durnig a forward motion, I could P think of creaky boards, screech- increase the pressure on the loose. Ing doors, oil cans, and the agree- jointed old chair's* vocal box and i able sound of yawing timbers in make it grind out an intensely torthe wind. turous scream of protest. The To a more sophisticated ear, the girls liked this.

•' strident music would have been The sideways wobble eventually i quite repulsive. But to us, it was led to the swiddle-swaddle. This '* an enchanting sweet rhapsody. I new discovery made the old chair £ think that's how we came to know three-dimensional. In addition to '• the chair so well—by appreciat- audibility and rockability, it now * ing its rasping voice. Certainly, had gyrobility. Throwing weight ~ its appearance wasn't anything to to one side as we came down on ", crow about. the equator lightened the other You might think that the sim- side and caused the rocker on I pie two-word vocabulary of the that side to tilt up and clear the Z chair made it a wearying conver- floor and jerk around an inch or • sationalist with little to coinmun- more. Thus, the chair learned to I icate. F a r from it. We never walk, a remarkable feat, considi grew weary. There was too much ering its senility. That was a £ excitement, too much intrigue, too happy day for all of us. I t could much sheer joy for anything re- canter around in a circle, sit and £ motoly approaching boredom. For mark time rythmically, or zig-zag I during each session, we learned duck-like across the room. By new and endearing things about and by, we worked out a crude f the chair. I t became a friend, a sort of dance routine to it, gearpersonality, a member of the ed to its blatant accompaniment. .£ family, someone to lean on, like You should've seen that old chair g mother or grandfather. shake its rockers in a fit of joy

By FRED T. MORGAN

with us three blissfully delirious wack-a-teeners at the helm.

Someone Miscued We made a sublime quartet as we rocked away our troubles in the old chair with the squeaksquack song. Until the time some one miscued and said "sweetsack." I t surely wasn't me. The girls said they didn't s a y it. I suspected the chair. But I shoved the preposterous thought from my mind. Anyway, it touched off a new game that brought hours of hilarity." We took turns substituting new words to the old squeak-squack song, maintaining the same sound. There were some killer-dillers, ranging from "beatMack" to "stret-shack," to "tweettwack" to "bleat-back" to "meatstack." We gave the chair a turn too, but it didn't say anything original after that questionable first time.

Then the story-telling bug bit us and benignant infection followed. Ever try to tell a story in jerky, two-word cadences? It's tricky, but fun. You know, like: "Mary-had, a little lamb, Itsfleece, was-white, as snow." Except we couldn't be content with old favorites. The chair led us, me particularly, into original and spontaneous stuff.

They came surprisingly easy. When you faltered for a word, the old chair just seemed to squeak out the correct one. Another funny thing, too, was the way that chair, when you were rocking normally, seemed to flood out the torrent of the squeak-squacky sound into a soft, murmuring, orchestra-like waltz background music. Like the musical prop of a narrator. Like the ineffable caresses of the organ when the preacher prays. At the end, if the rendition of the story was at all commendable, the chair would launch into brief applause more shattering than the squawking of a frightened ducte

and of unsurpassable benefit to a sardonic, uninviting look about the children. She became skep- it now. tical again, though, when the girls J Then the neghbor, Mrs. Shefbegan telling her about our .new field, was visiting us one day when adventures with the chair. she wheeled into the den and her The infectious squeak-squack of | bare ankle whacked solidly up the chair began to create simul- against the sharp end of the old taneous visions in our minds chair's rocker. The impact causwhen the atmosphere was right. ed her to stagger into a table and A series of pictures, sharp, and knock off an antique vase filled well framed, and there was sound, with water and cut flowers which color, and touch—we could feel, spattered on the floor. Confus* hear, touch, smell, as well as see. ed, embarrassed, and hurt, she I know it came to us simultan- glared at us.: "Why don't you eously for, afterward, the girls get rid of that ghastly old rockwould tell me about their "dream" ing chair?" she barked, and and I knew their mental imagery stomped out of the house. had been identical with) my own.

Campaign of Hospitality The girls didn't understand it and I don't attempt an explanation I t was obvious to me that the other than to tell them it was the old chair had embarked upon a chair's way of telling us a story. campaign of hostility to make itrepugnant and obnoxious. But That chair became a chariot self why? it seek banishment to a dream world more wonderful from theDidhouse.

Did the chair than a hundred ordinary fantasyus to get rid of it? Its aclands. Its squeaky voice lulled us want tions indicated as much. I coninto surrender then catapulted us sidered it to the desk or aboard the magic carpet of omni- bed, or chaining suspending from the presence. It started off with a joist in the basementit just to see story I'd be telling—like Br'er what would happen. The thought Rabbit and the Briarpatch. Very of it up for kindling did gradually, my voice trailed off notsplutting occur to I pondered these and the pictures took over, and things, and me. while was in this we could see the story unfold with state of indecision, I my wife imthe drama, suspense and grandeur pulsively sold the old chair a of a technicolor spectacular. Ex- small time antique dealer to cept better. For we were there canvassed our neighborhood who one and everything was real. Once, day while I was away. She didn't when the story ended, the squaks know his name or the name of his of the chair became the strides ot firm. The old truck he was driva giant robot riding us through had an out-of-state tag. I a grotesquely lovely land many ing didn't try to locate him. far-off tomorrows away. I t became the thrust and clank of a Because I knew it would have steam locomotive of a hundred been The chair had vanyears ago chugging us through ished.useless.

And gradually, there rethe charged and honey days of only the vaguest of memothe U. S. west. It turned into the mained ries of it. And with the fading "whoof" and "swizzle" of a pad- of memory came a new feeldleboat bucking thei upriver cur- ingthat consolation—the certainty rent of the Mississippi and into that ofthe chair still exists the hum of a vehicle whizzing us somewhere.oldThe spontaneity and through space with the speed of exuberance of young children is light. what it takes to energize the chair again.

Cherished Possession Every so often now, there flits Naturally, the chair became a prized and cherished possession of into my consciousness an illusive our home. But it tolerated no little picture of an ordinary old coddling. I was unsuccessful in rocking chair sitting in an ordian attempt to shine up its scarred nary home where there are lively arms and legs with polish. One children and an understanding day, I thought about an uphol- parent. And I get the impression stery job for the old chair, . but that the whimsical old chair is somehow the thought got erased cunningly biding its time until from my mind and never recurred. that rainy afternoon when father

Mere Discoveries A; our reciprocal attachment with the old chair deepened into love, we discovered other intimate things about the rocker—things of a nature too personal to reveal except that I have a valid reason for revealing them, which I shall 'soon disclose.

My wife said we were squeaking away too much time and she I tested the chair's loyalty by took a dim view of our rocking deliberately steering visitors to chair sessions until ,1 convinced sit and rock in it. Their expresher that they were worthwhile sions said it was just a lumpy old chair with a hideous squeak. ' The chair had other idiosyncrassies. It wouldn't work for the girls alone, NoNr even with their mother helping them. Only for me if conditions were right. I t maintained a grim aloofness if there was any other noise,.if company was coming, or any other interruption anticipated. It never cooperated if the lawn needed mowing, the gutters cleaning, or the grape Vines pruned. I b u could scarcely ever get it to wfltk in summer or on a bright day.

Cold, gloomy, rainy weather suited it best. Like the Sunday I afternoon early in June when our family picnic got rained o u t Wet and disgruntled, we got home and dried out, and, with the rain still lashing away at the roof, I walked to the door of the den and looked inside. The old chair appeared to be holding out its arms to me. I turned and called toward the playroom: "I'm looking for two Squeak-Squawkers." I t sounded like a tornado started twisting deep in the recesses of the house and with a whoosh and a clatter, two breathless, bigeyed, ponytailed, eager girls stood before me, and we went in and savored the fulfillment of a promise the chair had made.

I'm convinced now that the girls had more to do with unlocking the secret of the old chair than I. Anyhow, it would never work for me alone. It looked distant and unapproachable when the girls | were not a t home.

Appeal Fades Looking backard now, I can see a plan in the sequence of events that started when the appeal of toe old chair began to fade. I t 1 seemed natural that the girls and I gradually neglected the old chair and just as natural that we felt no keen sense ot loss associated with that dis-attachment.

Mainly the neglect came about because the girls grew older and larger and the three of us could no longer fit into the chair. Perhaps there were moments of feverish nostalgic hope that the chair would adapt itself to this change and continue to accommodate us.

But there was no deep feeling of loss, no lingering sadness, no despondency.

So the old chair's voice grew rusty and it became a nondescript oiece of rustic fundture in the den. I never quite outgrew my feeling of respect and veneration for the chair, and sometimes I'd catch one or thel girls standing a t the door looking wistfully at the old rocker. But they never asked to try it again.

I guess it was in the fall after I the first summer of disuse that I first noticed the strange actions of the chair. I began stumbling over it. It turned up in the od-' dest places. like the evening I worked late and saw the chair in the usual place when I went through to go to bed. The next morning I was called up early and rubbing my eyes as I walked down the short hall toward the bath, whammo, I ran smack into the chair. My wife hadn't moved i t The girls hadn't been near it for days.

Early one night during an electrical storm, the power wait/ off and the house was abruptly dark. ! Seated, in the den, we got up and felt our way to the kitchen cabinet where the candles were stored for such an emergency. With a lighted candle in her hand, my wife was leading the way back and as she crossed into the den door, she collided with the old rocking chair which hadn't been there five minutes before. The bruise on her leg showed for several weeks. The old chair carried

•BBBl •-Esa^

•

^^^^^^^^^H

m^k^a^a^am

M}M}M}M}M}MfMfMm

^"^5 • ^ ^ H ^^^^^^^^^H ^^^^^H

i

Stanly Anglers Go To Santee-Cooper For Striped Bass

By FRED T. MORGAN This summer, more t h a n ever before, t h e cry among Albemarle and Stanly County fishermen is: "Santee — here I come."

Stanly lakes are being left high and dry by dozens of local fishermen who have t h e equipment, time, and means to m a k e the 150-mile journey to Santee-Cooper Reservoir lakes for a day, week, or week-end of prime fishing.

These fishermen bring back tales of mighty struggles of trolling and casting in acres-wide schools of fighting game fish, of amazing poundage t h a t would lead you to believe t h a t Santee is really the fishing paradise of the world.

One thing appears obvious. Once you get a taste of good Santee fishing you'll go back for more.

Some people go practically every week-end; ethers whenever they figure the signs are right. Still ethers have arrangements with fish camp operators to call them when the fish are hitting.

What's behind this abandonment of local lakes and the growing migration of our anglers to t h e storied South*Carolina fishing waters?

Just plain good fishing seems to be the answer.

The type of fishing in which you can hook, land, and bring back your limit of prize game fish t h a t bring satisfaction to any beginning or veteran angler and the type of fish that makes t h e wife- proud of you.

Fishing at Santee-Cooper is so much better than at local lakes there is hardly any comparison, according to S-C advocates. Aside from the constant irrefutable proof they bring

EXAMPLES OF GOOD SANTEE FISHING At the upper left is a good catch of average size Striped Bass from Santee-Cooper. The photo at right shows a fisherman stringing u p two nice "rocks" after landing them by casting into a school. Trolling, casting into-schools, and still fishing with bait are t h e three most productive methods of hooking these fighting game fish which are the' prize of any fisherman. Santee is the only place ln the world in which the Striped Bass, a saltwater fish, are reproducing satisfactorily in freshwater lakes. Stanly fishermen are going to Santee in increasing numbers and are bringing back large numbers of these fish. back in t h e form of large catches, there is strong evidence in their favor.

In large part, the vast S-C lakes are free of the mud, soil erosion, city sewage, industrial waste, and other forms of pollution t h a t plague our Badin and Tillery lakes. ' This excellent condition of the waters plus a goad program of fish management on the part of the South Care-.

Una Wildlife Resources Commission a r e responsible for earning Santee the reputation of being fit for the kings among fishermen..

While you catch a dozen other common species of fish at Santee, the prize fish in these 160,000 acres of fresh water is the Striped Bass, better known as the Rock Bass or Rockfish. This rockfish, especially to South Carolinians, is a multi-million-dollar perpetuating phenomenon.

This S-C rockfish is t h e only landlocked Striped Bass in the entire world, according to leading fish authorities. This fish usually spends most of its life span in salt water a n d comes up freshwater rivers only to spawn. However, when t h e waters of Santee-Cooper reservoir were impounded in 1942, some of the rockfish were trapped in the lakes. After a few years, it w a s noted t h a t there w a s a steady increase in the rockfish population in t h e lakes. It Is now a well established fact t h a t the Striped Bass is completing its life cycle in fresh water.

The case for the reproduction of-rockfish in the lake is convincing. Surveys conducted by fish biologists Robert E. Stevens and George Scruggs show that the rockfish represented 23.4 percent of the total fish catch in 1957, compared with 13.1 percent in 1956 and the 6.7 percent in 1955, a catch which quadrupled while the number of fishermen slightly less t h a n tripled. Between 1944 and 1954, the navigation lock linking the reservoir lakes with salt water, w a s opened 4,429 times, but during the period 1954-57, it was opened only 207 times.

However, this is an academic question to anglers, who are content to catch the fish without worrying about his family life and ancestry.

PRIZE CATCH OF THE SANTEE Here is a happy angler with her catch of four prime rockflsh from the Santee-Cooper lakes.

Striped Bass are a year-around fish and can be caught in a n y month of the year. However, largest catches are made in spring, summer, and fall. The -largest striper known to have been caught in the reservoir weighed 42 pounds.

"When a rockfish hits your plug, it feels like you've snagged a stump," S-C fishermen tell you. Tales of these monstrous fighting fish circulate widely and bring more and more anglers in for a try.

It was reports such as these t h a t finally led m e to accept an invitation, all of two or three years standing, from News and Press pressman Kenneth Smith, an irreconcilable Santee fisherman. He wanted me «to see w h a t Santee was like.

A 24-hour roundtrip to Santee is a rather strenuous deal but that's w h a t we planned, unless, the fish were hitting so

With good as to m a k e staying over another ^ J ^ ^ S f j S k ' ! little stamina, you c l n get In a full dawn-to-dark lisn ing day in this 24-hour deal.

Kenneth, Richard Griffin, Albemarle Insurance man and I left town about 12:45 a.m. * Saturday a M three hours and about 151 miles later, we pulled I n t o Bud Crowes land ing, 12 miles south of Manning S. G. After breakfast at t h e lodge, operated by Mr. and Mrs. Ray Porter, we iced up, gased up, unloaded, and launched just as the nrst gray wrinkles of dawn lightened the sky. At the lodge, I oou^ht the minimum fishing permit of three consecutive days wnicn cost $2.10. A non-resident season license costs $ll.dt>.

My first impression of the small part of Lake Marion that I saw was one of disappointment. As we zipped out across the water toward the.fishing grounds, we passed acres and. acres of woods flooded by the reservoir. It was a bleak wilderness of dead, naked trees holding u p their g a u n t limbs in despair. Boats must dodge submerged stumps a n d logs. Kenney says there are even floating stumps loose in the lake, making boating quite hazardous.

And before the day was over, I agreed wlto m m .

We fished, by t h e trolling method, near the spillway in front of the eight-mile-long dam. Unable to connect with t h e flsh, Kenney searched for new grounds and piloted us through "the woods" of dead trees over to another side of the lake. But still no fish. The morning was far spent when w e knocked off and ate lunch (a can of pork a n d beans and crackers) in the 14-foot boat in t h e broiling sun.

After lunch, we docked on the rocks near t h e spillway a n d walked down behind the dam to see the thousands of fish congregating in the swift water behind the powerhouse. Fishing is not permitted in the waters near the powerhouse. A boy who lived nearby told us that 70-pound catfish have been caught down in the canal some distance below t h a t point.

About mid-afternoon, we connected with t h e fringe remnants of a school of rockfish and in a couple of hours of back and forth trolling over a small area, we landed six rocks—Kenney four and me two. Richard, w h o fished alone in a separate boat, caught his limit of eight nice rocks, ranging up to about nine pounds in size. My largest;' one w a s estimated at eight pounds and Kenney had one slightly under that. Kenney also caught a one-pound "crappie, which grow up to five pounds at S-C. Other rocks were h u n g b u t tore themselves loose from the hooks before w e could land them.

We trolled with plugs Kenney called "bombers" a n d "Cisco Kids".

A storm ran us to shore about S p.m. when rain, wind. hail, and lightning created a rough condition on the lake, too rough tor a small boat. After the storm passed, we went back out into the choppy waters a n d landed a tew more rocks. Another s t e m threatened, this one from the opposite direction, and we left and came back to> the landing just prior to sundown. At the landing. dMrs. Ray * o r ™* a s n a p p e d a picture of Ker*»ey. Richard «

™«

« * ™|*

string of fish before we iced them down in boxes tot the trip back home.

The Porters operate one of several dozen fish camps, lodges and landings around the 40-mile long lake. At their olace 'you can buy' all the fishing supplies you need, rent boats' a n d motors, fishing tackle, and they have overnight sleeping accommodations for 30. They can also whip up some pretty good meals and snacks for hungry fishermen.

Game wardens on t h e Santee are cordial fellows, too, iudging by t h e one I talked to, Mr. Richberg, at Porter's place.

They aren't out to persecute anyone unduly. They'll give you all the up-to-the-minute fishing tips they know and try to direct you to the best spot to catch the big ones. They check to see i f you have your fishing license or permit and to see t h a t you don't t a k e more t h a n your specified limit of game fish from t h e lake. They also enforce the hunting regulations in winter since Santee is t h e habitat of various waterfowl.

Aside from being accessible by good roads from every point on the compass, Santee-Cooper has one CAA-approved landing strip a t the Goat Island Landing which will accommodate light planes.

The Santee-Cooper Reservoir consists of two huge manmade lakes—Lake Marion on the north and Lake Moultrie on t h e south—which bisect the heartland of South Carolina from just south of Columbia to just north of Charleston. The lakes, covering 160,000 acres and having a shoreline of nearly 500 miles, were formed in 1942 by the construction of more t h a n 40 miles of dikes and dams, a large portion of the total area being taken from Clarendon County, S. C. A hydroelectric plant near Moncks Corner uses water from the reservoir to generate 700,000 KWH of electricity annually. Locks in t h e dams provide navigation for boats of 10-foot draft from Charleston to a point on the Congaree Rives 107 miles inland.

We left about dark on the return trip home and our progress was slowed by a bad rain and thunder storm en route.

We arrived back in Albemarle at 12 midnight Saturday night, a little less t h a n 24 hours since we left town to begin the I trip.

Indians Never Had It So Good

Uwharrie Archers Practicing On New Field Course

HARD TO HIT Here is an 80-yard target at which local bowmen shoot across a deep ravine.

—Staff Photo.

SELL WITH A CLASSIFIED AD— There are 37,000 people in Stanly County, and there are many prospectr whom you do not know.

Reach them with an ad. — Call YU 2-2121.

An Indian way of life, neglected for the past 400 years, is being revived, probably on a scene for its earlier re-enactment, on a heavily-wooded 50-acre tract of land perched on Albemarle's southwestern boundry.

Arrows are flying thick and fast through the air amid the trees.

Better arrows, straighter arrows, surer arrows.

The arrows are shot from better bows pulled by men who have developed the bow and arrow art to a degree of proficiency unknown by the redmen.

While the Indian used the bow and arrow to take his food and battle his enemy, his modern counterpart is using the instrument for sport.

And what a popular sport it has turned out to be. In the past decade, many thousands of people have turned to the sport of archery and found in it an immensely and thoroughly satisfying hobby. It has plenty of physical exercise, requires a skill that never reaches perfection, and offers abundant excitement.

Albemarle and Stanly County men interested in archerv formed a club here two years ago to bring together those sharing this interest and to engage in some organized activities. . Uwharrie Archers Club As a result of this organization, known as the Uwharrie Archers Club, the club now has completed a 28-target .field course under the approved specifications of the National Field Archers Association.

These targets range in size from six inches to 24 inches and in distance from shooting point to target of eight yards to 80 yards.

If you don't believe 80 yards— 240 feet—is quite a little distance to hurl an arrow, go out and take

MEMBERS OF THE UWHARRIE ARCHERS CLUB Here are four of the top shots of the local Uwharrie Archers Club-. Left to right, Bill Sides, of Thomasville, David Loflin, R. D. Austin, and Raymond Goodman, all of Albemarle. The facilities of the local club attracts archers from all over the state and regular shoots are held here.

The club currently has underway a drive for new members.

—Staff Photo. a look at these 80-yard targets on the course. Some men say they couldn't hit the 80-yard target with a rifle much less a bow and arrow.

The course is located on a densely-wooded 50-acre tract of land on the north side of the prison camp road, bordering both the prison camp road and the new by-pass. The property was made available to the club by one of its members, Curtis Ragsdale.

An immediate improvement the club wishes to make on the property is the addition of a parking lot near the starting point of course.

Three types of rounds are made on the course.

You can take the regular field round and shoot four arrows at each target. Then, there's the broadhead round in which you shoot three arroyra at animal-face targets from varied positions.

The other round is the hunter round in which you shoot arrows at a black target with a white eye.

Par for the course is 560 points.

None of the club members have come within a hundred points of it yet.

Completion of a round at the course requires approximately two hours and two or three miles of walking over some pretty rugged territory.

Pulling a 45-pound bow 112 times as you shoot arrows at targets around the course requires healthful exertion, too.

For Game Hunting One of the prime purposes of this field archery course is to practice up on shooting skill for the big time of year for all bowmen—game hunting season.

Uwharrie archers have killed deer, wild hogs, squirrels, rabbits, and birds with their arrows.

They are planning organized hunts again this fall when hunting season opens.

This year, bowmen get a twoweek head start on gun hunters in the Uwharrie Wildlife Game Refuge adjacent to the YadkinPee Dee river in Montgomery County.

Considering its close proximity to this very desirable hunting territory, the local club believes it has potential for great expan-

sion and growth as more and more people become interested in archery.

The club has a drive underway for new members at the present time. Fees are $1.00 for initiation and 50 cents monthly thereafter. One or two field shoots are held each month and business meetings are held as needed.

C. Y. "Chuck" Morehead is president of the club, Ernie Balfrey is vice-president, and R. D. Austin is secretary - treasurer.

Harold Austin and Curtis Ragsdale are members of the board of directors.

Full information on the club can be furnished by any officer or member. Right now, the club has about 30 members.

Now in the planning stage is a tentative invitational shoot to be held here on August 30 to which all archery clubs in North Carolina will be invited.

Gathered From Florida's Beaches

This Lady Does Wonders With Sea Shells

SHELL EXHIBIT Here are a few of the smaller objects made from shells by Mrs. Foreman during the past year.

—Staff Photo Grapes For Home Garden The best variety of grape for growing in small home gardens are: Of the perfect-flowered varieties (those which do not require a non-bearing male vine lor pollenation): Burgaw, Dearlng, or Wallace. Of the non-perfect-flowered varieties: Topsail and Creswell.

N. C. farmers used less than 400,000 tons of lime hi 1957.

Sea shells, collected from the lonesome beaches of the west coast of Florida, have been transformed into creations of exquisite beauty by an Albemarle woman during the past winter and sum mer.

Mrs. J. B. (Flonnie) Foreman, 715 Pee Dee Avenue, Is rather amazed herself at her output of shell work because: "I had never made anything like this out of shells before."

But her closets and walls and tables and shelves are literally running over now with shell works of art.

There are birds and fowl—penquins, pelicans, swans, owls, hens, roosters, turkeys; animals —pigs, snakes, rabbits, armadillos, and frogs; and a miscellaneous array of small shell wonders like ash trays, flower pots and flowers, candlesticks, napkin holders, storybook characters, and so on.

A woman of obvious artistic bent, Mrs. Foreman spends a good bit of time on her seashell hobby, fastidiously selecting just the right combination of shells for the subject under creation.

Gave Away Many Scores of her better creations have been given away to her children, relatives, and friends.

For instance she had made 25 of the large plaques filled with shells, three of which are shown in the accompanying picture. She has given away all but half a dozen.

The pelicans with their plaintive expressions are favorites, too, and many have been given away along with other popular figures.

Lately she's been thinking of commercializing on her hobby and offering the shell products for sale rather than giving away.

Gathering the shells is quite •'n exciting hobby in itself.

Most of her shells were picked up on Florida's west coast, along which she and her husband lived in a house trailer during the past winter.

"You had to get them at low tide and know where to look," Mrs. Foreman said. "This meant going at all times of the day."

"She had me standing on my head in the water and wading around all the time looking for

MRS. FOREMAN AND SHELL CREATIONS A representative sampling of Mrs. Foreman's shell work is shown in this picture. She holds a shell turkey in one hand and a shell plaque in the other. She finds the hobby a creative challenge and gets immense satisfaction from it.

—Staff Photo. those shells," husband Brack said. He is a retired employee of Alcoa's Badin Works plant with over 30 years service.

Lots of Preparation Most of the shells were "living" when collected. That Is, they had animal life inside them.

Thay had to boil them in steaming water, gouge out gobs of meat, knock off the barnacles, and scrape them into shape to use.

Then the shells must be sorted into types and sizes and stored for use. Mrs. Foreman said she has two bushel baskets of unused shells left from her last winter's collection.

Getting the cleaned shells ready to become part of a bird, animal, or decoration involves

some work, too. They must be painted, glued in place, then touched up, and in some cases varnished or shellaced. Plaster of Paris bases are used for some of the objects.

Flowers are perhaps her most tedious and delicate creation. She has one shell vase or pot filled with a bunch of tiny blue violets which look most real and fragrant.

Mrs. Foreman is looking forward to another winter on Florida's beaches and she hopes it will be a fruitful one for shell gathering. yl She and her husband plan to leave Albemarle for Florida around October 1 where they will remain until next May.

SOUTH DAKOTANS BUY STANLY COUNTY BULLS Mr. and Mrs. James Rempfer, of Leola, S. D., and their three-year-eld son, Mark, are shown here with Mrs. Rempfer's sister, Mary Ettles, (extreme right) prior to leaving for home on this truck loaded with five young Brahma bulls from the Dan Hinson ranch. Mr. Rempfer is stationed with the U. S. Army at Ft. Bragg. His wife and her sister plan to drive the truck back to their home after Mr. Rempfer accompanies them as far as Nashville, "Penn. > Staff Photo.

Hinson Bulls Go to S. Dakota

â&#x20AC;˘

Five young Brahma bulls left the Dan Hinson cattle ranch in western Stanly County last Friday for a new home in South Dakota where they will be strangers on a cattle range populated mostly by Hereford and Angus.

This is what their new owners wantâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to introduce thia breed into their section of South Dakota in their cattle improvement program.

The owners are Mr. and Mrs. James Rempfer, who, along with Mrs. Rempfer's father, operate the 5,000-acre "Stockade-Ettles" at Leola, S. D., which is in the northeast part of the state.

Contact was made with , Mr. Hinson by Mr. .Rempfer who is stationed with the U. S. Army at Fort Bragg. Both belong to the Southern Rodeo Association. After he came up for a look at Mr. Hinson's fine herd of Brahmas and talk with him, Mr. Rempfer wrote his wife at the South Da-

kota ranch to bring the trucks to North Carolina and pick up a load of young bulls.

Making the trip with Mrs. Rempfer, an attractive young woman, was her three-year-old son, Mark, and her sister, Miss Mary Ettles. Both young women wear dungarees, cowboy boots, and widebrim range hats. They have spent all their life on the range.

Old "Blue Boy" Loading up the bulls at the Hinson ranch Friday morning was somewhat of a struggle with "Blue Boy", the larger of the five animals, offering the most resistance.

Tranquilizers were administered to all the bulls by Mary and Jim with help by Hinson and other recruits.

Little Mark stood safely behind the fence or on top of the pickup and yeiled encouragement.

"I'm a cowboy," he would say

when you talked to him. He looked the part, dressed from head to toe in miniature range duds. While his father, his mother, and his aunt helped drive the bulls into the pen, operate the chutes and tranquilizing needle, Mark paraded around the outside of the fence with the Hinson dog, "Bob".

Undaunted by his first dose, "Blue Boy" acted so ornery that he had to be tranquilized a second time and When efforts to channel him into.the close confinement chute failed, Jim had to bring his range rope into play and lasso Blue Boy's horns and draw his head up to a post while the needle put the quieting liquid in his shoulder.

Jim was' scheduled to accompany his wife and sister-in-law from here to Nashville, Tenn., which is safely across the Smoky Mountains. Then, he was to return to Fort Bragg while the two women took the trucks on to South Dakota.

They were figuring to make the trip, estimated at 1,900 miles, In about four days.

_>')vns week, the Charlotteens QuarJ

Cuts Labor Up To 75 Percent

Theron W. Griffinjnvejitsjjew Wire Stringing Device ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

By FRED T- MORGAN

A new method of putting up woven wire fencing which reportedly cuts h a n d labor by up to 75 percent h a s been developed by T h e r o n W . Griffin of route 1, New London. >| It's done by use of a simple welded pipe frame at-^ t a c h m e n t which fits behind any t r a c t o r with a standard three-point hitch. . Griffin h a s tested and perfected his invention overu t h e past t w o years and now h a s a p a t e n t pending on it in t h e p a t e n t office in Washingto, D. C

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE. N. C, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 19S8

LOADING ROLL OF WIRE ON ATTACHMENT

3-A

LOADING ROLL, wr. w j » 'i n s. w« . ...« • -. « _ „ n »v ^ c ^ ^ S ^ d T h e r 0 n W. Griffto^left, and his son.Charles i n s t a l l a £ « £ S * Wtrineine and stretching invention. When the roll is tai place, ttepipe^1j££tad as the tractor

ioldtbar, hout cing to.

The new device performs three in his FFA shop class majbr labor-saving jobs: it car- welding and did the on the wire ries the heavy roll of woven wire, stretcher for welding father. Charles unrolls lt in an upright ready-to- recently wonhisfifth place in a use position, and then stretches national welding contest on the it for stapling to posts. project.

"It takes the manual labor out Richard Koontz, Charles' FFA of stringing and stretching wire," advisor, regards the invention as Griffin says, "and does it much a revolutionary idea in wire better than the older ways." fencing.

He says he can take this deThree Years Ago vice and one helper and string as Developments the machine much woven wire as six men can started more thanonthree years.ago by the "old methods. when Griffin, faced with 225 Both woven wire, in all popular acres of new wire fencing to put heights, and barbwire can be up—some new.and some as a reused on the device, simultaneous- placement for barbwire, since he ly if desired. was convertWig from cattle proAmple tests over the past two duction to swine and sheep — years have proven what the de- sought a, better and easier way vice will do. Griffin has used it of doing It. He began experion his own farm as well as loan- menting with rough models of a ed it to his neighbors and farm- tractor-mounted wire stretcher ers over a wide territory here- and after much trial and error abouts. All of them have elo- experience came up with the requent praise for its performance. fined model now in use.

He has letters from them to prove Farm born and reared, Griffin, It. gifted with a creative mind that One borrower said: "It takes works well in the realm of methe work out of putting up wire." chanics and engineering, has Another commented: "Beats any- still further improvements in thing I've ever seen in my 30 mind and is also toying with years of putting up wire fence." ideas for other inventions.

How It Works has written a score or more The end of the 330-foot roll of of Hewire, farm machinery, and wire is fastened to the first post manufacturing companies about and the tractor, carrying the up- his wire stretcher anij. right roll, moves ahead unroll- all of them have invention expressed ining the wire as it goes. When terest in it, and many of them the desired length is unwound, optimism about the machine's the tractor operator drops a commercial success. swivel lockbar in place which Convinced that he has ai masinks a series of spikes deep in- chine of benefit to farmers and | p to the remaining portion of the wire fencing users everyvglere, ^ roll, holding it firmly and with- Griffin is interested in welting I " out damage, while the tractor out a deal with a manufafurer I puts pressure on the unwound to produce his machine fozfiar- J 9'] length to tighten it for stapling keting on a commission ;,hsis. / to the posts. The hydraulic lift He is sure they can be maBfac-11 on the tractor raises or lowers the tured and retailed for less ian \'c I wire as needed. $50.00 yn"-.

Through Woods? ] fa.

The removable barbwire attachment, made from a disc What happens when yo well on woven wire ind siiiem plow, fits, slightly over and be- stretch woven .wire t strand barbwire, Griffin has alhind the woven wire roll and a woods which are too th j ready asked barbwire manufacclawhammer claw Is used to your tractor to penetrate turers why they can't produce catch behind a barb and exert He claims it would be per individual rolls of barbwire pressure for tightening the barb- in the long run to hire ill- equalfu .spaced on an upright wire for stapling to the posts. dozer to bulldoze out •rel b a r ' s ^ f t could be used on his Able to handle all popular path alongside the rout he machine. This way, a complete] l d multi-strand barbwire stringing heights of woven wire, the device fence which the tracto | jlid consists of 20-odd feet of one- follow. The advantage: ild Job could be done in one operainch to one and one-half-inch be leveling any ditches o .es stion. With a bar holding four] pipe and weighs around 30 encountered, removing a ad Paced rolls of barbwire, four pounds. It can be hitched firmly or threatening trees whic fhtpfrands, already spaced, could] to the drawbar of the tractor by later fall on the fence, Jngibe strung, tightened, and stapled a natural forest fire bar bid to the posts in a single opera-' dropping one pin in place. a Griffin's 17 - year - old son, providing a convenient s >orl °n Charles, a senior at New London checking the fence peril High School, learned electric Since his machine wfflg I' Help keep North Carolina green

Huge Big Timber Operation Now Underway In Badin Lake 10-A »^B"wy

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS. ALBEMARLE, N. C, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1958

By FRED T. MORGAN

Big trucks, loaded with 2500 board feet of green lumber each, are being ferried across one -and one-half miles of open water in a huge timber-cutting operation now underway on an isolated 70-acre island in the Badin Lake owned by the Badin Works of the Aluminum Cornpay of America.

The trucks and ferry operate between the Montgomery County shore and the island which is separated from the Stanly County shore by a man-made canal 50 years ago by early developers of, the Yadkin River water powers <$.

Denton Lumber Company of Denton is the firm cutting the for Denton to unload and return timber and the lumber-ferrying while the barge waits the hour operation Is expected to continue and one-half to two hours for the round trip. When the two for many months to come.

Activity such as this peaceful trucks get back, the shuttling old island has never seen is un- over the water starts all over derway. The sawmill engine again. bellows, the log carrier shrieks The reason only one loaded and rumbles on its tracks, chain- truck at a time is ferried back saws whine, axes whack away, from the island is not because and an old mule snorts. For the the barge will not float two but past 45 years or more this is- because two loaded trucks take land, exiled from the mainland every foot of available space by a wide canal, has slept quiet- lengthwise which leaves no room ly, disturbed only by a n occa- for shifting the trucks to distrisional hunter. bute the weight so the barge will The only w a y to get machinery float on an even keel. to this heavily timbered island So, to make each trip count, was by water, or by air, and the the sawmillers try to pile at least timber company chose to ap- 2500 feet of fresh lumber on each proach the island from the open truck. water side — the Montgomery At this rate, the two trucks and side—rather t h a n the Stanly side. the barge move approximately BARGE DOCKS ON MONTGOMERY SIDE There was no road into the canal 10,000 feet of lumber a day across from the Stanly side and there Under the skilled hand of its operator, fhe big barge comes to a smooth landing in a cove LOADED BARGE LEAVES FOR MONTGOMERY SHORE the lake. The sawmill turns out would have been the expense of on the Montgomery side of the lake. Trucks are backed off the barge because to attempt to Loaded with approximately 2500 feet of green lumber from the island sawmill, this truck Is building a bridge across the around 8,000 feet per day. So, drive up the steep grade frontwards would be to risk the heavily-loaded, truck rearing up and ready to leave the island aboard the 40-ton barge for the distant Montgomery shore where it will canal which is more t h a n 100 under normal operations, the loosing its load of lumber. Here the barge waits while the two trucks drive to Denton to unload two trucks and barge are able depart for Denton to unload. Four loaded trucks a day are ferried from the island. Two empty feet wide. to keep pace w k h the output of and return. The barge is equipped with a small pump to keep seeping water pumped out of trucks can ride the barge but only one loaded truck. The bulky barge w a s built by a Davidson -Staff Photo. the mill. However, after a heavy its interior.

Beady For Harvesting County m a n especially to remove, the timber from this inaccessible 70-acre island in the Badin rain the steep rough roads on Lake.

—Staff Photo.

As for the big lake-cruising timber harvesting. The Denton months to come, the sight of al Badin Works and its company the island are too slippery to forester, Jim Ledbetter, who is navigate and the trucks have to barge, it is likely to be going for Lumber Company figures if it's big truck loaded down with' in charge of the company's new lay off until the red mud dries quite a spell yet. While it has bid does not get the timber on green lumber floating nonchantforestry management program out which allows the mill to gain been invaluable in claiming the the other islands, it can at least ly across Badin Lake on a barge timber On this one island, it can lease the barge to the successful will be a sight to greet boaters on its vast woodland holdings, on them. *.3 who venture up this far on the I decided the timber on this is- Ledbetter figures there is 560,- be used to ferry out the timber company for a tidy sum.

Meanwhile, and for- some remote reaches of the big lake. land had reached financial ma- 000 board feet in the island tract. on the other islands slated for t u r i t y and was in need of harAround 10 men are at work at J vesting. Bids were taken and • dozens of prospective buyers tile mill, including the log cut.

1 visited the tract. The sale to the ters.

One Mute Is Used [Denton firm was made in May. One mule is used to "snake" The Denton firm cut and bulldozed a road for a mile through the logs up to the mill. The the Montgomery wilderness to mule is left on* the island at .night in a small barbwire enclosthe lake's edge. ure so the crew won't have to To this point, they brought round him up over the far corboats and hauled in the sawmill- ners of the island each morning. ing machinery.

At the present time, timber is The largest piece of equipment cut from the north end of was the specially-built barge being the island. When the cutting which would ferry across the progresses to the mid-way point machinery, trucks, lumber, and of the island, the sawmill will men. . be moved down to the southern This is an item of lake-going end so the felled logs won't have equipment seldom seen around to be snaked so far. this part of North Carolina — a The island is shaped somewhat wooden barge 36 feet long, x 16 like hog's back—long and each feet wide, and four feet thick. It side a sloping from the water's is thickly ribbed internally with edge up to a level on top. oak timbers and is said to be The pine timber onridge the flanks capable of floating up to 40 tons of the Island, stunted by fire I on the lake. and underdeveloped by poor The barge, built by Lloyd EU- nouishment of eroded soil, Is beliott near Denton cost approxi- ing cleared out while the larger mately $2,000 and is powered by and older pines on the ridge are j a 50 hp motor. being cut to coilform with a much Eugene Sanders is t h e operator more selective process. ! of the barge which has been Mr. Ledbetter is bringing apTRUCK AND LUMBER A-FLOAT IN THE BADIN LAKE ,_ dubbed "Bear's Ark" after a nick- proved management remote er v e r This is a sight which sometimes confronts boaters who cruise into the "P? " of the truck drivers, practices forestry nn aa m e 0 f one e to this island as well section «f the big Badin Lake. The.barge makes four such trips per day between the Montgom™ " °" .°' ™ f J ™ ™ ™ * ' erv shore and an island from which timber Is being cut. Barge operator Eugene Sanders says He says it.takes between i s ana as to all the woodlands owned he covers the estimated one and a half miles in less than 20 minutes. The 40-ton-crate is pow- 20 minutes to cover the •estimated by Alcoa's Badin Works. He is ered by a 50 hp outboard motor which h a s to be raised and lowered after each trip' f aocorf- mite a n d a 1 £ S L £ S S t t e to* setting up each forestry plot on ance with the weight put on or taken off the barge.

-Staff P h o t o ^ M o n t g o m e r y landing and the Is- the 60-year cycle plan with selective thinnings and cuttings at 10 and 20-year intervals to The Barge Schedule Early each morning he takes achieve maximum returns from both empty trucks over on the the timber crop on the land. barge a t one trip. As soon a s Much of the company-owned tim|one of them' is loaded at the mill, ber h a s reached financial maturhe ferries the one truck back to ity now and is slated for harshore where it is parked to await vesting. Included are several the second truck. Then the barge more islands in the sprawling returns to t h e island to pick up Badin Lake. the second truck and return it to Sold On Conservation Shore. Then the trucks depart A m a n who is sold on the conservation of our trees and other natural resources, Mr. Ledbetter has been in active professional forestry work for seven years, starting as a county forester and advancing to the position of district forester in the Fayetteville area before coming with Alcoa.

If natural reproduction isn't sufficient to keep young pines coming up on the newly cut-over land, h e will set out loblolly pine seedlings. Hardwoods, which compete with the young pines, will be eliminated by poisoning.

Mr. Ledbetter leaves nothing to guesswork on the part of the log cutters which preceded the sawmilling operation as he marks each individual tree that is to be cut with two spots of yellow paint, one at eye level and t h e other at ankle level.

Already, Alcoa's Badin Works forestry program is serving as a model for woodland owners in this area of the state.

Moore Is Working I^RehabiHtateJLaqgjng Cotton Industry

By FRED T. MORGAN

One of the pioneer cotton researchers of the South, Dr. Jerry H. Moore, of Mt. Gilead, is hard at work doing something to rehabilitate our sick and ulcer-ridden textile and cotton-growing industry.

While others are already giving morbid eulogy to this once-proud industry, Dr. Moore is busily rushing between laboratory and field and ringing up discoveries and new developments which he hopes will help push North Carolina and the South back onto firmer footing in the tight circle of competition in the world of cotton.

He thinks the main trouble today is pessimism and the defeatist attitude among the manufacturers and producers alike.

"Instead of throwing up our hands and howling, we need to get our heads together and brainstorm our way out of this quandary," he said. "It isn't as hopeless as It seems. The answers are there. We need to tighten up every facet of operation in the field."

While he agrees that the trend Is discouraging and that the battle for economic surVrVal- in the cotton world will be a fierce one for many, he believes the horizon will brighten up for those who will really knuckle down and practice utmost efficiency.

And it's toward that end of helping the ones who are trying to help themselves that he's bringing his 30 years of professional work in cotton research.

New Cotton Varieties In his upstairs laboratory and in his experimental plots in the fields around his Mt. Gilead home, he has succeeded in developing several new varieties of cotton. Cotton that will produce three bales to the acre. Cotton that is wilt and storm resistant.

Cotton of maximum uniformity which grows in prolific bolls ^high on the stalk and opens wide Land fluffy for easy picking by -hand or machine.

By in-breeding and other tech•niques, he has produced two varieties that have passed the rigid certification tests and are now ^certified in North Carolina. These new breeds, he calls "Moore's 33" and "Moore's Special". Both have undergone thorough testing and trial in the field and factory and have outperformed older standard varieties. He has other new varieties, equally as good and bred for special qualities, which have not been certified. And even after 30 years, he readily

admits he has only scratched the surface of the possibilities that He in the cotton breeding field.

His cotton is being grown in many parts of North Carolina and the South as well as in the Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, and great plains cotton belt.

Tar Heel growers have praised it highly. Two years ago, his "Special" took the prize as the best cotton produced in Scotland County In heavy competition.

Recently, he has produced a storm - resistant, high - yielding breed with coarse, strong fiber which is finding increasing favor with the textllists.

Recognized Technologist The only cotton breeder In North Carolina and one of the few in the South, Dr. Moore is a recognized cotton technologist DR. JERRY H. MOORE — HE LOVES COTTON and geneticist. He is listed in American Men of Science and is v a r i e ^ i e ^ ^ o o r e f ^ w h t e h ^ ' i S i , h ^ 6 £?. e x a m > * « * * « • two new certified cotton a Fellow in the American Asso- nation H e i s e n l a e e d to cotton E Z H & S ^ d e l y a n d - P r o f l t a b l y g™*™ in many parts of the ciation for the Advancement of home engaged in cotton breeding and commercial research and testing at his Mt Gilead Science. Through the years, he $, —Staff Photo. has written over 30 bulletins and "~" papers that have been widely cir- come, Dr. Moore was born at An-1 culated in the trade field. One of sonville in Anson County. He his earliest professional papers attracted much attention over the on "cotton fiber properties", writ- South, particularly in the farm ten at N. C. State College, was publications, when, at an early considered 20 years ahead of the age, he produced 228% bushels times. At least, he said it took of corn on one acre of South Carothat long for the information to lina soil, a record which stood get around and for people to ack- ubeaten for many years. nowledge and apply the practices He received his B. S. degree and recommendations he advo- from Clemson College and his M. cated which have now become S. degree from N. C. State. Work standard practice. on his Phd. was begun at Cornell He and Dr. R. Y. Winters at and completed at Duke UniversState College did original re- ity. He specialized in genetics search in cotton fibers and laid and plant breeding as well as in the groundwork for other work cotton fiber studies and was rethat followed in this field. He garded as a cotton technologist says Dr. Winters has never re- and corn breeder. After three ceived the credit due him for his years of Vo-ag teaching, he bepioneer work in cotton research. came professor of plant breedDr. Moore's love for cotton goes ing and cotton investigation at back to his boyhood on the farm. the University of Arkansas and Son of a Methodist minister who later cotton breeder for a seed had to farm to supplement his in- company in Oklahoma. For two years, he served as director of research for a major textile company.

Research and Testing In 1947, he moved to Mt. Gilead and since that time he has been engaged in cotton research and testing for mills and merchants along with his continuing cotton and corn breeding. His wife teaches in the Mt. Gilead School where their two daughters are enrolled.

Now that he has unraveled some of the intimate secrets of cotton, he is even more fascinated by the fluffy fiber. He can prove to you in a laboratory experiment that a sliver of cotton fiber is stronger than a sliver of u steel. Although synthetics pose a serious threat to cotton, he says cotton Is still king of the fibers.

While the US production is down on account of the Soil Bank, acreage restrictions, and other factors, he says the world production is way up. He forsees a gradual decline of cotton in North Carolina and the east and a greater concentration of it in the mid-west.

To hold on to our share or tne cotton production, he says we must definitely raise the quality of our cotton and do everything possible to keep the price competitive with cotton from other sources. Cotton crops must stop being taken for granted, he says and each grower must give to them the same careful, painstaking, and fulltime attention he gives to poultry or any other specialized crop.

Earlier this year while making a talk on cotton at a Montgomery County School, Dr. Moore discovered at least one student who had never seen growing cotton.

That gave him an idea for another promotional effort and he is busy now preparing sample kits to send to schools which contain various cotton cycle specimens and brief educational text.

Despite the obvious gloom that characterizes the cotton industry today, Dr. Moore stands up straight and tall and speaks with astuteness when king fiber cotton is mentioned. One of the

]

• - * * .

k"x,;..

Big Tree Man Oi North Carolina

He Measures Beauty Q\

By FRED T. MORGAN

A man who judges beauty queens with the unlikely measurements of 36-200-1,000 lives in Badin.

The 36—in feet, of course —is around the middle. The 200 is feet straight up. And the 1,000 is age in years.

A Few Big Trees He has checked cypress trees from the Savannah River swamp in South Carolina to the swamp areas of northeastern North Carolina and found many notable trees.

Interest in pine trees was reactivated all over the state when H. O. Heater, well driller of Raleigh, brought up a section of loblolly pine from a depth of 57 feet in Harnett County soil. Experts determined from the well core specimen that the wellpreserved subterranean tree trunk was nine feet in diameter.

INDIAN RELIC COLLECTION Outstanding Tar Heel pines Mr. Aside from being a naturalist, Mr. Haithcock has, on his Haithcock has visited or otherwise documented are the Ritter many hikes through woods and field, picked up hundreds of pine north of Carthage, 13 feet Indian artifacts, a small portion of which are shown here. His Mission Accomplished circumference; a 16 foot, eight- tree hobby and Indian relic hobby go together nicely.

—Staff Photo.

He has accomplished his mis- inch cir, giant in Wake County; sion and then some. For today, and several pines in the Reedy Among the noteworthy oak of phamplets, newspaper and he is looked to as an authority on Creek section of Warren County trees of the state, he mentions magazine clippings, and a colthe big trees of North Carolina near his old homeplace. the Wiley Bailey swamp chest- lection of hundreds of tree oddias well as one of the state's leadThe largest longleaf pine In nut oak in Davie County measur- ties. He is a member of the ing advocates of big tree preser- the state, he says, is on the vation and tree conservation in Maury Ward plantation in Dup- ing over 19 feet in circumference, American Forestry Association, general. The pursuit of the ab- lin County and the champion the old Sheek oak in Davie mea- the North Carolina Forestry Assuring over 22 feet, a Franklin sociation, and Save The Redsorbing big tree avocation has shortleaf pine listed by the County white oak over 19 feet, a woods League, a California ormade him an expert woodsman; American Forestry Association, is live oak over 23 feet in circum- ganization devoted to preservataken him on travels over the state, and equipped him with a a 40-inch diameter, 146-foot-high, ference in Carteret County, and tion of redwood trees. knowledge and keen apprecia- 300-year-old pine in the Cedar a Bertie County oak over 19 feet A specialized interest branchtion of our woodlands and na- Grove section of Burke County. with a spread of 130 feet. ing from his tree hobby is growBig tree circumference meatural resources that few people ing cypress trees i n s w a m p areas Largest Sweet Gum surements are taken at a point achieve. on 200 acres of woodland inheritHe says the nation's largest four and a half feet above ground Where is the state's largest which is standard practice for sweet gum tree, recorded by the ed from his father in Warren County. He transplanted some tree? circumference measurements con- AFA, was cut in 1950 near Flor- seedlings there in 1934 which are ence, S. C. It measured 22 teet He says it's a cypress on the sidered official. in circumference and was esti- now producing seed. These seed HAITHCOCK AND TREE MATERIAL Roanoke River near Jamesville North Carolina has a number mated to be 300 years old. Mr. he has planted and from them jj£ a small part of the 24-year collection of pictures which measures 36 feet and eight of outstanding popular trees, he Haithcock instrumental in has raised several young cypress inches in circumference.

Resays, including the Reames Creek obtaining a was trees in North Carolina and the United States assection of it for plac- seedlings. garded as the oldest living thing popular near Weaverville which Mr. Haithcock who is regarded as an authority on From his native Warren Couning in the Charleston Museum in in eastern America, this tree is our state. had an eight by 10 hollow space - S t a f f Photo. ty, Mr. Haithcock came to Baj estimated to be 2,000 years oid inside it; a 21-foot cir., 200-foot- Charleston, S. C. and to contain 43,000 board feet hlgh popular near Siler City set In his voluminous tree ma- din in 1925 and has been enjq of lumber. A more realistic esti- fire by hunters last year; one terial files are records of a dog- ployed by the Badin Works of Company of mate of the age of the tree would containing an estimated 12,000 wood tree with a diameter of the Aluminum be between 1,000 and 1,300 years, feet of timber in the Cat Tail over 22 inches in Chowan Coun- America since that time. He is to the former Miss Jenhe believes.

Swamp near New Bern; one ty and of a sourwood near little married nie Haskell of Allendale County, Mr. Haithcock visited and which four men holding out- Switzerland over seven feet in S. C. They have two daughters, measured the tree himself 10 stretched hands couldn't reach circumference.

Neysa, 20, a junior at t h e Uniyears ago and he said it was in around near Shelby; the Wiley In addition to a complete file versity of North Carolina, and a deep swamp area, accessible Bailey popular in Davie County; of American Forests magazines Martha Jane, 12, of the home. only by the river. After failing and a 190-foot giant in Yancey since 1940, he has a small library Since boyhood, Mr. Haithcock to reach ffr by a long and ex- County. of books on forestry, plus boxes has loved roaming the moun-1 tains, forests, and swamps and, he says too m a n y Americans today ride the highways to look a t the out-of-doors when they should walk out in forests a n d hills.

"If people could appreciate the difference between a natural forest cover and an abused forest cover, it would awaken them to the need for more conservation of our natural resources," he said. "Our trees a n d forests are God's natural paradise oft woodland beauty."

Active In Conservation Not content to pursue his hobby in a mere passive way, Mr. Haithcock has been instrumental in saving some big trees from the axe and he has written some firey letters to the editors protesting the cutting of these big tree monarchs and advocating they be preserved as memorials.

He says we need to look upon trees from the angle t h a t h u m a n life depends on them; t h a t they live, work, and die, need air, water, food, sunshine, and good care for survival like a human being.

As for big trees hereabouts, he says there are several pines and populars In the Yadkin RiverMorrow Mountain park area which are getting a good start toward becoming worthy of note in the big tree class.

Along with his big tree hobby through the years, he h a s kept his eyes on the ground as well as In the air and by so doing has assembled one of the most extensive collections of Indian arrowheads and artiacts to be found in this section of the state. In his assortment of many hundreds of pieces, are a few perfect examples of primitive Indian weaponry. The bulk of them have, been found along the YadklrT-^ Pee Dee River.

While his wife's interests run toward the domestic side rather than adventuring into the rugged outdoors, Mr. Haithcock likes his hobby more and more and finds solace in it. It contains enough facets to keep a person absorbed for a lifetime. It is old—yet new as the latest trends in conservation.

Trees, he says, will be around here for a long time to come and a knowledge and appreciation of trees will give anyone a more discriminating outlook and purpose in life.

The best time to start your study of trees, according to Mr. Haithcock, is right now right outside your home.

He is C. M. Haithcock, 88 Maple Street, Badin, who, during the past quarter century, has earned a reputation among tree lovers and conservationists everywhere as the "big tree" man of North Carolina.

He knows the big trees of the Tar Heel state because he has personally visited, measured, and taken pictures of many of them.

Twenty-four years ago, he read an article in The State magazine about a certain tree being the largest in the state. Interested in the possibilities the article openjed up and disbelieving the claim, he set out to discover the real big tree champ of our state and as many as he could of its distinguished cousins.

This is and text on sembled by the trees of

hausting hike, he engaged an outboard motor boat and took a trip several miles up the Roanoke River where he found the tree only a shqrt distance from the river bank. One of his most vivid recollections of the trip, the most extensive big tree exploratory trip he has made to date, was the native dugout cypress canoes still in use along the river.

Says It Has Great Potential /

Teeter Introduces New Hog Breed To North Carolina A new type of hog, Imported from Hungary and dubbed the "hog of the future," h a s been introduced to North Carolina and the Piedmont by R. Lane Teeter, a native Stanly County m a n now living on highway 27 in the edge of Cabarrus County.

Mr. Teeter, who has been in t h e hog business all his life, says this new breed promises to be "the hog" of the future for commercial growers throughout the entire country. He predicts it will virtually revoluntionize the commercial hog industry.

It is a n all-lean bacon-andporkchop type hog t h a t h a s outstanding and proven performances in feed conversion, r a t e of growth, and quality of meat, among others.

While Mr. Teeter doesn't actually have any of the new pigs yet—he's expecting the first litter in a week or so—he does have t h e parent stock. This parent stock is the Landrace (white), which is relatively new in this country, and the Large Black which is a brand new import into the States from Hungary and England. Crossing these two breeds produces a pig known a s Blue Spot, a white pig with blue spots in a variety of patterns.

This Blue Spot pig is superior to any hog in the USA, Canada, or Mexico, according to Mr. Teeter, who h a s traveled into these lands in search of the best in the swine world.

TEETER AND HIS NEW LARGE BLACK SWINE Week In Canada Here a r e three of the five Large Black swine recently obtained by Teeter from Canada and Recently, he spent a week in believed to be the first of this type in North Carolina. He says the Large Black is an affectionvisiting with Prof. Fredate, docile breed the sows of which m a k e good mothers of large litters. While the Large Canada, die Keller at McDonald College Black, so new t h a t it Is not registerable in t h e US, will outperform any other purebred known, who is in charge of animal husin the opinion of Teeter, it hits the limelight a s the long-sought third breed to produce the bandry there a n d also vice-presiBlue Spot which Teeter predicts will revolutionize the commercial hog industry of the country. dent of the Canadian Swine Asso—Staff Photo. ciation. Prof. Keller, forced to flee his native Hungary following the revolt there three years ago, is a swine authority who STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18. 1938 8-B h a s experimented extensively in swine breeding to produce the ideal commercial pig.

Mr. Teeter was able to buy five Large Blacks from Canadian importers. To get them to this country requires a minimum of three months and 14 days, h e says, plus a lot of red tape. The hogs are quarantined 30 days before shipment from Hungary, another 30 days in England, and still another 30 days in Canada.

They are in transit from England to Canada for 14 days. They must be inspected a t customs by both Canadian and U. S. veterinarians before cleared for entry into the United States. The breed is so new to this country, the U. S. has no place to register them. Only a small number have entered t h e United States, Mr. Teeter said.

1 While the Large Black,. even without benefit of hybrid vigor, is recognized a s a bacon type reed of truly magnificent qualities, it really hits the limelight as the long-sought third breed to produce the Blue Spot.

Hungarian experiments proved the Blue Spot pigs were 2D to 30 per cent heavier at 28 days t h a n purebreds of either of the parent breeds. Also t h a t a s mothers, the Blue Spot sows gave 13 to 35 per cent larger litters and were in aU ways superior to t h e parPART OF TEETER'S LANDRACE SWINE ent stock.

White Landrace swine have been on the Teeter farm for the past two and a half years.

Another advantage of the Blue I They have many excellent characteristics and when bred with the new Large Black produce the Spot t h a t breeders like is t h a t ]Blue Spot which Teeter regards a s the pig of the future for this country. Teeter ships breeding a Blue Spot sow served by a Large Black boar produces black I stock all over the country.

—Staff Photo. offspring, whereas when t h e sow

is served by a Landrace boar, white offspring result.

Mr. Teeter saw the Blue Spot hogs in Canada, studied them, and even ate some of the meat in Prof. Keller's home, which h e described as the ultimate in pork eating.

Might Go Abroad Striking a w a r m chord on friendship with the professor, MrTeeter tentatively agreed to a / J company him abroad to visit tifj swine industry in England in tip' spring and summer of 1960 n tne trip materialzes, he plans a|_ so to go on to Hungary to putchase swine breeding stock art. to talk to breeders and learn at he can about the new breeds wUhj which he will be dealing.

On the recent trip to Canada he w a s accompanied by Broadf* Smith, representative of tp Farmer's wholesale Feed a/y Seed Co. of Concord.

Ml A swine breeder who shf^ pure-blooded breeding stock C"j growers all over the nation, ].i.'l Teeter was one of the first n .„ to import t h e new Landrace 1 J j into the state about two anc,_ half years, ago, the first man _? obtain the Large Black, a n d j pects to be first to own a lit _ j of the Blue Spots, due right aw 5 He is confident t h a t t h e B ji Spot holds great possibilities s j the commercial hog industry t this country a n d t h a t in ' | years, the Blue Spots will be _ common a s the regular old bh _ • hogs are today. |!

Son of t h e late J. C Teeter e Stanly County, Mr. Teeter - I married to t h e former Miss Veig j Mae Efird, daughter of t h e flfn A. L. Efird of the S t Marti— Church community of Sta/Vt County. His wife teaches at B a n el School in Cabarrus Couriy They have no children. rn Other Enterprises He operates a 175-acre fa/e bordering Rocky River in Staiy, Count)!' and grows broiler azbreeder poultry flocks in additig to commercial and breeding star- I swine. He also m a i n t a i n s q. I kennels for sales a n d breedifn service.

All his stock is registered ato pure-blooded and h e says he J y l tends to continue to import neblood lines and build u p his ebrj terprise by visiting a n a t a l k i i e l with better farmers a n d swinrl authorities everywhere. \ei Within 1h«- next two years, fe> plans to have a m i n i m u m e a 25 Large Blacks, 25 Landracoi and 50 Blue Spots for bis breets, ing herd from which h e can prfre duce a constant supply of breeebc. ing stock for growers everyg where.

M "Farmers are among t h e poor\i est, most abused folks anylj where," Mr. Teeter said. *They\ get t h e least breaks of a n y group]] of people. Anything I c a n do t o / help t h e farmer ami create better' conditions for him, I a m ready and willing to work for it. I fee. sure t h a t with this proven nen type of hog here we nave sorjp/ thing of direct benefit a n d in?*/ est to all farmers and hog gr**/ ers everywhere."

P*/l _ £y

#

After Train Wreck Ot 1920

When The Tobacco Juice Flowed Around Old Tuckertown \

I One of the tobacco-chewingest times Stanly County people ever saw, in all probability, was following that day in 1920 when a doubleheader Winston - Salem Southbound through freight train wrecked, throwing 17 loaded cars down a fill and Into the muddy water of the Yadkin River near Tuckertown.

/

Several of the boxcars were loaded with hundreds of 10pound boxes of plug tobacco from Winston-Salem.

These cars were rent and ripped after crashing, into the rocks and their contentsTwere scattered over the bottomland between the tracks and the river.

Learning of the wreck, people from' miles came and carted off the spoilage by wagon, car, buggy, truck, horseback, packsaddle, boat, and on foot. And the am^ ber tobacco juice squirted and flowed in the days that followed and no doubt a number of people became tobacco-chewing addicts as a direct result of abundance of salvaged plugs from this wreck.

Train 208 was "balling the jack" southward early'on a Sunday morning with engineers Jim Salts and Charlie Burns at the throttles. As it neared the "big cut" just south of the Tuckertown depot, a large section of its midrift was derailed by a large rock which slid down onto

the tracks from atop one side of the cut. The cars lurched, toppled, slammed into each other, and plunged down the bank toward the river, scattering.their merchandise as they went.

Local Men Remember Among other local people, Charlie Taylor, James Arnold Hall, and D. C. Smith, who live on Mill Street, remember what happened next. For they lived at Tuckertown at the time.

While the stunned train crew, none of them hurt, were taking stock of the situation and sending messages to authorities about the wreck, people from the hills of the "four counties corner", Stanly; Montgomery, Davidson, and Rowan, flocked in and hauled off the salvageable merchandise until they were stopped h / the detectives and guards placed over the wreck.

Among the wreckage were several cars of tobacco, one or two cars of flour, at least two cars bf coal, one of candy, and one carload of new Ford automobiles bound for points south.

The boxes of tobacco, candy, and the flour were t h e most desirable items for t h e looters, for they didn't need the coal a n d they knew they couldn't get away with one of the new Fords without being caught.

One man is said to have carted off enough flour to last his household for six months. â&#x20AC;&#x17E;When the day flour pickings got slim, folks shoveled up the. wet flour which went in the edge of the river to feed to their hogs.

Looter Used Boat Another man used a boat to carry off boxes of tobacco and candy. He rowed his loot-burdened boat to the opposite shore and hid the merchandise under bushes and logs and returned for more trips. On coming back to his cache later, he found someone had discovered his hiding place and robbed it of all the loot. They say he raved for days about the exceedingly low caliber of person who would "steal" a man's hard-won gains.

It came a terrible thunderstorm late that afternoon and rain gushed down in torrents, drenching that portion of the wrecked merchandise that had not been disposed of and hampering the clearing up of the wreckage.

Soon to arrive on the scene were roadmaster Matthews, line supervisor W. H. Johnson, and clam agent Lee Stoner. They took over the salvage and clearing operations. Bob Lyon had charge at

TUCKERTOWN TRAIN WRECK These pictures of the Tuckertown train wreck, supplied by railroad hobbyist James Mallard of Lexington, shows the wreckage that occurred in 1920 when a number of cars were derailed on the Winston-Salem Southbound line. The top picture shows a portion of the cars which tumbled down the fill and into the Yadkin river. The bottom photo is a view from the opposite side of the tracks. cleaning up the wreck.

Moses Talbert was section foreman on that portion of line and he and other .section crews and wreckers from each end of the line arrived to get the line cleared and back in service. Tuckertown station agent Sam Smith stayed busy sending messages throughout the day.

The Nancy Mill at Tuckertown bought the dumped coal from the wrecked cars to use In its boiler.

Charlie fiolich, who operated a Ford auto agency in Albemarle, took the five new Fords, which were not badly damaged, and drove them into Albemarle from Tuckertown.

Sold On The Spot What was left of the wreck or rain-damaged merchandise was sold on the spot to local people at salvage prices. Usuable goods were salvaged by the company

which hired men and teams to haul the stuff back to the depot.

D. C. Smith was one of these haulers.

The wreckage was cleared and service restored on the line by late Monday afternoon following the Sunday wreck.

In the meantime, mail and a few passengers were transferred around the wreckage so partial service could be continued. At that time, Mr. Hall remembers, there were four passenger trains, two local freights, and two through freights passing Tuckertown daily.

The only major injury connected with the wreck or the clearance thereof was during the removal of the cars when a cable broke and struck a man, inflicting serious but not fatal injuries. Tom Hampton, a member of the train crew, was this one casualty.

Support your local merchants.

4-A

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMfl

Six-Year-Old Child Prodigy*

Cotton Tollison- Little Guy With A Lot n : i . i — — •• ™ Bones,- Bible, and Bach—not necessarily in that order — combine three broad areas of interest which are rapidly launching a six-year-old Oakboro boy into prominence as a child prodigy.

The lad is Robert Bruce Tollison, Jr., better known by the -lickname "Cotton".

He is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Tollison of Oakboro.

WithouLthe aid ol a bottle, he was eating three meals a day at the age of five months, running along the beach at six months, and talking in an interview over the radio at eight months.

At the age of one year, he looked at his navel and said: "See my umbilicus" and subsequently began saying other such tongue-tickling phrases.

Bones Before he was two and a half he could locate and pronounce the major bones of the body.

Occasionally now he startles visitors and young friends by giggling that he bumped his "elecronon" (funny bone), or skinned his "patella" (knee), or mashed his "tarsals" (toes).

By three years of age he had memorized the exact wording of several book forms and nursery rhymes read to him.

One thing that's sure to infuriate him. according to his mother, is the sight of any other child being bullied or abused.

Since his sixth birthday fell j on November 7, he was unable to begin school this term but he eagerly awaits entering the) first grade ln September.

In closing, Cotton would like to add: , "Huh, if you think I'm smart] you should meet my dog, Chester. Why boy, he can even talk] and he's 12 years old!"

Bible

THE MILLINGPORT MONSTER

Millingport Monster (Mystery Is Solved The mystery of the Millingport monster has been It was all just a hoax.

1 But for the past week, "the thing" has been built] ? rather outlandish proportions by Imaginative people j i tually believed there was a spook, ha'nt, or "boogei wuse I in the community, s On New Year's Eve, three boys in the community prepared a homemade monster designed to scare a friend.

The thing was a white sheet tied around a pillow with x black streaks over it and two huge red eyes and slingshotprong ears. The boys attached a stick to the bottom of the gruesome face for ease in handling it. Folds of the sheet covered the man who motivated the head from underneath.

After a well-executed and successful nocturnal spooking of the intended victim, the community became electrified over reports that a ghost was on the loose and imagiI natitve minds did the rest.

The monster was "sighted" by other people at other lo£ cations and under pretty terrifying circumstances when ac5 tually it was at home resting peacefully in the closet.

Reports circulated that it was seen crossing a muddy • field one night, leaving no tracks whereas when the viewers I went back armed at high noon next day they found tracks I they themselves had made.

Shotgun-armed spook hunters prowled the by-ways at night in search of the varmint.

Oldsters regarded the tales as a recurrence of a ghost i which had reportedly been seen in the Millingport area off [ and on for the past 18 years.

One Millingport-ite, vulnerable to spookism, said it must» b e a big hideous worm hatched from an egg laid in the soil * eons ago by some pre-historlc monster. • f&i.

No one apparently got a close enough look to identify it as a horse's head, to which it did bear a grotesque resemblance.

Because too many people had inside knowledge,- the news leaked out on Wednesday that the spook was a phony and the whole deal was exposed as a hoax.

"It was fun," one man said, "everybody talking about it and wondering and carrying on. I wish it had lasted a while longer."

I

At three and a half this child began his Bible study, absorbing and retaining many fine points of Biblical facts and stories he heard. Even now he uses this accumulation of information in conversation in his daily living.

For instance he asked his music teacher, Miss Annyce Worsham of Albemarle, if she could name the first musical instrument. At her negative reply, he said the first crude musical instrument was fashioned out of, reeds by Jubal Cain, great grand son of Adarr and Eve.

ROBERT T. "COTTON

Music His Parents Cotton began his piano trainCotton's is a registered ing late in his fourth year. Three pharmacist,father being 1952 graduate weeks prior to his first audition of the University of South Carobefore Dr. Ernesto Berumen of lina. He now owns and operates New York City, he was struck and the Tollison Pharmacy at Oakinjured by a struck on the street. boro where Cotton daily performs The audition was performed with odd chores. Once they caught one fading black eye, numerous him handing out free ice cream bruises, and no practice. As the to his deluge of friends visiting youngest competitor, he played him in the rear of the store.

10 numbers from memory, earn His mother, the ormer Miss ing a grade of 93% percent.

Phyllis KimbreU of Rock Hill, In 1958 he was admitted to the S. C, is a nurse, having trained National Fraternity of Student at Winthrop College, York CounMusicians & Piano Hobbyist of ty Hospital, and at Mercy Hosthe World, being the youngest pital in Charlotte. For a year and a half, she was on the staff yet to enter its ranks. of a widely known pediatrician Other than the piano, he plays in Rock Hill. Also, she was on the autoharp and drums and he outstanding voice student at Winplays scores of popular records throp. in his room.

Cotton was born in Rock Hill and his parents moved to OakLectures at Pfeiffer Shortly after his acclaimed au- boro when he was three years dition, he was invited to lecture old.

His Hobbies to a senior class at Pfeiffer College. He talked on pre-historic Cotton's hobbies are fishing, animals, beginning with one-cell- gardening (currently raising oned animals, and continuing down ions and butterbeans), dancing, playing cowboy, wrestling, basethrough dinosaurs. ball, fencing, and taking picInvited back for a second lec- tures of his mother. ture by popular demands, he discomposed two poems, once," cussed vertebrates, invertebrates, he"Isaid, my favorites are and carnivorous and incarnlvor- still 'The "but Shooting of Dan Mcous plants and animals.

Grew' and 'The Cremation of On a trip to the Morehead Sam McGee'."

L Planetarium at the University of This witty little fellow says hejj'j North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he "just loves moron Jokes and rat wooed five touring groups of Boy T-bone steaks".Scouts and their leaders as, softBut "mostly best of alF A ly to Mom, he began an im likes: loose old blue jeans (with-| i <*u un- lines, muse oia uxue jeans i w i t n - | promptu discourse of the solar out holes in the knees), his dogs, I system. amazed, Mom friends, his teacher Miss Worlistened asHumbly Cotton won the attensham, his family, flowers, and tion and friendship of all pres- God. ent. He concluded his talk in 85-pound juvenile with criticism of the University's theThe memory fears co-1 Planetarium folks for cruelty In bras,remarkable scorpions, and spiders ofl leaving little Pluto out of the so- any kind and size. lar room display. After three Ambitions hours, he was spankingly persuaded to leave the Planetarium His ambitions are: "to play fori my Mom to sing in church, to i to return home. lurry up and start to school and L Always popping questions learn to read, to be a Cub Scout, I about the human anatomy and to become a priest or a doctor j physiology, Cotton has complet- who won't tell fibs, and to go to j | ed a study of the circulatory sys- heaven I die." tem and is well embarked on a Alwayswhen in a happy frame of perusal of the digestive system. mind, he seldom gets riled up. |

4-B THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

Sun^sy, Feb. 8, 1959

8,000-Year-Old Relics Are Found Near Badin mation of the age of various specimens and the results of the reliable carbon tests have had a consistently high degree of correlation. The same is expected in this latest instance.

Primitive Man Lived In Piedmont

•

Excavation below the fourfoot level was pointless, since only the clay subsoil was left.

Special To The Obsreytr

BADIN — Primitive man lived in the Yadkin River area of what is now Piedmont North Carolina at least 8,000 years ago.

Abundant evidence of his inhabitation of die area at least as early as that date was found in excavations made last summer on the Yadkin River near here by Prof. Joffre L. Coe, director of the Research Laboratory of Anthropology at the University of North Carolina.

Prof. Coe and his assistants were happily startled and amazed at their findings here and characterized their threemonth excavation expedition as successful beyond all expectations.

He says artifacts have been found in the Russell Cave in Georgia which date back to the same approximate period but that the amount of specimen material there is meager compared to that uncovered at Badin.

This is not to say that the area here abounds in 8,000-yearold artifacts waiting to be picked up by the casual visitor.

Far from it.

•

*

*

Much Planning Much painstaking work and planning went into the recovery of these nationally significant archeological findings at Badin.

Actually, the work began years ago when the Indian occupation site near the riv-

•

Indians, Too

By FRED T. MORGAN

The specimen evidence of man's existence here at least 8,000 years ago is more plentiful at this site than at any site now known in the entire southeastern United States, according to Prof. Coe.

*

However, In getting down to the 8,000-year level, the excavators encountered material evidence of many other Indian cultures of mora recent vintage about which a good deal more Is known.

Found nearest the top of the ground was a mixture pf Indian weaponry and implements sepai" ted by hundreds of years in chronological sequence.

This indicated they had been shuffled and mixed up when the ground was plowed and otherwise disturbed in recent times.

Below this were found successive layers of soil yielding material showing man's earlier and orderly occupation of the site. .

A General View Of The Excavation Site er w a s discovered a n d brought to the attention of Prof. Coe. R was carefully mapped and sporadic exploratory excavation followed in succeeding years, revealing little of unusual interest.

However, last summer during school vacation, the site was worked for the first time on a sustained and controlled basis over a period of approximately three months.

Helping Prof. Coe were David Phelps, now historic site specialist at Town Creek Indian Mound at Mt. Gilead, and two students, Robert Swartz of Miami, Fla. and Gordon Bordeaux of Kinston.

They dug long trenches and rank shafts at carefully chos-

en locations here and there over the quarter-acre site.

All t h e soil was sifted through a portable screen to recover everything from the size of a pencil eraser on up and the material wa6 placed in marked containers for later laboratory study and evaluation.

• • •

4-Foot Level The material of greatest archeological significance, considered by archeologists a major find of national prominence, was uncovered at about the four-foot level, which is believed to have been the original surface of the ground 8,000 years ago.

Found were crude stone weapons, tools, and fragments of bone and charcoal,

indicating that this spot had indeed been a camp or village site for a group of primitive people 80 centuries er •o ago.

Specimens of bone and charcoal recovered from this depth are now in process of being given specialized carbon tests to determine their exact age.

In the past, Prof. Coe's esti-

"The further back into time one tries to go in reconstructing man's history, the more difficult the task becomes," Prof. Coe said.

"Ancient man lived in smaller social groups, populated less of the earth's surface, and produced fewer and cruder implements to mark bis existence. Furthermore, the normal processes of nature, erosion and deposition, combine with man's own activities to destroy or hide the frugal remains that are left."

j\ Father And Son Enterprise —

Furrs Operate A Musical Instrument Hospital

A hospital down i t a l ffor bbroken rok hband . o r instruments? *n down *'**»*«* jmn •^•^m^^n.m.,,n.,K., ••^*g#ii%M| f l nrf=°*P and musical i band We and got one. musical i»=+,.„ *_» " ..... T_.^TT..,?'T ._...V.... «-• * - JIT-*-' ~ - » ^ ~. - _ Furr and" his NeW String Band.

In addition to playing at fiddlers' The basement shop of Marvin D. conventions, corn shuckings, and Furr ontoeTroy road, three and public gatherings hereabouts, the one-half miles east of Albemarle, band played at Nehi company conis not chock full of elaborate ventions from Buffalo, N. Y., to equipment, but in it a large porFlorida. tion of ills and woes of musical Aside from P. A. Furr, a versainstruments of this section of the tile musician at his best on the Piedmont are taken care of. trombone, the band included his If your saxophone develops sons: Marvin, on the sax and clarilaryngitis, or your trombone slide net; W. B. (PeeWee) Furr, who is gets fractured, or your drum needs now an assistant supervisor for new heads, or your violin bow American & Efird Mills here; needs restringing, or your horn Thad Furr, who operates the Minneeds recorking, repading, or a O-Pon, and Rayvon Furr, now asdent-removing job, Marvin is the sociated with the Railway Express man to see. here.

"We tackle most anything," Although all the boys still play Marvin said. various instruments for their own 11 amusement, they seldom play proOne exception is major re-lacfessionally with the exception of quering jobs on horns. He does Rayvon who beats the drums at not have the facilities to handle j Tommy's Hay Loft in Rockwell on this type of work.

Saturday nights.

The reason musical instrument The elder Mr. Furr, who is one repair shops are so scarce around j of the last remaining members of this area is because the potential the famed Carl Efird band of Alvolume of business is not large bemarle, is retired from active enough and steady enough to atwork now, although he does help tract a fulltime repair business. out in the operation of the MinMarvin, employed by the WiscasO-Pon store, and the instrument sett Hosiery Mill, operates his repair shop. He is a brother of shop as a sideline with part-time A. A. Furr, Albemarle real estate assistance from his father, P. A. man.

Furr.

Marvin and his dad do repair Another reason musical repair work on single instruments from shops are few and far between is individuals as well as entire band that the repairman must be muinstrument contract jobs from sically as well as mechanically inschools and groups from as far clined and have a steadfast love away as Rockingham, Troy, Folkand interest fortoeworko. ton, and Salisbury. They also • handle repair work for local f" Marvin's business has been in FURRS WORK ON TROMBONE stores.

I existence here for the past 11 years. However, only for the past Marvin D. Furr, right, and his father, P. A. Furr, do a solSeventeen years ago, Marvin 1 few years in the present location. dering job on a dismantled trombone in their basement work- was married to the former Miss I In 1946, he completed a course shop. Together, they'll tackle most anything that ails a musi- Edith Tucker, daughter of Mr. and Joject on instrument repair at the Conn cal instrument.

—Staff Photo.

Mrs. H. F. Tucker of Albemarle, odist Vocational School in Elkhart, InThey have a three-year-old adopt- jelow of their venture didn't pay off, diana and after a short time with ed son, Johnny Jeffrey. begin uate of Albemarle High School, Marvin sold out to Sides and went Gaffney in Charlotte, he opened With his dad's help, Marvin says Marvin was reared in a musical ^ ^ .,,... „ up The Music Mart here with J. to other work, keeping up the rehe'll tackle that any type sof musical if apfamily. His father, now 70, was, instrument Q. Sides. When the repair side pair work on the side. that a has has valves or makes soundstrings o r | the An Albemarle native and grad a generation ago, head of a popu- instrument I lino UCVVopa|r-^^^^^—_^_ lar string band known as P. A. Which is saying a lot Who is she? Where does she ~^—_^^ who get her ideas? What is the is spearheading w.c ... , Is rebackground behind her poems? questing all persons having an These and similar inquires interest in the church to report have come to the newspaper durto the building Saturday morning the two years the feature ing and lend their assistance. has appeared.

He is asking them to bring their own carpentry tools.

This week, the woman who If the work Is not completed writes the poems is visiting here Saturday, It will be continued in Albemarle with her mother each following Saturday morning and sisters. until finished, Mr. Davis said.

She is Mrs. James Conlin and All persons wishing to make the former Miss Ruby Griffin. monetary donations to assist ln Her mother is Mrs. O. A. Griffin the project may do so by sending of 430 East Oakwood Avenue. themtoMr. Davis at 953 Shankle Two of her sisters, who live with Street in Albemarle her mother, are Misses Nobie and Louvene Griffin. Another sister pression of her overwhelming is Mrs. Pearl Forte of Albemarle. desire to help.

A brother, Lester Griffin, lives in "Writing these poems has been Gibsonville. a rewarding experience," she said, "along with the other acAlthough not a native of Altivities. Maybe the poems reach bemarle, Mrs. Conlin grew up some person, young or old, active here and she has many local or shut-in, and help them in ties. some way."

Born In Georgia Her poems, she says, usually She was born in Georgia in spring from her exposure to some 1907 and began playing the orvivid experience with people and gan when she was four years life. And from deep emotional old, a talent which she later deexperiences. veloped to mastery. ~ Usually her poems are written Her parents moved back to Al- *,'•; on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. bemarle when she was six years ; Sometimes she write only one; old and she attended the city sometimes several. schools, graduating with the MOMENTS WITH GOD" WRITER "I try to put myself in the class of 1928 of which she was Mrs. James Conlin, the former Miss Ruby Griffin of Albe- other person's place when I see valedictorian. demonstrations of joy, While in high school, she work- marie, is shown here while "visiting ' " " " " in ' " the the home home of of her her mother mother, genuine sorrow, anguish, despair, and the Mrs. O. A. Griffin on East Oakwood Avenue.

She and her hus ed part time in the Wiscassett other emotions the heart knows," band now live in Mecca, Ind. —Staff Photo.

Knitting Mills to earn money to she said. pay for her music lessons.

"God is so real to me every She continued her education at where she was voted the prettiest ing the prettiest girl in the col- day," she said* "He walks with Campbell College where she ma- girl in the sophomore class, lege. me and talks with me. I want While at Campbell, she also which was the equivalent to bejored in piano and organ and took a course in creative writing to share these rich spiritual exwhich she credits with much of periences with Him."

• • •

W£«

>

Ouf Of Desire To Help

She Writes Poems From The Heart What type of woman is it that writes the "Moments With God" poem on the editorial page of this newspaper once each week?

Who is she? Where does she get her ideas? What is the background behind her poems?

These and similar inquires have come to the newspaper during the two years the feature has appeared.

This week, the woman who writes the poems is visiting here in Albemarle with her mother and sisters.

She is Mrs. James Conlin and the former Miss Ruby Griffin.

Her mother is Mrs. O. A. Griffin of 430 East Oakwood Avenue.

Two of her sisters, who live with her mother, are Misses Nobie and Louvene Griffin. Another sister is Mrs. Pearl Forte of Albemarle.

A brother, Lester Griffin, lives in Gibsonville.

Although not a native of Albemarle, Mrs. Conlin grew up here and she has many local ties.

Born In Georgia She was born in Georgia in 1907 and began playing the organ when she was four years old, a talent which she later developed to mastery.

Her parents moved back to Albemarle when she was six years old and she attended the city schools, graduating with the class of 1928 of which she was valedictorian.

While in high school, she worked part time in the Wiscassett Knitting Mills to earn money to pay for her music lessons.

She continued her education at Campbell College where she majored in piano and organ and

MOMENTS WITH GOD" WRITER Mrs. James Conlin, the former Miss Ruby Griffin of Albemarle, is shown here while visiting in the home of her mother, Mrs. O. A. Griffin on East Oakwood Avenue. She and her husband now live in Mecca, Ind. —Staff Photo. where she was voted the prettiest ing the prettiest girl in the colgirl in the sophomore class, lege. which was the equivalent to be- While at Campbell, she also took a course in creative writing which she credits with much of the success of her efforts in this field.

At Coker College she received her Bachelor of Music degree in 1933 and afterward she taught piano and public school music in the Stanly County schools.

In high school she was pianist for the Glee Club and organist at the First Baptist Church here.

Active in the Baptist Training Union, she was pianist for the regional convention and in the summers of 1929 and 1930 she served as pianist for the statewide BTU conventions.

Her Husband She met her husband in Albemarle in 1929 when he was platform manager for the Red Path Chatauqua appearing here on a vacant lot about where the armory now stands.

They were married 10 years later and Mrs. Conlin has lived in Mecca, Ind., since that time.

Her husband is superintendent of county schools in Parke County, Indiana. He is also a retired minister of the Congregational Christian Church and he served one rural church in Indiana for a total of 39 years until he gave up the work last year. Mr. Conlin served as teacher and administrator of one school there for 17 years. He expects to retire from public education in two more years.

Since she has no children and since her husband was extremely busy with his school and church work, she was alone a great deal of the time. Out of this solitude came a strong desire to be of service to God and man.

This desire to be of service expressed itself in many ways through the years. An excellent singer, she sang over the air cm a radio program tat many years.

She intensified her church activities. She grew flowers and took them to hospital patients, shutins, and elderly people. She wrote long Inspirational letters.

Rich Experiences Out of these rich experiences with God and man, her poems began to emerge as a further ex

^sg**J

*

'-'//JO

°xJQf

*o.

Work On Church Building Slated Work on a renovation project at old Rehobeth Methodist Methodist Church, located below Aquadale, is scheduled to begin Saturday morning, June 13.

The project will consist of applying asbestos siding to the building's exterior.

Hal Davis, of Albemarle, who is spearheading the work, is requesting all persons having an Interest in the church to report to the building Saturday morning and lend their assistance.

He is asking them to bring their own carpentry tools.

If the work is not completed Saturday, it will be continued each following Saturday morning until finished, Mr. Davis said.

All persons wishing to make monetary donations to assist in the project may do so by sending them to Mr. Davis at 953 Shankle Street in Albemarle. pression of her overwhelming desire to help.

"Writing these poems has been a rewarding experience," she said, "along with the other activities. Maybe the poems reach some person, young or old, active or shut-in, and help them in some way."

Her poems, she says, usually spring from her exposure to some ( vivid experience with people and life. And from deep emotional experiences.

Usually her poems are written on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Sometimes she write only one; sometimes several.

"I try to put myself in the) other person's place when I see// genuine demonstrations of joy, sorrow, anguish, despair, and the other emotions the heart knows," she said.

"God is so real to me every day," she said. "He walks with me and talks with me. I want to share these rich spiritual experiences with Him." Content Alone One thing her many hours alone in meditation and in service to her fellowman has taught her is how to live alone with herself in contentment.

"I think I've learned that well," she said.

During World War II when her husband was a chaplain in the Army for four years, Mrs. Conlin came back to Albemarle. During that time she taught music at Campbell College, worked in the hospital here, and served as Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church in Concord.

"I know many people here and I have lots of old mends," she said. "I'd like to meet all of them if I only *i(Ml time enough

Y

Atter 50 Illustrious Years

A. K. Winget Retires From Textile Industry Beginning this week, a little man with white hair and penetrating eyes will no longer be at his desk in the main office of American & Efird Mills here.

For the first time In 50 years he will be on his own as far as time goes.

Arthur Knox Winget looks at you straightforwardly, his gaze intense, his manner courtly, his voice mellow and commanding.

You sense the impact and scope of his words when he says: "For 50 years now I've been working for other people. I think it's time I worked for myself awhile now."

Those words, signifying his retirement from the textile industry which was effective at the end of last week, do not mean that he's going to launch another time-consuming business enterprise which will keep him hopping.

To Get Re-acquainted No. It means that he plans to ge re-acqualnted with the people of Albemarle and Stanly County whom he has neglected during his busy career.

This renewal of ties and friendships here will be from the sidewalk level on up.

Another implication the words hold is that of devoting more time to his beloved fishing and hunting interests for which he is widely known.

And there will be other interests that will come with his relaxed pace of living.

But the words give little hint of this man's illustrious â&#x20AC;˘ background in the industry from which he is now actively retired.

In his half century as a top textile executive, Arthur Knox Winget has sarved a brilliant record and is known as one of the most astute men in the nation in cotton transactions.

Knows More People He probably is better known and knows more people in the cotton belt than any other man alive.

This includes growers, ginners, warehousemen, manufacturers, and merchants.

He has traveled from coast to coast, border to border in many

IV

r

I textile business and that is the of the Wiscassett Memorial YMloyal support of the employees CA, and he served four years unit has been my privilege to work der Governor Gregg Cherry on the N. C. Conservation & Develwith," Mr. Winget said.

"And that is especially true of opment Commission. those here at the Efird plant," he Boy Scout work has been a I continued. "They are the finest, special interest since he came most loyal group of people I here in 1932 to find only two have ever had anything to do troops, these headed by Bill Hucwith. I shall always be grateful kabee and Jim Vann. to them for their support and He has served as president of fine spirit of cooperation i'.rough the Centtral N. C. Council and is recipient of the Silver Beaver the years." award for outstanding service to Though he has led a far busier scouting. life than most men, Mr. Winget Mr. Winget will still be active has had time for many commun- In the various organizations of ity activities. the textile industry. He will Community Activities serve as honorary chairman of He is an honorary member and the board and director of Ameripast president of the Albemarle can & Efird Mills, Inc., the DickRotary Club, a Shrlner, Elder and son Foundation, Textiles, Inc., Trustee of the First Presbyterian the National Cotton Council of Church, was a trustee of the Stan- America, and trustee of Cabarly County Hospital, and trustee rus Bank & Trust Company.

ARTHUR KNOX WINGET Mr. Winget, of Albemarle, one of the leading figures in the nation's textile industry, announced his retirement at the end of last week after completing a distinguished career of 50 years in the business. official capacities promoting the industry.

Mr. Winget is the only man in history to have been elected to the presidency of four major professional groups in the industry.

These are the American Cotton Manufacturers Institute, North Carolina Textile Manufacturers Association, the Combed Yarn Spinners Association, and the Carded Yarn Association.

He is considered the 'dean" of

nearly every cotton committee in existance and it was a committee headed by him which wrote the Southern Mill Rules and Regulations of the Cotton States Arbitration Board, both of which are used in settling disputes between buyers and sellers of raw cotton.

Aside from his overall excellence attained in textile manufacturing, Arthur Winget has long been recognized as probably the foremost expert in matters pertaining to the buying and selling of raw cotton.

Began In 1909 Since he began his textile career in January of 1909 in Gastonia, he has participated in the work of the American Cotton Manufacturers and its predecessors. For 18 years, he served as chairman of the cotton committee of the ACMI and its predecessors.

In this brief account of his distinguished record sounds like excerpts from Who's Who, it is exactly that, for he has been in Who's Who for many years.

From a bookkeeping position with a mercantile firm, gained by long hours of extra study and frugality, he landed a job with Armstrong group of cotton mills in Gastonia and a few y ars later he was made secretary and treasurer of the Armstrong group.

He held this position until Armstrong merged with Textiles, Inc. in 1931.

Here In 1932 In 1932, he accepted an offer to become president and treasurer of Efird Manufacturing Company in Albemarle and he took over the management of the 54,000-splndle Efird plant on April 1 of that year.

At that time only two people here outside the textile business knew him, he said.

Efird was merged with American Yarn & Processing Company in 1952 to become American & Efird Mills, Inc. and Mr. Winget was made chairman of the board at the time of merger.

"One thing I am very proud of through my whole career in the

T™1

I £ Young And Old Find Exhilaration In It

Indian Relic Collecting Hobby Is Growing In Stanly

By FRED T. MORGAN

Excellent Organization Here in North Carolina there has been in existence for some years an excellent organization devoted to the interests of amateur archeologists and relic hunters.

It is the Archeological Society of North Carolina, organized by and for amateurs with an interest in the subject.

Among the Society's objectives are: to promote the study of archeology and anthropology, particularly in relation to the Indians of North Carolina; to strive for the proper conservation and exploration of mounds and other important archeological sites in the state; to encourage the scientific attitude In the collecting of artifacts and to discourage careless, misdirected, and commercialized activity; to establish one or more museums or to provide in some other adequate way for the preservation and scientific use of the artifacts of the North Carolina Indians.

Membership includes subscription to publications designed to help the amateur in his pursuit of the finding, collecting, and study of Indian relics.

Local groups may affiliate with t h e Society and local subsidiary chapters may be established.

An Inquiry to Prof. Joffre L. Coe, Director of the Research Laboratories of Anthropology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, will bring information.

Recent Stimulus Here in Stanly County stimulus h a s been given to the scores of arrowhead hunters by the discovery, last summer near Badin, of Indian stone weapons dating back 8,000 years.

ONE OF STANLY'S MOST EXPERIENCED INDIAN RELIC HUNTERS Indians are believed to have C. M. Haithcock, of Badin, shown here with only a small part of his collection, h a s accumu- entered this part of the country lated a great quantity of Indian artifacts mostly from the Badin area during the past 25 years. a minimum of 10,000 years ago.

Arrowhead hunting is just one of the several active hobbies he enjoys. Mr. Haithcock is emAnd somewhere in the sand and soil of the Piedmont they ployed by Alcoa's Badin Works.

—Staff Photo. have left an enduring record of the first time offers possibilities permanent village sites, encamp- of the people produced their existence which waits to be as does any type of new surface ments, stone quarries, and bur- them. explored. ial grounds. These are hard to excavation. come by, even for the profesTwo Groups Waiting The observation h a s been m a d e sionals, but they offer the best in the Piedmont that there are concentrations of relics.

What to do with the artifacts two groups Impatiently waiting for a farmer to finish cultivat- you find? ing his fields anew. First are For awhile just divide them t h e birds which gobble u p the into the good and bad. Keep insect life. Next come the col- the broken and rough stuff in lectors and rockhounds who glee- one box; the whole and well fully pounce on any exposed preserved pieces in another— specimens. perhaps with an envelop or comIf there is any large impound- partment for your finer arrowment of water near you the level points. Later as your collecof which drops enough to expose tion grows you can begin groupwide areas of liberated beaches, ing the specimens according to chances are good you might style and quality. stumble upon a campsite which Consultation with the anthroyields a harvest of relics. pology or archeology department After you get some experience of your nearest university, or othand relic-sense under your belt, er authority, can help you deyou'll w a n t to go exploring the termine the age of the specimens riverbanks and bottomlands for and something about the culture

Like t h e oldtime prospectors said a b o u t gold, arrowh e a d s a n d I n d i a n relics a r e w h e r e y o u find t h e m .

And enough people think t h e y k n o w w h e r e t o find t h e m t h a t t h e s p o r t of a r r o w h e a d i n g a n d r e l i c h u n t i n g is g r o w i n g b y field a n d r i v e r b o t t o m throughout the Piedmont and beyond.

T h e b u l k of t h e m a m a t e u r s w i t h a s p r i n k l i n g of e x perienced relic—eers thrown in, t h e s e f o l k s a r e a c c u m u l a t i n g a l o t of m a t e r i a l , t o o .

With glad little cries, they pounce on each new find and commit it to the sagging cardboard box in the garage, or the shoebox in the basement, or the cabinet drawers or display boards in the den, closet, or cabin.

What's more, this modern revival of the arrowheading hobby is producing some promising students of Indian life.

Many find absorption in persuing the "how, where, when", side of the specimens they find.

Important new discoveries are made this way.

Others leave the academic side to the pedantics and concentrate on accumulating an impressive collection.

Some Bring Realism Some go in for bringing realism to the fad, like feathers in their hair, paint on their faces, fringed buckskin clothing, and "how" and "ugh" in their speech.

And Uwharrie forest footpaths feel anew the stealth of warrior feet and startled wildlife hears again the twang of the bows and sees the flash of arrows.

Whole families go in for this relic reconnoitering and on weekends, especially Sundays, an invasion of scouring feet and prying eyes hits the likely paradise wilds of the Piedmont.

They find great exhilaration in it. They say there's nothing like the feeling that comes when you hold your first perfect arrowhead in your hand and realize t h a t yours are probably the first h u m a n h a n d s to touch it in hundreds of years. Perhaps a thousand years or more.

Family men and women of all social, cultural, and economic levels like arrowheading because itfs a n exciting activity most kids a n d young people go for. There's nothing classy or expensive about it. You can tramp the fields and bottoms for as long or as little a s you like in any season.

And t h e happy part is that regardless of where you live on land, there's some likely relichunting territory near you. Within short driveable distance anyway.

Nothing To Buy Another thing t h a t puts it within reach of everyone is the simplicity. There's nothing to buy (except maybe your picnic lunch), no kits to fool with, no props to lug along, no rules or instructions to follow. You just h i t the open spaces with a sharp aye.

If you have wide, deep pockets, you won't even have to take along anything to bring your loot home in. Otherwise a tough paper bag is advisable.

Where are the good places to look for Indian material?

Rich in Indian lore and occu-1 nancy, t h e Piedmont offers almost limitless opportunities. You m i g h t say the surface h a s only been scratched in locating and recovering it. All of it will never be found. * , Open or cultivated fields are a good place for t h e beginner t o start. First, though, he should h a v e a look at pictures, visit a museum, or see t h e specimens of a veteran collector so he'll know w h a t he's looking for.

Although you'll probably find material i n fields, t h e disadvantage t o these easy pickings is t h a t most of t h e stuff will likely b e broken a n d mutilated due to years of shuffling by machinery. A new field opened u p for

10-A

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE. N. C, FRIDAY. AUGUST 7, 1959

YOU MAY FIND SOME INDIAN RELICS LIKE THESE ta m o n ? N o r t T c 2 o S L * MZ^IL^T and^lfrl ?.th°T! ^ * " Yadkin » ™ *«* « * « * The Yadkin River and ^ wL nf Br mi ee Mountain a r e L ^ . ^ f 6 1 1 ^ U n 1 ln a n d ? e a r S t a n l y C o u n t y lore and occupancy.

Mountain areas are among the richest in the country in Indian

What Would ;

: -~~ «*« ictna upon •

_

u

1-1.;*- ^ «™p, t h e o h ake pump station, or the water filter plant on thei Salisbury Road. s p e c i a l count m -V healthTdenartm 1 0 r . of t h e ' A B o a r d o f Appraisers PoSonoKhe iS ua ?° n « bute a county d o g L m S f V 6 o colboard of appraisers n Dog Warden 2S5"* «*** of thea ige tund and ap- lect dog tax. In those counties fPP°i n t e d t o a s s e s s d a m a g ~Txx. nlied from time to time in satis- having no rabies control officer, l d ; L y, . , »„„„ vi me annual costs of the g S n ^ c l a t o s for damage ^ the county dog warden shall serve . "The board of county co

Dog Warden Other towns in the £ r e i n ^ r S d e d 1 in aTw! e ar as rabies control officer." , sioners in each county having a Provided m in Thi! — - uuicer." sionc. .,, c*cn county having a county might do likewise. «ejem«iei piuviueu uiib a1 di warden as iwn««'*d s .. .uignt ao likewise. "ereinaiter pronaea in mis ar _ vided in this w d w a r d e n a s pro . . _. „ . . , . . tide; provided further, that the The DowP Pound e.

T— h e Dog ound Udam < * „„vn. ortari appoint board as Since the Dog Warden's truck £ % £ f nV countv for article shall appoint aaboard ofol 0 1 T h l s i s t h e l a w a b o u t t h e d Tt th« This and is Hn«' the «i S P aoout dogappraisers appraisers consisting of Since the 4L Dogmignr Warden's truck ny county for dam-/ oractical S"a ti V^UK L^.

KJI pound thei ddisposition off i°8 im-, be chosen iar b iCiI le i^t y™ o0f, aa«?£S i t i n the m mmen, e™ n „ ; „one et I l „ t 0to b<? f three rfrom o mn r would need two-way radio com-, lift!

S L^ f ?to to the po consisting of three —«y".

Depractical practical shall be?-~> limited the baln.minriP H livectn^ir ch oor> d ^e( 1ad o1g s^ munication, it might be i shall be limited to the bal^ 1 ° ° ° " ' ° " — ^ po a c e remaining county .S?u would need two-way radio claims fii<="j to have the city police station or anf>p rpmaininpthe j--countv yj},. . : °ss-among tne sheep, nvestocK or adog a n„cee damaee the Sheriffs office to servecomas fun/* in »**—the base Sheriff's station office for receiving to serve a» as ^ darnawfind after the oav- S 1.0 nTehr es b o aer ad c hof county commis- poultry raisers; one from among munication, it might be nroMi""' the base station for receiving all „ientw^m-p of the mr salarv and the travel "» county in which the fox hunters, and one from • duties dog calls and relaying relaying the the in- allowanceT for the the eoi countv ,doe adcounty dog warden is appoint- the county ro at large; whose warden f- u n d e i thls- a r ? c l e s h a I 1 e s t a b ' ^ « shall be" c to determine formation on the Dog Warden. warden- and nrovided further hsh uetermine and and,asasAt i f tr, «r rZcv +h* nirr, lVZ „ii J£„„J£ tl„„ t+11 and maintain a dog pound, sess the amount of damage inhe ^ ^ ^A*.. ") oaC e S v e X t ^ c e n S S l g & g f c & S E f & f S ® * * « * county, the same to^be dieted 1 proviaeq pound sess the amount of damage int ,„ a§ locationn «for thert„dn«* „ +i_* „,+„ ^t h a•t ^a , ' ™ , M hf 3 1 , ieS / 1 " P™ c ? ed ? f r o m , ~ - in each county, the same to be dieted by dogs in the respective + l?Z?tLfJ*£^ r?L^ under the supervision of the counties. Such damages so delocation for the dog pound. ties for the payment of claims c o u n t y d o g war H de n, for the pur-, termined shall be paid out of the In the event of a joint city- under this article shall be held p o S e of impounding lost and stray special county dog damage fund county arrangement cannot be intact in the county dog damage d o g s f o r a p e r i o d t o b e d e t e r . o f the Iespective counties. Prowarked out satisfactory, another fund until the end of each year m l n e d b y t h e b o a r d o f c o u n t y v i d e d t h e b o a r d s of commissionsuggestion has been made that in the county; no dog damage commissioners during which time, ers of the several counties shall the city appoint a Dog Warden claim shall be paid until the end t h e c o u n t y d o g w a r den shall, have the right to settle and pay of its own. of each fiscal year and, in the m a k e every reasonable effort to, any claims presented to such Perhaps the Dog Warden duties ^ e n ^a a ax \i napproved claims cannot j o c a t e a n d g i v e n o t i c e to the board, without appointing a suc could be assigned to someone al- Rf P * .? ' , C I a i m s , owners of such dogs, or if such board of appraisers, for such sum ready on the city payroll and this snail oe paid on an equal propor- o w n e r s c a n not be located, to find or sums as may be agreed upon person could work at it part time. ™ a t e oasis, in tne ev£nt tnat new owners for such dogs. The by the person aggrieved and said Following are direct quota-, ^ H ™ J £ J ! i ^ board of commissioners, n e n t b o u n d r e c o r d of t h e d a t e o n tions of the law about various S Z S , ^ . ^ " , ^ which "In c a s e anV P e r s o n shal each dog ls erase any person shal! have, angles of the Dog Warden plan: aoft tne tht e^nd fiWi year v«ar suc«frh impounded, received compensation for n d oof t a a flscai n i end uusofisthe impounded, received compensation for dam* .„ _, > . and if at the holding aees f™~ •' «" " "six " j " period and if at end of-' the holding ages from any county under the Appointing Dog Warden in months surplus may sooner than to the hp n** "The county commissioners after no of the close of^ such p e r i o d t o b e de termined by the provisions of this article and each county in the State is h"">in ™°"f™ Tfter ,ue county commissioners *;te* * f t e i ° l l f ? h p b o a r d o f c o u n t y commissioners thereafter such person shall sue each county in the State is here- nscai year, at tne direction oi tne s u c h d o g s r e maki unclaimed by the owner of the dog inflicting by authorized, in its discretion, to board of county commissioners t h e o w n e r s o r b y prospective own- such damage for recovery of damappoint one or more county dog r°u en a P ai d into tne county general ers> d o g s a r e t 0 b e destroy- ages by reason thereof, then, inil wardens, and to determine the ed ins u cah humane manner, under, such event, any county having,! amount of his salary and travel Dog warden s Duties the direct supervision of the coun- paid any such claims to suchi, allowance, both of which shall Here are the powers and duties ty dog warden. Anyone claiming claimant arising out of the same i be paid out of the proceeds of the of a dog warden as prescribed K« o r redeeming a dog at the pound depredation shall have the full county dog tax. When the coun- •""'• will be required to pay the ac- right of subrogation in any acj tual cost of keeping the dog tion for damages so inflicted " in the pound, as well as any tax 3St due, before any such dog may I T be released."

I/ Collars Tags If r n ii«— and Dogs must wear collars and j J_ [ tags. About this the law says: I "Every dog in counties where Ila dog warden is appointed shall I be required at all times to wear a collar with the owner's name and address stamped on or other- n erwise firmly attached to the l\ collar. Each year at tax listing time all dog owners shall be provided by the taxing authorities with a numbered metal tag for each dog listed, said tag to be attached to the collar as evidence that the dog has been listed for taxation; provided that any operator of a kennel or owner of a pack of dogs may, in lieu of paying the tax on individual dogs) as provided by law, pay a kennel I tax computed a t the rate off g ' $1.50 per dog, njsle or female.

Dog Problem Is Intensifying

By Fred T. Morgan (First of Four Paris)

City and country people have a peculiar love for each other — when it comes to dogs.

When it comes to a lot of other things, too, for that matter. But right now we're talking about dogs.

This peculiar love involves a strange cycle of dog residency which has been going round since people took unto themselves cities to separate themselves from the country.

City people take their unwanted dogs and cats out in the country and dump them in the wilds hoping they'll get lost and starve.

Or be killed and eaten by some .predator. Or find a new home 'with a country family.

Country folk have the same unswerving loyalty toward their city brethren. They don't want their city cousins to be lonely for [four-footed company.

So they bring their undesirable fiivestock—sometimes from cats land dogs on up (but mostly cats and dogs) — into the city and dump them on busy streets moping the traffic will slaughter • h e m . Or a city cop will shoot •hem. Or that some kid will drag them home lo make pets on I of.

This strong reciprocal love between the urban and rural j change of love gifts between the populace manifests itself in such citified and the countrified.

From fist-sized bundles of ears, endearing acts week after week.

The by-products of this con- fur, and newly-opened eyes to huge female mongrels six or tinuing cycle are interesting.

I An isolated instance or two ofl eight weeks along in the maternthese love acts wouldn't be ity motif. knough to poke a pun at. But From meek and hopeful-eyed when they reach and maintain dogs to snarling, disease-ridden an intense heat, as apparently critters who look half mad and Ihey have been doing lately, It's like they would enjoy nothing time to take notice. quite so much as to eat you alive.

Torrid Intensity People have called the newsI Warm weather seems to bring paper office as well as the police on a torrid intensity of this ex- I station, sheriff's office, and the

health department and reported a cargo of abandoned animals dumped out beside the road near their home.

One anguished voice on the phone told of a pert little dog with a crippled leg waiting beside the road where it had been put out and abandoned. It could not be lured away from its vigil and finally, after five or six days of exhausting waiting, it lay down and died there beside the road still loyally waiting for its master to return for it.

I

What's Behind It?

Turning loose such animals in a strange and hostile environment is certainly an inhumane act and a mockery to society.

What's behind it?

Canine delinquency? Feline delinquency? Adult or ownership delinquency? The counterpart of parental delinquency in regard to our teenage problem? Lack of recreational and welfare facilities for animals locally?

Public apathy? Lax or unenforced laws?

You n a m e it.

City and county law enforcement officers say there are a lot of dogs running loose now—more than there ever has been.

An important part of their complaints and nuisance calls has to do directly with dogs.

A pack of dogs is fighting somewhere in the middle of the block. An all-night dog is barking and keeping a block of people awake. A snarling dog is raiding and attacking chickens and hogs out in the country.

Some child has been bitten by a dog. Come out and shoot a stray dog before he bites someone.

Come out and bury a dead dog.

Come out and see if you think this frothy-mouthed dog is mad.

Many Complaints The list of complaints is a long and continuous one.

Sheriff Sam M. Dry has offered his department's services to come out anywhere in Stanly County and shoot or help in t h e destruction of dogs as an alternative to turning them loose as strays.

When the stray dog population in certain sections of the city ofl Albemarle grows intolerably heavy, city officers go on dogkilling details to thin the ranks."

But it's difficult even to make a noticeable dent in the ranks.

Top-heavy stray dog population is the rule rather than the exception.

There are ordinances on the city books which make it a violation for a person to keep a dog which so much as yelps or whines [ if it disturbs any other person.

But these ordinances are in the category of "unenforceable" laws.

Leastwise, they are seldom used.

A citizen calls up and says his neighbor's dog is barking and keeping him awake all night long and t h a t it does t h e same ing every night. He wants an [freer to come over and arrest

the neighbor and make him get rid of the barking dog.

"Will you cooperate by signing a complaint and going into court testifying against the owner of the dog?" the officer asks him.

Oh, no. No. He won't do that.

He doesn't want the dog's owner to know who it was that complained. He wants the officer to handle all the prosecution.

Which results in no case that the officer could bring into court.

Should Be Confined Law enforcement officers in Stanly County have expressed themselves as wishing that all dogs—pets, watch dogs, hunting dogs, show dogs, and what not— had to be kept confined at all times unless they were on a leash or under close supervision.

Elsewhere, small children have been attacked and killed by halfwild packs of stray dogs in this year of 1959.

Humans and animals alike have been bitten by mad dogs and infected with death-dealing rabies.

The list of ravages and antisocial acts by these outcast and renegade animals could go on and on.

Officers here say that while the problem has been bad for a long time, it is getting worse and more acute at a frightening rate.

They say something must be done about it for the protection of life and property.

Other cities and counties faced with the same problem have done something about it. They now have the problem under control.

Can we do the same?

A lot of people are wondering if a full time dog warden, with clearcut and specific power and duties, with jurisdiction in both the city and county, would not be the answer.

Did Burning Courthouses Help Create Stanly County?

The burning of a log courtnouse on a Uwharrie Mountain top east of the Pee Dee River around 120 years ago is credited with helping to create what is now Stanly County.

At least, local history dilettantes believe, this act of unquestioned arson hastened the division of Montgomery and Stanly.

Stanly was created as a separate county from Montgomery by a n act of the N. C. General Assembly in 1841, specifying t h a t the Yadkin-Pee Dee River he used as a natural boundary line.

Originally, the Stanly-Montgomery land belonged to New

Hanover County. Then to Bladen. Then to Anson.

At least four early Montgomery County courthouses are believed to have burned, or been destroyed, usually under suspicious circumstances, prior to the last one which brought about the division.

Names stuck on these "wandering" courthouses were Blakely, Henderson, Tindalsville, and Lawrenceville.

Fate Was To Wander Dr. Francis J. Kron, perhaps the most learned man of t h e early era, said: "The original courthouse was built under a wandering star and its fate was to wander."

Fading reminders of the last of the wandering courthouses, old Lawrenceville, still remain near a farm home on an isolated mountain crest a mile and a half east of the Swift Island bridge, now relieved of its inaccessibility by the new re-location of N. C. Highway 27.

Lacy Thompson, who lives there, points to a thick clump of bushes a few hundred feet from his home.

"There's where the old log courthouse used to stand," he Says.

He points to an old dug well with its rickety windlass and ulley supported by weathereaten cedar posts.

"Here's the old courthouse well," h e said.

The well is 32 feet deep, h e says, and furnishes good water for his family. People having

C

bllsiUMfc .»*• +H» «o«»«*W-»-~- — — J

STANLY NEWS AND PBESS, ALBEMABLE. N. C , FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 13. 1 9 *

^ ^ ^ ^ ^

OLD BABN AT THE COURTHOUSE SITE

11-A

Clearing land nearby 27 years ago, Thompson uprooted the soli d old post and burned it in a big bonfire along with other logs. He did not realize its historical value until later.

"That post would be worth some money to m e now," he said.

"It would sure make a good museum piece."

His father-in-law once picked u p a lump of melted silver in the rubble of the old courthouse site which later was determined to be a silver dollar.

Why Did They Burn As to why the courthouse burned, Thompson remembers only a handed-down tale about t h e building burning a month or so following a hanging. Maybe a n act of retaliation by kinsmen of the victim.

Another story h a s it t h a t t h e log courthouse burned one night when a light rain was falling.

The next morning, a posse trailed two horses from the site all the way to thte community of Okeewemee north of presentday Troy where the trail petered out.

Destruction of certain legal documents, court orders, property deeds, and other court records, was believed the motive behind the burning.

This destruction resulted in myriad legal entanglements, some probably never completely resolved, particularly in regard to ownership of lands.

One or two partial volumes were believed salvaged from the burned Lawrenceville courthouse and are said to be kept today in the Montgomery courthouse in Troy.

Next time you're traveling eastward between Albemarle and Troy on the new road, watch on the left for a clearing and a n old farm house and a weatherblackened barn with a rusty tin USE WELL roof on top of a high ridge a r m family, this old well was mile and a half east of the river rnish water for the old Law- and you'll be looking a t the now by the Lacy Thompson site of the last old courthouse which served both of w h a t is —Staff Photo. now Stanly and Montgomery Counties before their separation Dse. 118 years ago.

"It had thick iron rings, hamtred out white hot on an anvil, lck out around all over it. The m rods which held the rings place went through the thick st and were bradded on the ier side. Nobody, man or anal, could have pulled one of mi loose."

Bid Burning Courthouses Help Create Stanly Counfy?

The burning of a log courtnouse on a Uwharrie Mountain top east of the Pee Dee River around 120 years ago is credited with helping to create what is now Stanly County.

At least, local history dilettantes believe, this act of unquestioned arson hastened the division of Montgomery and Stanly.

Stanly was created as a separate county from Montgomery by an act of the N. C. General Assembly in 1841, specifying that the Yadkin-Pee Dee River be used as a natural boundary line.

Originally, the Stanly-Montgomery land belonged to New

***$

**rD

re

tow*** es

??«&$-*e

dayl

& *

it^Jec^jj VI

S3SSS83&.

B, ts^T G. py M. 4? that & r,-°ys

•

"ote*.-*'*Afv'

and/**

*Ha*«iT*o toJ?/*W sse#t o/ I^J °fler. r ^ J

rin

t?er,

i

•Mr. a J8

,,s#ent them

'Hanover County. Then to Bladen. Then to Anson.

At least four early Montgomery County courthouses are believed to have burned, or been destroyed, usually under suspicious circumstances, prior to the last one which brought about the division.

Names stuck on these "wandering" courthouses were Blakely, Henderson, Tindalsville, and Lawrenceville.

Fate Was To Wander Dr. Francis J. Kron, perhaps the most learned man of the early era, said: "The original courthouse was built under a wandering star and its fate was to wander."

Fading reminders of the last of the wandering courthouses, old Lawrenceville, still remain near a farm home on an isolated mountain crest a mile and a half east of the Swift Island bridge, now relieved of its inaccessibility by the new re-location of N. C. Highway 27.

Lacy Thompson, who lives there, points to a thick clump of bushes a few hundred feet from his home.

"There's where the old log courthouse used to stand," he Says.

He points to an old dug well with Its rickety windlass and pulley supported by weatherbeaten cedar posts.

"Here's the old courthouse well," he said.

The well is 32 feet deep, he gays, and furnishes good water for his family. People having business at the courthouse used water from this well 125 years ago and horses drank its water from a trough.

Thompson swings a hand toward a big barn with a rusty tin roof.

"That barn has been remodeled and worked on a few times," he said, "but it still has some of the original timbers in the old courthouse barn where the Judges and lawyers stabled their hosses way back then." d § / Tha Whipping Post Twenty-seven years ago when Thompson first came to live at this place there was another, much more intriguing, reminder of the old Lawrenceville courthouse.

It was the courthouse "whipping post" where court-directed whip lashes were administered

OLD COURTHOUSE WELL Still furnishing water for a farm family, this old well was dug well over 120 years ago to furnish water for the old Lawrenceville courthouse. It is used now by the Lacy Thompson family.

—Staff Photo. to the backs of convicted criminals.

Thompson recalls what the post looked like: I t was a big, thick wild locust post. Must have stood six or seven feet tall. And it was planted in the ground several feet and wedged good because we had to tussle knocking it

loose.

"It had thick iron rings, hammered out white hot on an anvil, stuck out around all over it. The iron rods which held the rings in place went through the thick post and were bradded on the other side. Nobody, man or animal, could have pulled one of them loose."

Clearing land neaxby 27 years ago, Thompson uprooted the solla old post and burned it in a big bonfire along with other logs. He did not realize Its historical value until later.

"That post would be worth some money to me now," he said.

"It would, sure make a good museum piece."

His father-in-law once picked up a lump of melted silver in the rubble of the old courthouse site which later was determined to be a silver dollar.

Why Did They Burn As to why the courthouse burned, Thompson remembers only a handed-down tale about the building burning a month or so following a hanging. Maybe an act of retaliation by kinsmen of the victim.

Another story has it that the log courthouse burned one night when a light rain was falling.

The next morning, a posse trailed two horses from the site all the way to thte community of Okeewemee north of presentday Troy where the trail petered out.

Destruction of certain legal documents, court orders, property deeds, and other court records, was believed the motive behind the burning. ' This destruction resulted in myriad legal entanglements, some probably never completely resolved, particularly in regard to ownership of lands.

One or two partial volumes were believed salvaged from the burned Lawrenceville courthouse and are said to be kept today In the Montgomery courthouse in Troy.

Next time you're traveling eastward between Albemarle ana Troy on the new road, watch on the left for a clearing and an old farm house and a weatherblackened barn with a rusty tin roof on top of a high ridge a mile and a half east of the river and you'll be looking at the site of the last old courthouse which served both of what is now Stanly and Montgomery Counties before their separation 118 years ago.

With No Accident And Only One Flat ÂŤ

Kendall's Pastor Travels Over 100,000 Miles To School In the last eight years a young Stanly County pastor has chalked up a total of over 100,000 miles in traveling to and from school to round out his education as a Baptist minister.

Just to and from school.

Added to his school mileage has been an average of 20,000 miles of driving each year while engaged in his regular pastoral duties.

And Rev. C. Eugene Carroll, pastor of Kendall's Baptist Church, is glad the school grind is over.

"I'm enjoying getting re-acquainted with my family and becoming a full-time husband, father, and pastor again," he laughed.

It's almost over, that is.

He anticipates at least two r.iore trips to the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary at Wake Forest in connection with his graduation exercises in May. He completed work on his B. D. degree there in January.

Mrs. Carroll, the former Miss Ethel Johnson, and the couple's 16-year-old daughter, Jeanie, a junior at New London High School, echo the preacher's sentiments even more emphatically.

Glad to Have Him Back "Yes, we're mighty glad to have him back home and settled down to regular pastoral work again," they said.

Mr. Carroll has been pastor of Kendall's since the fourth Sunday in August of last year.

However, he was known to the congregation before that since he had preached a sermon or two at the church several years ago.

It was in June, 1952, when Mr. Carroll made his decision to enter the ministry and thereupon he enrolled in Wingate Junior College and began commuting daily from his home in Lancaster, S. C, to the school.

During two school years at Wingate, he made six trips a week a t 65 miles per round trip which resulted in 438 trips, or 28,470 miles.

He received his A. A. degree from Wingate in May of 1954.

During these two years, he was

,#!

ATLANTIC

m^

ACCEPTANCE CORP.

LOANS 150 East Main Street

schools and joined the U. S. Navy during World War II. As a gunner in the ordnance division aboard the USS Swearer, Destroyer Escort 186, he participated in 19 invasions and eight major battles and traveled the equivalent of about five times around the world while his ship was engaged in its widespread wartime maneuvering on the high seas.

Any More Schooling?

With all this background of land, sea, and air traveling behind him, can he settle down now to the somewhat restricted orbit of one rural church community?

Oh, sure. He's been doing it since January.

However,.. b u t . . . maybe . . .

He's been thinking.

There's one more school that he'd like to attend. One that would be highly beneficial, he's sure.

It's the School of Pastoral Care at the Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. It lasts only six weeks and would involve only daily round trips from here to Winston.

Early this fall when the call of fresh school enrolment beckons in the air, he's apt to consider it very carefully.

MILEAGE-MAKING PASTOR GETS HOME AFTER TRIP Rev. C. Eugene Carroll, left, arriving back on the church grounds after an auto trip, is greeted

by R. Parker Miller, chairman of the board of deacons of Kendall's Baptist Church of which Mr. Carroll is pastor. Including two more trips to Wake Forest in May, Mr. Carroll will have completed over 100,000 miles of travel to and from school. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo. also the pastor of the Wallace Baptist Church at Wallace, S. C. After completing his work at Wingate, Mr. Carroll and his family moved to Greenville, S. C , where he accepted the pastorship of the Fork Shoals Baptist Church, a pastorate he held for the next ve years.

Furman University There he enrolled in Furman University near Greenville and during the next two school years he made a total of 442 daily round trips at 40 miles each for a total of 17,680 miles.

He was graduated from Furman in May of 1956 with a B. A. degree. He did not attend school during the fall semester of that year.

Next, he enrolled at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Semi-

nary at Wake Forest, where in five semesters, two and a half years of school work, he made 83 weekly trips of 600 miles each, for a total mileage outlay of 49,800 miles.

During this time, he left for school on Monday afternoon and left school for home after classes on Friday afternoon. Mrs. Carroll handled the visitation and other pastoral duties and members of the congregation led the mid-week prayer service. In case of a funeral or other emergency, he flew to Greenville from the RaleighDurham airport.

Since coming to Kendall's, Mr. Carroll has completed his last semester of work at Wake Forest, having made 18 weekly trips ot 240 miles each for a total of 4,320 miles.

Grand Total It all adds up to a grand total of 100,270 miles, including the two trips necessary for his graduation exercises coming up in May. During the longer trips, especially between Greenville and Wake Forest, he joined with other men to form car pools of anywhere from two to five men.

In all this driving, there was never a traffic accident and only one flat tire. This one flat delayed them onl> the few minutes it took to put on the spare.

Mr. Carroll was born in Gastonia on March 13, 1923. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Carroll, moved to Lancaster, S C, when he was a child and they still live there today.

He attended the Lancaster

And Sold 15 Pa^nas

In Two Years_

<a» ine Kpnt ivepT A A Datei With ^ Late v i TV mAnd mLearned ^ .To Paint ^ -

"None of my paintings are very countryside, a hound dog with un- good," she said. "But I enjoy i she set to work on her first paint b-lievably long ears, a buck with The way it worked was as soon magnificent superstructure stand- them."

Late TV shows and Mrs. Lee as the last member of the house- ing, the pot of roses.

She thinks other people could It was the fulfillment of a wish ing before a lake in the forest.

Morris used to have a regular hold went off to bed, she brought benefit painting or doing other she had had for many years.

Other picture subjects include a creativebywork rendezvous at her home on the out her tubes of paint, her brushes, they like.

"I just wanted to see what I southern plantation home amidst old Clairmont School Road four her easel and canvases and she could do with oil painting," she "I'm sure that many people..! live oaks and azaleas, assorted miles north of Albemarle after the promptly lost herself in the abflowers, a bird dog on point, wild could paint just as well or much other members of the family had sorption of putting oil paints onto said. ducks, two pairs of Southern belles better than I if they would only gone to bed and the house was canvas in the form of lovely picFifteen Pictures Sold their long buffant skirts and try it," she said. quiet and still.

Apparently she has done quite in tures. finery, and one painting of a col- She is interested in talking with And something strikingly differwell, too. For of the several dozen TV For Company ent from the usual late TV view- The TV set was left on, barely paintings she has completed in the lection of tabletop objects such as other people who paint and in the grinder, coffee pot, can- feasibility of establishing an amaing went on during this rendezvous audible, only for company; so the two years, 15 of them have sold— adle,coffee butter dish, sugar bowl, carv- teur art club here. at the Morris home. seven in Georgia, three in South Albemarle Native It wasn't that Mrs. Morris, a room would not be so lonely and Carolina, and five in Albemarle ing knife, and a filled fruit bowl.

A 1941 graduate of Albemarle young mother of two, was infat- devoid of movement.

First Art Show and vicinity.

School, Mrs. Morris the foruated with late TV shows. Not at She turned out a good bit of About a year ago, Mrs. Morris High Her subject matter is as varied work this way, although she ad- as are her skilled strokes with the had 16 of her paintings on dis- mer Miss Lee Gilliam, daughter all.

Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Gilliam.

But it was that she was fasci- mits the lighting situation was not brush. Perhaps she has a slight play at P. J. Huneycutt Furni- of parents live with her married preference toward outdoor sub- tvre Company in Albemarle, her Her nated, and still is, by picture as good as in the daytime.

Two years ago, Mrs. Morris took jects and animal stilllifes. At first one-woman art show, she sister, Mrs. Jip H. Forte, near painting. pencil in hand and sketched a pot some of her more captivat- says, and this resulted in some Old Clairmont School.

Picture painting and late-hour of roses on paper. She liked it so least, so indicate. public acknowledgment of the Her husband, Marvin L. Morris, TV seem an unlikely combination. well she went to town next day ingInpictures holds a position with the. Knither home there is a picture But it worked for her. That is, and purchased a supply of paint, of a graceful black stallion out- quality of her work. ting Department of Wiscassett until her husband, Marvin, got brushes, and canvas. Immediately lined against the sky in a green Right now she is devoting much Mills Company. of her painting time to portraits. fed up with it and made her stop -•&ir\ixs? • She sees portraiture as o.ie of the They have two children, Becky, the late hours. most exacting and challenging 13, and a seventh grader at New 1 forms of painting and she wants London School, and Todd, age, to become more adept as a por- three. Becky has shown a talent for drawing, too.* traitist.

She insists that her painting While she no longer paints while hobby is a sparetime avocation looking at the late show, Mrs. with her, but one from which she Morris still paints. She will keep at it, too. derives a lot of satisfaction.

"I just love painting," she said.

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C TUESDAY, MARCH 1. I960 ^^^*"?SW®f*s*1^BS^w

WALL-SIZED PAINTINC This is a picture of a painting covering t Mrs. Morris. Visitors have been amazed at tl praised it highly. Shown in the foreground a Becky, 13.

^

^ ^ m _ m J PAINTING A PICTURE AT THE EASEL Mrs. Morris works on an unfinished painting of a hound dog. She keeps her canvasses, paints and materials handy in the den of her home so she can paint in her spare time during the day.

—Staff Photo.

M

•

And Sold IS Paintings In Two Years

She Kept A Date With Late TV And Learned To Paint The way it worked was as soon she set to work on her first paintLate TV shows and Mrs. Lee Morris used to have a regular as the last member of the house- ing, the pot of roses.

I t was the fulfillment of a wish rendezvous a t her home on the hold went off to bed, she brought old Clairmont School Road four out her tubes of paint, her brushes, she had had for many years. miles north of Albemarle after the her easel and canvases and she "I just wanted to see what I other members of the family had promptly lost herself in the ab- could do with oil painting," she gone to bed and the house was sorption of putting oil paints onto said. quiet and still.

Fifteen Pictures Sold canvas in the form of lovely picApparently she has done quite And something strikingly differ- tures. well, too. For of the several dozen TV For Company ent from the usual late TV viewing went on during this rendezvous The TV set was left on, barely paintings she has completed in the a t the Morris home. audible, only for company; so the two years, 15 of them have sold— I t wasn't that Mrs. Morris, a room would not be so lonely and seven in Georgia, three, in South Carolina, and five in Albemarle young mother of two, was infat- devoid of movement. and vicinity. uated with late TV shows. Not a t She turned out a good bit of Her subject matter is as varied all.

But it was that she was fasci- work this way, although she ad- as are her skilled strokes with the nated, and still is, by picture mits the lighting situation was not brush. Perhaps she has a slight as good as in the daytime. preference toward outdoor subpainting.

Two years ago, Mrs. Morris took jects and animal stilllifes. A t Picture painting and late-hour TV seem an unlikely combination. pencil in hand and sketched a pot least, some of her-more captivatBut i t worked for her. That is, of roses on paper. She liked it so ing pictures so indicate. until her husband, Marvin, got well she went to town next day I p her home there is a picture fed up with it and made her stop and purchased a supply of paint, of a graceful black stallion outbrushes, and canvas. Immediately lined against the sky in a green the late hours.

"None of my paintings are very countryside, a hound dog with unbelievably long ears, a buck with good," she said. "But I enjoy magnificent superstructure stand- them."

She thinks other people could ing before a lake in the forest.

Other picture subjects include a benefit by painting or doing other southern plantation home amidst creative work they like.

"I'm sure that many people, live oaks and azaleas, assorted flowers, a bird dog on point, wild could paint just as well or much ducks, two pairs of Southern belles better than I if they would only in their long buffant skirts and try it," she said.

She is interested la talking with finery, and one painting of a collection of tabletop objects such as other people who paint and in the a coffee grinder, coffee pot, can- feasibility of establishing an amadle, butter dish, sugar bowl, carv- teur a r t club here. ing knife, and a filled fruit bowl.

Albemarle Native A 1941 graduate of Albemarle First Art Show About a year ago, Mrs. Morris High School, Mrs. Morris the forhad 16 of her paintings on dis- mer Miss Lee Gilliam, daughter play a t P. J. Huneycutt Furni- of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Gilliam. tvre Company in Albemarle, her Her parents live with her married first one-woman a r t show, she sister, Mrs. J i p H. Forte, near says, and this resulted in some Old Clairmont School. public acknowledgment of t h e Her husband, Marvin L. Morris, holds a position with the Knitquality of her work. ting Department of Wiscassett Right now die is devoting mud) Mills Company. of her painting time to portraits. They have two children, Becky, She sees portraiture as o.ie of the 13, and a seventh grader a t New most exacting and challenging London School, and Todd, age. forms of painting and she wants three. Becky has shown a talent to become more adept as a por- for drawing, too.* traitist.

While she no longer paints while She insists that her painting looking a t the late show, Mrs. hobby is a sparetime avocation Morris still paints. She will keep with her, but one from which she at it, too. derives a lot of satisfaction.

"I just love painting," she said.'

N

WALL-SIZED PAINTING IN THE MORRIS HOME This is a picture of a painting covering one complete w a l l done i n her son's bedroom by Mrs. Morris. Visitors have been amazed a t t h e size a n d realism of the painting a n d have praised i t highly. Shown i n t h e foreground a r e t h e Morris children, Todd, a g e three, a n d Becky, 13.

—Staff Photo.

m

Aikman EKpansion

The task of measuring the impact on a ww has always rue tasK ui industry makes is * °f Commerce community ^ j S a m many jp* to boost our admittedly difficult, ana '.toough expan- i n t a n g i b l e f wXmR. Henderson, North j H0WGV r | N the acquisi^development adminis^j Carolina mdustnaUe ^ ^ te trator, recently came UP Spen- that we management of ^r^teatecor^ Mon our hap- would mean to tne ^ expansion. ^ent, estimat*yees wm be i n g t h e ^rherearetbefigures,lasea lal Plant operaA t any rate, us. w h a t m i n d l fcry ,** installation. on a national *uw» would m e { M on * oftheconfi. f^Pany has in A am ° " I t o( P00.00O. !*• Thus far, A plant invest"*' °> i m founded. t 1 room school bou» I^marle they ^Perations and 1 1 " R a t i o n ot over a tnt.Uon p willing and

» ^ ££***"* 1

,ar

>sion mean to

'ome

dollars. ^ people.

The support of 1 - ^ p

million dollars-

el Shop Was Early Industry shop supplemented its failing mantel business by building variBy FRED T. MORGAN ous types of furniture for the home, office, school, and store.

Forty years ago and lonpr Along about the beginning of over on the east side ot towra World War I. the business was steam whistle sounded loud ad sold to R. B. (Shack) Ritchie and long In the early morning stlhis brother. Claude Ritchie, of ness.

Albemarle. The latter brother Joining it within seconds wre died a few years later, but the remaining brother operated the the clanging of the bell at le shop until he sold it to Dwight old Albemarle Normal and iCrowell in 1935. At that time, i dustrial Institute down on te the name of the business was south side <& town and the shll changed to the Piedmont Fixture of additional whistles from Efd and Mantel Company. and Wiscassett Mills on the wst side of town. Roosters, to, Store fixtures became the dominant product of the plant. would join in the clamor.

Also, there was a brisk business This medley of inharmoni«s in the production of school announcement was a dally ritil 1 furniture. Mantels were finally which aroused people and 2dropped. ; naled the beginning of the da[s Kermit L. Young, operator of activities.

Young Manufacturing Company The whistle from east, comig of Norwood, became associated from the old Albemarle Marel with Crowell in the firm. In Shop, was not always first. Ir the next few years, operation of Hamp Blackwelder, the whise the plant Was sporadic and some blower, was not a man to juip financial difficulties were exthe gun just to be first to brise perienced by the owners. the airways ana vibrate te Building Burns soundtracks with his step On a winay windy winter nign night un hlsser. around 1940, give or take a yea Steam Engine Ready or so, the machine shop part of By the time th* whistle blv the plant caught fire and burned its strident song into tha eay THESE MEN WORKED AT THE OLD MANTEL SHOP to the ground, bringing an end morning air, Hamp had unt This pture, believed made about 1924 by a photographer by the name of Boylin, is owned to the colorful days of the old good head of steam in tha beshop. er and the old steam engfc by J. A. fckins of 606 Ridge Street. Taken outside the shop building, it shows about half the mantel The old finishing room part men wh<*prked there at that time.

They are, left to right, R. A. (Buddy) Arey (deceased), hissed and rumbled as if inthe plant stood unused until patient to get the shop whe« Will Coblt r e n u s Burgess, Oscar Mauldin (deceased), Lawrence Coble, Marshall Mauldin (de- of it ceased), %p A. Blackwelder, J. A. Hopkins, and eely Smith. .„ was ..-~ utilized ~„- in ... the construcrolling. tion of the Albemarle Albemarle Mills "~ *"" by Before long the men arrH years or mo He came to Stan-1 Starting wages in the early log was revised every few years contractor D. A. Holbrook. So, and activated their posts. *u ly County« tound (round and | days was around 10 cents per with some mantels being dropped e-iren even mua/, today, aa qrpc type ui of manufacturmanufactursteam engine knuckled down» tJworked at j older 1900 in part of the manhour for experienced help.

Top while newer styles were added, ing continues Albemarle ^ ^ ^ experiencea neip. wmie aaaea. a steady throb, complimented I Furniture Cc, tel shop. located men commanded a few cents A photographer J 1 1 C 1 from 1 1 U 1 I 1 Greensboro VJlt^UUUVlU the whine and growl of the woo east of t h e atney l shop, Though the old shop and most shop, until was to come down and make more per hour.

Part time and said "«**»• Anain anA mob-* an nore nour. r a n nine anu working machines and the pi "water boy" help was paid only pictures of the mantels to go in of its craftsmen of the early days sating quiver of the building. |the mantel c p a n y w a s formed. "water are gone now, many of its manle catalogscatalogs. the Ana another day was und< Principal scolders and the a few cents a day. are still in existence in way at the Albemarle Man! founders of %i a n tel shop were Draper Cooper and Guy Black- One ^\ man ventured a guess that tels the shop turned out 10 completed homes in Albemarle and Stanly J. M. MorrotfTL. Smith, and welder were two water boys who Shop.

John Snotherf 5, A. (Rufe) lugged two buckets of water to mantels a day. Finished mantels County and throughout the South, The Albemarle 1Mantel Coi CrowreU w a crated and hauled by horse for that matter. It is not unand one m « « and "r;»^oHwofl in the RtheL shops from the well at the were pany is furniture remembered as one c o imupvaan«y af-t . ^kholder mercial woodwari fa and wagon to the depot where usual to enter a local home and me a l s a ^xime, aiso. t - - Smith home twice daily.

W| the they were shipped by rail, some- see a handsome mantel or a desk, in early an SIndustries of the ci] ing pianxs inthe — - - „ mcoi . ErskineL Old Catalog and one iofi" APL *« i i» -pioneer "SinSoSa W. IMkHilth,.Alba ej w i t h / Albemarle times a full boxcar load at a table, chair, wardrobe, or other mercial furniture01andcireet woodwon An undated unaatea catalog catalog put put. out out by uy time. odd pieces of furniture which at the corner in tl attorney and „f the l a t e R I An the company contained this in- "Those were good days," said came from the skilled hands of VU area.

It stoi Avenue and »«""> ^* g V Smith, renders stacking formation: the company contained this inone man who worked at the shop the men who manned the mantel ^ ^ ^ 1 ^ ^ ^ « "The mantels illustrated in this 40 years ago. "Things were slow shop. a r e a now occupied by Jonn BO, catalog are made of the very and steady and unhurried. Then ett's Albemwle MUis. in u r f o r *s»ar no r s o J aanc(kj fromh o college best materials and with the high- we were more interested in turnmu, the mill building was Jffifa^,..

Latetl d home Robin's egg blue and mauve s t a y e ova ZL imniies fOT ^ e firm.

Ag«»«"— the. name imphes, ^ est class of workmanship. We ing out a good job, the best job, pink are used in alternate stripes around the finishing room 01tifcandled "x»j D^u r i^n geoffice g be > *W a r £ fls o and fully guarantee the workmanold mantel * - ran - «=—«" in getting out a whole lot to make a beautiful, fragile shirt mantel shopshop . s ? f a a i 1 r " i eshop six 4 w e-e k ,-- 60 ship, material, and finish in than .VUXIX. m^ thing — mantels. ini » u s veZ Aours a week. ^ a than take every mantel to be of the high- of work." waist dress for resort wear. shapes styles and to i n > fuU h ~ v v a i a i 111 c o o i w l t a \ u . n v u . . order. need, fame were plain an ^ ^ ^f ^ ^ t h e b umUef nl > est oraer.

Mantel Business Declines e SLA, W I T H A (JLiASaiFllLL" AJL"— 'All mantels are crated se- Despite the painstaking care SELL adorned. Others w « fancy two e x t L u r / o f time WITH A CLASSIFIED There are 37,000 people in AD— Stancurely, and prices are f.o.b. Al-iana int rperb workmanship id the onsuperb workmanship There are and 37,000there people in many Stanornate. Some ^ n^s ^'rrors'hich enabled T t o take off bemarle, N. C. After delivery lavished the mantels, busily County, are mantels J *l«-» »*.»»*.+**"«.

Vinci 1 . . f^,,r,Xi /1 tliava a m mnnnv carvings and ^ P f * r \ .

1 4 PJ»- on Saftys t o take to the carrier, in good order, our ness ..woo »™.v. a" decline prospects whom you do not know. started on ~ " — along Craftsmen In wooa „ e ^ ^ y t r a d i n d business K" ltie carrier, in guv in the twenties from which it Reach them with an ad.

— Call tne —— *-^—- J irom WIUCII 11 er-rvt responsibility ceases." *»« -«J At.r» c*-t n-t AH oi them exhibited ffifeters. ] Recollections are that the cata never recovered. Thereafter tht T

a n

gS'AS^^^s—

5-

That's why tne annu>v<

f> this shop found wide and popular • acceptance and demand through», out the South and beyond. While t some mantels were shipped north, s most went South to markets and I outletsln the Carolinas, Georgia, L and other southern states. Some people believe that some of the were even shipped to 1- mantels overseas markets. While It Is] - not likely that any mantels went HERE'S AN EXAMPLE OF THE TYPE OF MANTELS MADE t directly from the local shop to This picture came from an old catalog put out by the Albemarle Mantel Company. The catacata •[overseas markets, It is quite poslog Is owned by J. W. Cooper of Leonard Avenue who worked at the mantel shop during its en sible that they did so from jobtire existence. This particular mantel, one of dozens of styles produced, sold for $90.00 according 1 bars or speculators who handled to the catalog. It exhibits the polished woodworking ability which characterized all the prodthem. ucts of the mantel shop.

At any rate the product be. came well known in the trade they nov ,, and orders bom divergent places . kept the old shop humming for > many years. An attractive, well, built mantel was the hallmark , of fashion in homes in those days.

Mantel Shop Layout Two principal buildings made up the mantel shop, fhe finishing room, near the corner, and the larger machine shop connected to the north end of the first shop by a walkway. North of the machine room stood the dry kiln and beyond it was the extensive lumberyard. The boiler room stood west of the machine shop. A small office building stood west of the finishing room on a little hill near Montgomery Avenue.

A footpath meandered across! the corner and over the walkway between the two larger buildings. There was a small branch in the hollow back of the buildings. Big trees stood around lt Among the men remembered to have worked there in the early days of the shop's existence were Jack and Ells Cooper, George Cooper, Will Cooper, Charlie Cooper, Lindsay Cooper, Isaac Almond, Nealie Byrd, Jim HarI w o o d , John Martin, Pat Robin& son, Irenus Burgess, Madison rt Ragsdale, George Pickler, W. J. «. Cotton, Harold Efird, Sam Mills, e Bud Arey, .Will and Lawrence Coble, Marshall Mauldin, J. A. Hopkins, Tank Shankle, Reely Smith. H. A. Blackwelder, and Billy Russell.

These men were not all by any means. They were the ones recalled at the moment by people closely associated with the shop.

Hamp Blackwelder Hamp Blackwelder, now 83 and a resident of Ridge Street, remembers going to work at the mantel shop in 1908. He held a regular job there for many years.

He made 90 cents a day to start with, for a 10-hour day, and before he left the job, about 19 years later, he had been raised up to about $1.25 per day, which was the going rate in that day.

Mr. Blackwelder fired the boiler, tended the steam engine, blew Ithe whistle four times a day, ai\d was general custodian of the place. After electric power became available, the shop concerted to electricity. This all but eliminated his job, except for he use of the boiler's steam to >perate the dry kiln, so Mr. blackwelder was moved Inside he shop and assigned to a job ft the cut-off saw.

Will Cooper 2. W. (Will) Cooper, who lives n Leonard Avenue and who wttl e 75 in March, went to work pr the mantel shop when it first pened tor business around 1905and worked there for 35

I

1

Albemarle Mant STANLY NEWS AND PRESS. ALBEMARLE, N. C. FBIDAT, MARCH 18, 1960

ÂŁ

HERE'S AN EXAMPLE OF THE TYPE OF MANTELS MADE

This picture came from an old catalog put out by the Albemarle Mantel Company. The catalog Is owned by J. W; Cooper of Leonard Avenue who worked at the mantel shop during its entire existence. This particular mantel, one of dozens of styles produced, sold for $90.00 according to the catalog. It exhibits the polished woodworking ability which characterized all the products of the mantel shop.

As General Superintendent Of The Company

Cap'n Denning Observes 60th Year With Wiscassett Mills "The Lord has been mighty good to me. The people here have, too. It's been a wonderful life."

The man who spoke these words was 90-year-old Thomas M. (Cap'n) Denning of 415 North Second Street.

He sat in his home talking to a reporter. His voice was firm and unhurried. His manner quiet and composed. Smiles and laughter came easy for him.

This man has seen Wiscassett Mills grow from a struggling enterprise to a giant among the textile industries of the state.

Saturday, March 12, will mark his 60th anniversary a s General Superintendent of the company.

He was 90 years of age on February 4 of this year. He has seen Albemarle grow from a three-store village.

When he came to Wiscassett 60 years ago, he and one assista n t handled all the work attendant to the general operation and supervision of the mills.

Now when he goes down to the office, which he does every afternoon, h e says the building is practically running over with desks and people and papers and ringing telephones.

'There's quite a contrast there," h e said.

How does it feel to be 90?

Not much different from 10, 15, or 20 years ago as far as he can tell.

What is the secret of his longevity?

Regular Activity If there is any secret in his case, he says it must be activity.

While he has always been a man of wholesome personal habits, he believes regular activity h a s had a lot to do with it.

"When some people get on u p

Mrs. Mable York, all of Albemarle, Ralph Denning of California, and Mrs. C. E. Miller of Stanton, Va. There are a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

His son, Wade, is superintendent and vice-president of Wiscassett Mills, a position he has held for 30 years.

Following is a brief autobiography, prepared by Cap'n Denning himself, which gives t h e highlights of his background in the textile industry: Started As Sweeper I was born on a farm near Wentworth, N. C, county seat of Rockingham County, February 4, 1870. Later our family of nine moved to Carolina Cotton Mill housed in a wooden building on the river a short distance from the town of Haw River. The mill w a s owned and operated by the Holt family and produced a cheap, col. ored plaid cloth. Several members of our family worked there. I was 10 years old when given employment in 1880 as a sweeper and oiler, a job requiring 12 hours daily, six days a week, a t 10c a day.

In connection with my job, I fired four big cast iron wood stoves, country store style. The mill building was a two-story structure with two stoves used on each floor for heating.

Shortly thereafter we moved 60 YEARS WITH WISCASSETT to Swepsonville, a town also Thomas M. (Cap'n) Denning, 90 years of age, will observe a short distance from Haw on Saturday, March 12, his 60th year as General Superintendent River, N. C. It was not long of Wiscassett Mills.

—Staff Photo. before this mill burned to the ground. This was before auHis daily routine is pretty tomatic sprinklers and fire proin years and retire, they just sit down before the Are and bake much a fixed pattern. In the tection were used a t the mills their feet and rust out," he said. mornings he stays around home in our section.

"I'm not like that," he con- and reads his daily and local Helped Build MiU tinued. "I've always said I may newspapers and catches one or After the fire and seeking wear out, but I won't ever rust two favorite TV programs around noon. Early in the afternoon, h e future employment, our family out." goes to his office in the Wiscas- moved to Ossipee, a new buildsett office building. Frequently, ing site in the country on the he goes on down into the plants. river, where the Ossipee Cotton Many of the employees he can Mill was being built by James M. Williamson and Sons. My call by name. had charge of the conOnly a few Wiscassett em- father struction work on the mill ployees are living who were building and on the houses beworking for the company when ing erected for the company's Mr. Denning came. These are re- employees.

The mill is now tired now. being operated by Burlington Repeatedly, Mr. Denning re- Industries and is located a few affirmed his faith and pride in miles from Burlington, N. C. I his company's employees. "When w a s 12 years old and working you work with people for 60 in the brick yards 12 hours a years, you know them," h e said. day for 10c a day. I helped 'They understand m e and I un- m a k e the brick that went into derstand them. If I have an en- the new building. In those emy anywhere among them, I days we used hand molds, don't know it." making four bricks at a time.

The mill was completed and First Street Church Another prime interest of his machinery installed about the through the three score years time James A. Garfield, Presihas been First Street Methodist dent of t h e United States, was Church. He remembers t h e con- assissinated. The original opgregation used a small wooden eration w a s started up with 12 church building on Depot Street spinning frames with a total until the present church was at 2,400 spindles. I was aserected in 1922. He has been a n signed the job of looking after active member since he moved the big kerosene lamps, counto Albemarle, having served a s a try store style with holders, steward and chairman of t h e suspended from the ceiling.

My daily routine was to reboard of trustees.

Mr. Denning is married to the fuel the lamps, wash the former Miss Betty Strickland who globes and trim the wicks. is 87. They have five children, Promotions Begin Wade and Elbert Denning «fld About 1884 our family moved to Durham, N. C., where I began working in the Durham Cotton Mills, another new mill which was just starting operations. I was given the job of making bands for spinning frames a t 25c a day. Soon things turned out well for m e —I w a s moved up. In a short time I was promoted to Section Man, to Second Hand, and finally to Overseer of Spinning.

I was 19 years old when promoted. I held this job for 11 years. At the end of this period I was offered and accepted the Superintendency of Wiscassett Mills in March 1900.

Wiscassett had a small beginning with 200 employees, first and second shifts; 34 cards and 12,000 spindles on carded work. I cannot recall a single mill in the South operating combers this early.

Promoter and President of Wiscassett was Mr. J. W. Cannon, a grand person, pioneer in the textile field, a m a n of keen foresight and considered a m a n of important executive ability.

Early in 1900 Mr. Joe Cannon was named Secretary and Treasurer and under their able direction the plant grew into an important position in the textile industry. After the passing of Mr. J. W. Cannon, Mr. Charles A. Cannon took over a s President. Like his father, he I possessed far-seeing and creative vision and is a recognized j leader in the textile field in the nation today.

Outstanding Leaders It h a s certainly been a priv- j j ilege and inspiration to m e in my lifetime to have been associated with two outstanding J leaders in the textile field. Mr. J ( Cannon has as his associates!

Messrs. Hearne Swink, William!

Cannon, R. L. Holbrook ancll Wade Denning. With thgf knowledge of these men in th; Wiscassett organization, tr success and prosperity are a^ sured.

Let me add, the Wiscasse employees are to be high! praised for their long a ?

faithful, efficient services in connection with their fine cooperation, maintaining our high quality yarns. They are to be commended for their fine citizenship. They are certainly a decided asset to Wiscassett Mills.

In this year 1960, I was 90 years old on February 4, and will celebrate m y 60th anniversary with Wiscassett on March 12.

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS. ALBEMARLE, N. C TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23. 1960

James T. Mabry Of The Fork Community

This Man Has Given Much To Stanly's Agriculture

#

People say James T. (Jim Tom) Mabry of the Fork community is ready and willing to jump in and push with a strong shoulder on any organized activity of benefit to the agricultural people and program of Stanly County.

In fact, folks say it would be hard to find a man anywhere in the county who has given more unselfishly and faithfully of his time and abilities in promoting and guiding agriculture interests in the county.

His record over the past quarter of a century bears these statements out quite well.

During most of this time, Mr. Mabry has serOd in a responsible positio-, of direct leadership in the programs and pursuits with which he has affiliated.

Notable success and marked achievements have followed hi all of these movements with consequent improvements and well-being to the farming people of this county and tins area.

Often, by far the greater part ot the time, his service has been unremunerative financially and he carried on at a personal sacrifice because he strongly believed in the worth and value of the work he spearheaded.

Lots of times, he was gone practically from dawn to dusk week after week.

Hectic On Family "It has certainly been hectic on his . wife and family," said Mrs. Mabry, who is the former Miss Mae Hough. "Lots of times we leeded him here but he'd be off JAMES T. MABRY . . . He's at home both on the farm and a t n some volunteer work some- the helm of some agricultural movement ln the county. there" —Staff Photo.

Mr. Mabry, a medium-sized man Also, he and his wife have put tth a quick smile and a ready district board of supervisors. Prior Vrd, has been Stanly County au- to that, he held the position of dis- their two children through college.

They are Mrs. D. T. Singleton of IVvisor of the Brown Creek Soil trict secretary for two terms.

Conservation District since Stanly Rockingham, wife of a school prinThe district board holds one c %e into the district in 1942. For regular meeting each quarter, ro- cipal, and Jimmy Mabry who lives a lumber of years, he was the tated among the five counties in near his parents and is associated °h* supervisor in the county. the district. The county board With his father in their dairying Th«i two more were named and holds at least six meetings per operation. he ias served as chairman of the year, plus called meetings. Once There are three grandchildren.

"•PQ-man board since. a year, the members attend a Native of Fork Sestion Oil February 3 of this year he three-day state meeting. They Born and reared on the farm in was re-elected to his fourth con- have the responsibility of guiding the Fork community near where secutive term as chairman of the soil conservation work in the he presently lives, Mr. Mabry was county and district as well as pro- born January 13, 1894, son of the moting a number of educational late Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Mabry. projects related to it.

His father was a county commis\tiUt] J„_^J#Zr$R&S. sioner for several years arid a Began With Triple A member of the county road board.

Starting around 1933, Mr. MaAfter attending the old Fork bry served as county chairman of Academy through the eighth the Triple A program here, con- grade, he completed high school tinuing on through the program's at Norwood. He then completed name-changing to the PMA and to two years at N. C. State College its present designation, ASC. He in Raleigh before joining the served a total of 21 years with this Army for service in'World War I. program, all of it at the helm.

During his more than 23 months In fact, for several years there, of overseas service in the Army, he was county chairman both of he participated in some of the bitthe ASC or its predecessor and the terest fighting in France. He vivSCS. idly remembers the momentous He also served on the Farmers' events leading up to the Armistice Home Administration county com- at 11 a. m. on November 11, 1918. mittee.

He was married in 1920 and he For two years duing World War and his wife occupied their presII, he was the man who secured ent home, the 150 - year - old right-of-way for maneuvers con- Shankle homeplace, in 1924. Their ducted in Stanly by the U. S. home has an imposing Southern Armed Services and headed a team plantation style front. The sound which appraised property damage framing in the two-story structure done by the maneuver boys. is firmly morticed and pinned in For four years during the war, place. he worked with the Extension SerCurrently, Mr. Mabry and vice and the draft board investi- Jimmy are milking 60 head of gating farm boys coming up for cows on their 269-acre dairy farm. deferment from military service They cultivate around 90 acres of because of farming enterprises. grain and row crops on the farm In addition to all these and and another 65 acres on land rentother outside activities, Mr. Ma- ed from the Carolina Power & bry has had time to devote to his Light Company on the Pee Dee church. He is a member and trus* River. tee of the Norwood Methodist Modern Milking Parlor Church and taught a Sunday Recently, they installed one of School class for more than 20 the most modern milking parlors years. to be found in the county or state.

Milking their 60 cows used to be a wearying three-hour chore with much hand labor. Now with automation, they milk and feed the same number of cows in an allaround more efficient manner in less than half the time. The father and son handle the bulk of the farm and dairying work themselves, hiring extra help on a sea-] sonal basis.

Eighteen years ago, there were scant soil conservation practices in use in Stanly County outside of terracing, Mr. Mabry said.

Through the succeeding years he has seen the conservation measures in soil, water, wildlife, and forestry catch on and spread throughout the county.

"It's mostly been a matter of education," he said, "You have to sell people on the worth, value* and effectiveness of the idea and prove to them it will work and pay dividends."

On his own farm, Mr. Mabry practices what he preaches. He has 125 acres in permanent pasture, is working on some drainage problems, and plants cover for wildlife among other measures.

One thing he praises is his living fence consisting of multiflora rose through which no cow can penetrate. It serves as a boundaryline pasture fence requiring no upkeep and provides a haven for birds and other wildlife.

Enjoyed All Work "I have thoroughly enjoyed my work in all the organizations," Mr. Mabry said. "The people of Stanly County have been very cooperative and helpful to me in all the programs. Without this cooperation we could have achieved no success."

Each year at District SCS election time, Mr. Mabry says he's going to get out of the chairman's seat. But the last few years have seen him re-elected to another term.

"He's not a man to neglect a job once he accepts it," a close I friend said. "He's always, there and working. The people of the county owe a lot of thanks to Mr. Mabry for the job he's done and is doing for them."

a c f. c h a n n n T Si

s< H ir

tt w CJ

n a ti o q q h\ tl s 0

n ij

id ti d

STANLY NEWS AND PBESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2. 1960 Shop in the basement of his home, 2025 Lee Avenue.

Left December 28 After spending Christmas here with his daughter, Mrs. John U. Whitlock, Mr. Melton set out on December 28 -for Florida. However, he stopped by for a visit with his two sons, Lester and George L., in Lancaster, S. C. and didn't arrive in Jacksonville, Fla. A former Albemarle man, now until Wednesday afternoon. aearing 83 years of age, came Then he went to Plataka, Fla., back through town last week on to the Stephen Foster Memorial, the final leg of a month-long 2,down U. S. 1 to Daytona Beach, 400-mile solo auto journey which on to New Smyra where he tried took him almost to the southern to find Mike and Arnold Parker tip of Florida. of New London without success.

Neither George W. Melton or Next, he spent a week at Aastor, his 1949 Dodge looked any worse Fla. and fished with friends on for the mileage. a lake in the St. Johns River.

The only complaint registered He didn't tarry long in Miami by the car on the trip was a because of the traffic. burned-out generator which had "It was the worse traffic I ever to be replaced. saw," he said.

Mr. Melton, personally, had no On the overseas highway to Key complaint at all.

West, he got tired and a little He came back spry of step, a dizzy in the head so he turned sparkle in his eye, and showing off around 35 miles short of Key what a month in the healthy FlorWest and headed back. Back in ida sun can do for you.

Miami, he drove northwest to And boy, did he rave about the Fort Myers. sights of Florida. The State of "That's just about the prettiest Florida ought to put him on its place I ever saw in my life," he advertising payroll. It would be said referring to Fort Myers. hard for them to find a more arHe spent some time with the dent booster of the sight-seeing Maude Williams in Orlando, with wonderland of the sunshine state. the Haywood Gaddys in HollyThe trip was a fulfillment of a wood, the John Calloways in wish Mr. Melton has had for some Brandenton, and with other time—to just cut loose and go— friends and relatives in different where he wanted to, when he parts of the state. wanted to, and stay long as he He left Jax on Monday a t 8 a. wanted to. m. and arrived in Lancaster, S. "Ah-hh, but I did have a time," C. about 4 p. m. He came on to he said.

Albemarle the next day and w a s Born a t Norwood scheduled to arrive back in Sanford on Wednesday afternoon, Born and reared at Norwood, January 27, to complete a full Mr. Melton was married to the month away on his trip. former Miss Rosa Lampley who died in 1912. That year he came No Trouble on Trip to Albemarle and took charge of No accident, not even a little a telephone company which he bump, marred his trip. In fact, operated until 1918 when he went he says he's never had a traffic into the building and automobile ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT FLORIDA accident while driving. storage batteries here.

George W. Melton, nearing 83, after just completing a 2400In addition to the children almile solo automobile tour of Florida, says if you've never been ready named, Mr. Melton has two to Florida to see the sights, that's one trip you ought to make. other daughters, Mrs. Lois Ropka He's planning another next winter.

—Staff Photo. of Sanford and Mrs. Ernest Baker of Edgewater, Md. He has a In 1917 he was married to the until the crash of 1929 ruined number of grandchildren and great grandchildren. former Miss Essie Blackwelder, his business. who died the following year.

"I've had a lot of bad luck," However, he stayed on as a n His third wife w a s the former employee until 1939 when he he said. "I've had three funerMiss Xoravil Suddarth of Stanly went to Fort Bragg where he als, been burned out once, had 116 South Second Street County whom he married in 1919. worked for the next five years. my business ruined in the crash PHONE YU 2-5614 Following that, he purchased a of '29. But I've pulled through.

She died in 1957. home in Sanford. He continues My children have done well for In 1926, Mr. Melton bought out jp Hours — 8:30 - 5:30 t h e Cherry Cola plant here, fore- to make Sanford his home and themselves.

Monday - Saturday "For a long time, I've wanted runner of the present Nehi Bot- for the past several years he has tling Company, and operated it operated Pop Melton's Radiator to take a trip like this. Just cut loose and go. I have enjoyed it tremendously."

And how about next year when the dead of winter rolls around?

Will he get to hankering for the Florida sun and sights?

"You bet," he said with a grin.

"I'm planning another trip. I w a n t to stay longer, go farther, see more and do more."

8-B

83-Year-Old George W. Melton

l e Drove To Florida And Back Alone

tloans $25.00 Up

Stanly finance Co., Inc.

QUILTING A 100- YEAR-OLD QUILT Mrs. F. Leland Greenlee of Badin pulls her needle and thread through some old and well preserved material as she quilts a quilt pieced by her husband's grandmother in Massachusetts in the early 1850's. The quilt was extra wide, she said, and she had to make some alterations before she could get the quilt in her quilting frames.

—Staff Photo.

100-Year Old Quilt Is Finished A quilting j o b s t a r t e d well over 100 years a g o In t h e state of Massachusetts w a s finished u p recently in t h e home of Mrs. F . Leland Greenlee of 90 Spruce Street, Badin.

Mrs. Greenlee put up her quilting frames and quilted a fancily-pieced quilt which was pieced by her husband's grandmother who was also the grandmother of an Albemarle woman, Mrs. Elizabeth Baldwin of 325 East South Street The quilt was pieced together from the worn and outgrown baby clothes of their father, the late Ephriam Leland Greenlee, who was a young child at the time his mother designed and created the quilt while waiting for her husband to come home from the gold fields of California.

Today the old quilt is remarkably strong and well preserved.

It shows little sign of use or wear. Obvious in its "four-star" pattern is neat and painstaking craftsmanship. The hand stitching binding together the intricate pieces and blocks holds firm in the cotton fabric.

Though it is completed now, the old quilt will not go into use on a bed:.

Rather, it will be kept as a showpiece and a treasured family heirloom to be handed down to succeeding generations of Greenlees.

DRY'S Cloth Shop .4 Complete Fabric and Notion Center — O p e n 6 Days a Week— DIAL YU 2-4895 Charlotte Road

THE

TO RECEIVE QUILT As the only Greenlee grandson, Johnny Greenlee, now living in Charlotte, will be given possession of the treasured heirloom.

Historical Background Mrs. Baldwin knows well the historical background behind the quilt Her grandmother, the former Miss Harriett Rice, came from New England to the booming gold mine town of Gold Hill in Rowan County in the 1840*8 to nurse her brother back to health.

The brother had come to Gold Hill earlier to seek his fortune in the gold diggings. When he be came til with TB, he sent for his sister and she came.

Afterward she remained in the gold mining town and taught school. There the educated and talented young woman met James Mclntyre Greenlee of McDowell County, N. C. They were later married. Greenlee became dissatisfied with Gold Hill and took his bride back to his farm home in McDowell County.

There, too, he developed an itching foot and soon decided to follow the great migration of the Forty-Niners west to California to try his luck in the fabulous

OMCimil

What-A-f'wger SfclAST MAIN DRIVE-IN m « Bill Russell

Dial YU 2-6888

gold fields. He took his family inheritance of six male slaves and set out for distant California. This was along about 1850-51.

Upon his departure, his young wife took her baby son back to her home on the Deerfield River in Shelburn Falls, Mass. There, in the six years that passed before her husband's return from California, she pieced the quilt which has now been handed down into the fourth generation of her family.

Inddentially, the husband was unsuccesful in his venture to California's storied gold land.

After arrival there his six slaves were freed, leaving him alone and without help to work a gold claim.

Greenlee Quilting Mrs. Greenlee used the "fan" style of quilting in completing the old quilt. Although she has only been quilting for the past several years, she has a rich heritage to live up to in the quilting field.

Her mother, Mrs. Nancy Lewis, now 93 years of age and living in Maryville, Tenn., still pieces quilts together like she has been doing since she was a young girL To date she has completed between 1,000 and 1,500 quilts, according to compilations by her children.

Mostly her quilts have gone to her children and grandchildren.

Out of this woman's family of seven sons and seven daughters, JI Mrs.

Greenlee is the only child \

to take up the quilting hobby and she began it only in recent years.

A native of Maryville, Tenn., Mrs. Greenlee was married Janu- [ ary 1, 1917 and came to Badin that year. Her husband came to Badin in May of 1916 as one of 10 men sent to help set up the first potroom at the new Badin Works. Today, he is the only survivor of the 10. He will soon have 46 years with Alcoa.

Mr. and Mrs. Greenlee have four children, Mrs. Richard Wright of Terre Haute, Ind., Mrs. J. C. Blair, Jr., of Badin, Mrs. Frank Bostian of Cheraw, S. C, and one son, Johnny of Charlotte.

There are eight grandchildren.

Only Grandson Johnny happens to be the only Greenlee grandson in the family so the quilt pieced by his great grandmother has already been bequeathed to him.

Married and liVing in Charlotte where he is employed by Ryerson Steel, Johnny has one small daughter.

The family hopes he will have a male heir in order to keep the old quilt in the Greenlee name.

^ w

Tales OI The Uwharries

The Ghost And The Pot Of Gold C a n t h e p r e s e n c e of a m u r dered m a n come back from hell itself to h a u n t t h e scene of t h e c r i m e . . . a n d b r i n g a l i t t l e b i t of i t s e n v i r o n m e n t w i t h it . . . ?

The biting winter wind of late afternoon cut at the faces of t h e m a n and woman huddled together at the front of the twohorse wagon which rattled and clanked over the rough road through the Uwharrie hills. Both

haggard mules looked ready to drop from exhaustion. Locked on the woman's cold-stiffened face was a plea for her husband to stop and find shelter for them for the night as a refuge from this strange and unfriendly land through which they were forced to travel.

Great as her discomfort was, her main concern was for the little bundle of life wrapped tightly in her arms. She pulled thick wraps away and pinched the cheek of her months-old baby. It whimpered and moaned and then shrieked out loudly and she clutched it to her breast.

"Please, John," she begged and tugged at he husband's arm, "we must stop and find shelter. The baby can't stand much more of this. We've all got to have food and warmth."

Desperation blazed in John's eyes. "We'll do it right away," he promised. But his empty voice lacked assurance.

Refused Lodging Already- they had stopped by two farm houses and had been refused lodging. Even in barns and outbuildings. Now the last

sunlight glowed weakly low be- sion and his predicament, the hungrily and cheerily up the hind the trees and, in the east, face of his host, a wizened little chimney. the clouds darkened up threat- man in overalls and with a cob "Mavbe that'll make my tor-1 enly. Bitterness for the hostility pipe jutting out of his mouth. ment in hell a little less severe," i of this strange land and its peo- turned white and his eyes bugged the figure said contritely. And ; ple filled John as his eyes eager- out. it was gone. ly and hopefully sought what John Comes Back "You can't go back there tolay around the next bend in the night," he shrilled. "You'll be The snow had stopped and the road. ripped to pieces. People have mid-morning sun was trying to Twilight rapidly disappeared been killed there. Lots of them. find a hole through the shifting into the gloom of the raw winter That house is ha in'ted. Way- clouds next day when John and night as they came upon the farers have stopped there before the farmer crunched through the ramshackled two-story house. It to spend the night and next snow and stopped outside the looked like it hung together on- morning all that's left of them old house. ly by great effort. Ragged gap- is a little pile of bones. I've seen They entered apprehensively, ing black holes yawned where it. Yore wife and child are fearful of what they almost knew the doors and windows should riddled to pieces by now. You they would see on the floor. In- J have been. Half the roof had will be too if you go back there. stead they saw the woman and tumbled in under the fallen Stay here with us till daylight the baby fairly comfortable be- j stone chimney. An alarmed owl then we'll go back and take a fore a roaring fire. She had gone winged out through the front look." to the wagon and brought food door as they approached. into the house for herself and the I John collapsed.

When he woke Fortunately, the barn was in baby and found more wood for better shape and John took out up he began gasping. "But, but the fire. the mules and confined them . . . they're waiting on me . . . exJohn clasped her with broken â&#x20AC;˘ there with a ration of grain. pecting me . . . I gotta go back," sobs of joy. he mumbled.

Then he took his wife and baby She told them of the experience But the farmer held him fast of the night before and showed j inside the old house and tried to make them comfortable. In and tied his hands to a big rock- them her scorched apron. The the last fading light, he ex- ing chair and forced him to drink two men went down to t h e cellar amined the stone fireplace and some liquid which knocked him and brought back t h e pot of gold.! found it serviceable enough for into unconsciousness.

The farmer knew the murdered a fire. He scraped together a Back at the old house, the man's brother. Later they countpile of fallen timbers and debris woman wept quietly in the dark- ed out the gold pieces and diand threw it into the fireplace ness as she began to realize in vided with him acocrding to the for the fire that he and his wife her heart that her husband Instructions. and child needed so badly. wasn't coming back that night.

There was one odd piece. This Maybe he had abandoned them they cut squarely down the midNo Matches For Fire in cowardice and fear. Or may- dle a n d each one took half.

Then, to his overwhelming dis- be he had lost his way and was may he discovered he had no freezing to death out there in the matches to ignite the kindling. drifting snow.

Frantically he searched his pockGhastly Apparition ets but there were no matches.

The clear sound of "thump, There was no way even to light the stub of a candle or the coal thump" steps on the broken oil lantern they had brought with stairs somewhere in the blackthem into the house from the ness across the room from her wagon. Frustrated, he informed came to her ears. It drew nearhis wife and his voice broke and er. Into her sight then came a his weak chin trembled at the most ghastly apparition which thoughts of freezing to death in made her speechless and imthis old house through which t h e mobile. All she could do was wind shrieked and into which stare. snowflakes, were beginning to An eerie yellow glow outlined fall. the upper part of a man's body His wife's eyes were wet with showing a bony face and gleamtears. "Well, do something," she ing eyes. His head lay backscreamed at him, "before we all ward at an unusually sharp freeze to death in this awful angle revealing an ugly open place." She hugged the crying slash across his throat which ran from ear to ear. baby tightly to her.

Dumbfounded as she was at John went back outside to look around. Then he saw a faint yel- the approaching bestial figure, low glimmer of light far off the woman remembered from across the night. It must have somewhere that to pacify a been a mile away. A farm house.- supernatural being you are to He could borrow matches there. address it by repeating the three He went back inside and told highest words of the Bible. his wife of his plan. "I'll try to Quivering now in stark terror, get some milk for the baby, too," she blurted out the words. The he said. He found an old box figure stopped.

"I'm glad you said what you for her to sit on back in the corner out of the wind and snow. did," a cadaverous voice grated.

"For in another instance you He wrapped another quilt around her feet. Then he set out on and the baby would have been foot for that glimmering light bits of bone scattered over the floor like so many others have across the valley. been. For so many long years Won't Let Him Return I've been waiting for someone to It took him half an hour, speak those words and unlock stumbling through fields and my secret from me." woods, to reach the light at the He appeared to bend and touch farmhouse.. He was received in- a finger to the cold wick of the I to a lighted room warmed by a lantern and a dim light fluttered crackling fire in the fireplace by into the room. which he thawed out his nearly "You will not be harmed," he ! frozen feet, fingers, and face. said. "Bring the light and follow When he had explained his mis- me and I will show you something that will make you rich."

They Go Into Cellar He turned and began moving to the outside door. She got up, clasped the baby in one arm and the lantern in the other hand, and followed him. They went outside into the wind and | snow and around to one end of I the house and down a slippery bank and into a crude, damp cellar under the house.

He stopped near the far side.

"Dig here," he said, indicating a spot in the black earth and motioning to a rusty mattock leaning against the earth wall.

She placed her well wrapped baby on a big rock and began swinging the mattock and raking back the earth. Presently the tool struck a flat rock.

"Scrape back the earth and lift the rock," he ordered.

She did so. And there, lying exposed in the hole at her feet, was a large iron pot filled to the brim with gold pieces which glinted in the feeble lantern light "I was murdered because of this," the glowing man said. "But no one ever found it. People have come here to look for it and I've had to destroy them. I've been hoping for so many years someone would say what you did so I could reveal the gold to them and get them to help me. Here's what I want you to do."

The murdered man had a brother still living in the com- j munity. He wanted the woman I to take the gold and count it I and divide it into half. One half I would go to her and the other half to his living brother.

Divide In Half "Divide it exactly in half," he I warned. "If there's one odd piece left over, cut it through the middle and each take half."

They went back out of the i I cellar and into the house where Ithe murdered man prepared to depart the old house forever.

"I can go with relief now that I know the money is taken care I of," he said. "You can never j imagine what torment I've gone ! through since I was killed just | thinking about that money. I will never come back here to bother anyone again." He turned as if to leave or disappear.

"Wait," the woman called.. "I want to thank you and shake your hand." And she started to- j ward him with her hand out- I stretched.

"Stop!" he commanded and she halted. "I dare not touch you I or you will be harmed. Let me just touch the corner of your apron."

He touched the corner of her apron and the garment was I scorched and charred. She looked at it stunned and then, hopefully, she blurted, "But the fireplace . . ."

The glowing apparition with its throat-cut head dangling and jostling backward on its shoulders moved to the fireplace and touched what must have been a finger to the kindling and it sprang into flanges which licked

The Walking Peach Tree

By FRED T. MORGAN Once upon a time in the Uwlarrie hills of Stanly County here lived a splendid buck deer lamed Bucky.

Bucky started off just like any )ther little buck deer in his naive wilderness home deep in the brest and hills along the YadIdn River. His mother, Speckled 'awn, and his father, High Ant. 2rs, taught him all t h e tricks of the woods by the time his wobly legs were strong enough to : ake him dodging nimbly iirough the brush, trees, boulders and over the streams.

He learned to find the choicest grazing in the forest meadows, /hich twigs were t h e tastiest to ibble on, how to rake back the irest carpet and locate the ; weetest roots, and where the iltiest of the saltlicks could be [rand.

But most important of all, peckled Fawn and High Antlers aught him to avoid the noisy ong guns of the hunters who ometimes slipped into the river vilds to slay his companions and to chase them with yelping dogs.

So about t h e time Bucky began o feel t h a t h e w a s king of t h e oung deer herds and strong nough and smart enough to t a k e aire ot himself no matter what, nis father and mother left him l o n e when the chill winter vinds set in and the swirling eaves made a sprightly new cpv•rlet on the forest floor.

To Great Size As t h e seasons passed, Bucky ,'rew into a strapping young ouck of great strength, speed, and physique. No other deer i ould keep in sight as he flashed ihrough the woods. And his antlers!

They developed to imazing size and towered up over his head like the superstructure of a battleship. They were much larger than those of his lather's High Antlers. His friends of the forest decided a better name for Bucky would be Sky Antler. They were that tall.

Bucky liked the name Sky Antler, for indeed, that suited him much better. He enjoyed the admiring glances of his fellow animals in the forest. ' Often he stood by the still mirror of t h e lake and looked at his profile in the water.

Naturally such a magnificent buck as Sky Antler would not forever go unnoticed from the sharp eyes of the hunters who came into the wilds sometimes in groups to hunt for the wildlife.

So Sky Antler was spotted one day by a hunter who thereafter told fetching tales of this wonderous buck with the towering antlers who roamed the Uwharries as king of the deer herds.

Most every m a n was a hunter in those days and m a n y there were who came and looked and looked. But never did one of them spot Sky Antler. For he kept to the secluded glens known only to himself. After a season or so, the hunters lost interest.

Barney Keeps Looking But there was one hunter who did not. And he was the m a n who had first seen Sky Antler.

His name was Barney Wellington and he lived alone near the edge of the big forest in which he spent most of his time. He knew the big buck was in the forest and he knew that he would find him some day.

Barney scouted the animal paths and haunts of the forest until he knew by heart the habits of all the animals. One day he returned from hunting wild turkeys. So many wild birds had encouraged a shot that he had used up all his bullets although he still had some black powder left Dejectedly he set out across

the hills for home, for without bullets no hunter can bag game with his long gun.

He had stopped to rest on a little knoll above t h e saltlick spring when he saw Sky Antler prancing up toward the spring.

Barney reached stealthily into his bullet pouch and his hand came away empty. He muttered angrily to himself. Here was the shot he had been hoping to get for years and now he had no bullets.

Fires Peach Rode He looked about him for any small thing he might use for a pellet to ram down the barrel of his muzzleloader and fire. Feeling something hard under his foot he stooped to look. It was the hard seed core of a wild peach. Peach rocks, the country people called them. Would it fit into the muzzle of his g u n ?

He tried it and found t h a t it would work. Quickly he poured In a heavy charge of powder in his gun, rammed in the tough peach seed, and tamped a little wadding in place.

Thus prepared, he waited, almost without breathing, until Sky Antler came into t h e best possible range. Knowing his presence would be detected soon by the sharp-nosed buck, Barney aimed carefully and fired a t t h e animal standing uneasily a stone's throw away.

The old gun thundered and bucked and a whif of smoke arose. But over t h e noise, Barney heard a distinct "thud" accompanied by a snort of surprise and pain as the peach rock seed whammed into the side of Sky Antler.

More frightened t h a n h u r t the buck dashed off through the trees like lightening was on his tail. Disgusted and humiliated at his failure, Barney sat down and cussed.

More than a year passed before Barney again saw Sky Antler, though he searched often for him in the forest. After t h a t sighting, the frontier people of the settlement began thinking Barney was addled and a little off ln t h e head. For he blurted out to them, honest a s the day is long, that he caught sight of Sky Antler and there "was a young tree growing out of his back. Right up from the middle of his back, Barney insisted.

"You been living by yourself in them woods too long, Barney," the folks of the settlement told him. "Better come outa them woods before you go plumb wrong."

Barney Makes Discovery But Barney wouldn't listen to a thing. He went right back in the forest and searched for Sky Antler some more. But another year passed before he sighted the buck again. This time it was in the middle of the summer when h e passed quietly through the thick woodland around the favorite saltlick.

What stopped him was the strange sight of a tree, a small, bushy tree, jostling and bobbing above the undergrowth. Shocked and disbelieving himself, Barney waited until he saw the tree emerge from the bushes.

There, under i t stood Sky Antler.

And the tree was—yes it was— growing right up out of the middle of the big buck's back.

So shaken was he by the sight, Barney could do nothing h u t stand rooted to his tracks and watch as Sky Antler and the peach tree jounced out of sight in the big timber.

That evening, Barney ran breathlessly into the settlement again and banged his way into the old general store and blurted out a delirious tale about the deer with the peach tree on its back. His eyes blazed demon-

like and he foamed at the mouth he was so excited. In his enthusiasm, he even told them h e saw some peaches hanging from the branches of the tree on the deer's back.

They Laughed At Him The people i i r t h e store laughed. They knew Barney and his exaggerations.

"Why didn't you bring us some of the deer's peaches, Barney," the younger men jeered at him.

The older men shook their heads and said: "Barney's gittin' worse. Looks like we'll have to have him put away if he keeps on seeing such things and having such spells of hallucinations."

Barney left when no one believed him and offered any help in finding the animal again.

Spurned and disappointed, he headed back for his beloved woods. He'd show them.

He studied the habits of Sky Antler anew and watched him walk over the little path near the saltlick spring each morning before daybreak. He picked out a tree beside the path for use in t h e plan taking shape in his mindl In the darkness of midn i g h t Barney coiled a rope over his shoulder, climbed the tree, and perched himself on a limb t h a t Jutted out beside the path along which Sky Antler would come.

About daybreak there came a rustling and whispering sound and Barney made out the form of the buck and his bushy tree which scraped against t h e other forest vegetation. When the moving tree got even with him Barney leaped out and landed in the branches of t h e peach tree on the deer's back.

Deer Bock Rider This sudden extra weight on his back alarmed the deer so it caused him to come unhinged and to buck like a wild bronco.

He reared up on his hind legs, then over on his front ones and almost stood on his head. He changed ends suddenly and shook himself violently.

Barney, though he clutched t h e branches flercly, could not withstand this rough treatment. He tumbled out of the tree and plopped on the ground with the breath knocked out of him.

But Barney recovered in time to see the deer plunge off the path and into the thick woods in and effort to loose this m a n creature which h a d landed In the tree on his back. Naturally, the deer's speed was slowed and his progress hindered by the burden on his back. In his confusion, Sky Antler tried to push his way through a tangle of vines and soon became hopelessly snarled in the thicket, unable to go forward or backward.

Slowly Barney approached, speaking soothingly to the terrified and struggling animal. He slipped the rope off his shoulder and fastened a tight halter on the deer's head. Then, as a precaution, he tied the rack of antlers back firmly to the trunk of the peach tree to help subdue the animal. With his knife, Barney hacked away the grappling vines which enmeshed the deer and its tree. He clasped the lead rope and began leading the skittish wild animal out of the woods Just as the early morning feunlisrht spilled over the Uwharrie Hills.

For a few days, Barney kept Sky Antler and the peach tree at his cabin. During this time the two became quite attached to each other. And every day. Barney had fresh Deaches off the tree for his breakfast.

Deer Is Domesticated • Then the time had come. Barn e y decided, to take Skv Antler down to the settlement for other neople to see him. So he did.

The sight of the bier buck with the oeach tree perched up over his back like a huge open umbrella brought astonished cries from the villagers and their clamor uDset Sky Antler so, he tried to bolt away. But barney nuieted him. Then the villapers filed past one at a time to take p. close-UD look at the spectacle.

Barney even pave pwav a few of the lush peaches off Sky Angler's tree. Then he took his walking peach tree back to the seclusion of his forest cabin.

Before long. Skv Antler grew «w> attached to Barney t h a t no lead rone was necessary. The deer followed Barnev around everywhere he went like a pet dog. The m a n kept small lumns of rock salt in his nockets for the animal. AH he had to do to bring the deer w*s to nut his ringers in his mouth an^ whistle In a peculiar wav. The deer found a low boulder beside the cabin where he could lay down and proD the peach tree against while he slent or rested.

Although the Uwharrie River countrv wasn't nearly so thickIv settled back then as it Is now, everyone who heard about Sky Antler came, sooner or later, to see the sight. Skv Antler became nuite t a m e and domesticated.

Even lazy, it seemed. Pretty soon, he took to visiting the scattered neighbors himself. And everv vear in peach season, you could depend on Sky Antler coming around to every household to let the folks pick the delicious fruit from his tree. There always seemed to be enough to go around. Folks claimed it was the sweetest, most nourishing fruit they ever ate. Many were they who saved the seeds to plant their own trees.

Professor Magabonl Well, it wasn't but a season or two before old Prof. Magaboni (retired) from over on Haw Branch made repeated trips to study Sky Antler. He talked Barney into letting him graft an apple tree branch onto t h e deer's peach tree. This turned out so successfully, t h a t other graftings were made. Pretty soon Sky Antler was a walking novelty orchard with a dozen varieties of peaches and apples and pears and plums and nuts. Old m a n Magabonl, a wizard with the grafting knife, even worked in a couple of grape vines in the tree and they took hold.

HBM

EE

So just about any season of the year you encountered Sky Antler, you could get some type of fruit or nut or produce off him. And he always obliged.

There developed such a strong tie between Magaboni and the deer t h a t t h e old horticulturist came to live in Barney's cabin so he could devote full time t o the upkeep of the walking orchard over which he gradually assumed command.

It was nothing to see old Mr. Mag, a short, portly gentleman wearing glasses and a black hat, up on a ladder a-spraying, a-pruning, and a-plastering away amid the lofty branches of Sky Antler's orchard.

He and Barney fought out a bunch of swarming hornets one time that wanted to locate in the deer tree. Nesting birds looked longingly a t t h e maze of branches but Mr. Mag kept them shooed away. He got fighting mad, too, when Barney's chickens tried to roost in the brandies at n i g h t Squirrels scampering around ln the branches and bees buzzing at the blossoms didn't upset him much. But let something big as Barney's old house cat or a grinning mother possum t a k e refuge in the deer tree and Mr. Mag stomped off in a dither to get his dislodging pole and rake the varmints o u t Deer Begins To Fail Through aU of this, Sky Antler cooperated like a purring house cat, obviously enjoying all the attention. The only thing he fussed about was his daily food requirements such as hay and water and salt and the other vitamin supplements Mr. Mag had introduced. While he had watched and worried about the deer's food intake all along, Mr. Mag became alarmed at the tired expression in the animal's eyes and the listless way he ambled about the yard. After two or three abundant harvests of fruits and nuts, that tree looked like it was sapping up all the deer's energy and reserve. Sky Antler's body began to wither up and his skin grew t a u n t and unhealthy looking and his legs trembled sometimes under the burden of the laden fruit tree on his bade.

Mr. Mag knew he must take desperate measures or the burgeoning tree would consume the animal alive, which It was already beginning to do.

He sent off somewhere for a special type of orchard fertilizer which he mixed with rich woods dirt. Sky Antler liked this mixture. He ate huge quantities of It. He stood eating soil by the hour. In this way. the soaring tree got the mineral and vitamins it needed.

Water proved another vexing problem. On the hottest of the summer days, Sky Antler had to stand kneedeep in the little stream which flowed by Barney's cabin and drink water almost constantly to replenish the mois-j ture which t h e tree drew out of his body.

Race To Keep Alive Wintertime wasn't so bad. The tree remained mostly dormant and did not need much moisture and food. But soon as sap rose in the spring, the race to keep Sky Antler alive under the parasitic tree renewed. The situation grew so acute Mr. Mag and Barney almost had to stand and shovel soil into the deer full time whenever they could get him away from the water hole long enough. They must have run tons of soil and thousands of gallons of water through him every few weeks in the summer.

Cucumber Creek dried up like a parched snake track during one dry spell and they had to tote water half a mile from a never-failing mountain spring.

When they got Sky Antler recuperated enough, they managed to lead him with his sucking mouth submerged in a bucket of water, down to t h e river where he further depleted the water resources of the country. Late summer rains was all that saved them that time.

It was a good thing that Mr. Mag had studied up on veterinary medicine in his younger days. For now he found himself serving in the role of a veterinarian as well as that of horticulturist. As well as several other things which he wasn't quite sure about.

No Hope Is Left He Slid Barney realized that their patients, both the tree and the deer, were failing. The cases seemed hopeless. They believed not even a miracle could save them. Especially after another peculiar thing began happening to Sky Antler.

Under the animal's t a u n t and mottled skin there appeared bulges which wriggled about and exerted pressure. Then, one by one, they would burst forth from under the stretched skin like springs jumping out abruptly from a worn cushion. Instead of a twanging metallic sound, these things just plopped and slithered. Mr. Mag stood there amazed as he witnessed this horticultural anomoly. But he knew what it was.

The things bursting forth were the ends of roots of the tree seeking deeper and fresher territory to drain.

The writhing roots plopped o u t several each day, all over Sky Antler. Out of his sides and belly. Out of his rear parts and front parts. Even from his ears and nostrils. Then from his eyes which blinded him.

Saddened and sickened by the s i g h t Mr. Mag and Barney knew the end was near. The tree was like a malignant cancer eating out his insides and stopping the functions of his vital organs and slowly snuffing all life from his body.

Still, they did all they could.

Mr. Mag took his shears and snipped off the roots as they came out. But more came. Mr. Mag later swore t h a t several of the root ends latched onto his arms and legs and tried to penetrate his skin. They were looking for a new home, a new victim. But they failed to make contact with him. Sometime dur

.

•hough, the flailing the night, ^fjvive Barney's e s ing roots did £ ea dle, and the old hound dog. {* y found him next morning "Jr* Sky Antler 1 lying undernea" ed and imu quite lifeless, P "h.8 a n d looking paled by the.r** likealimpd.shragons.deied

6-B

STANLY NEW*

to hit the Piedmont tore loose in the Uwharries and raged fiercely. Lightening flashed and thunder reverberated and rain felt like it would pound the frail cabin to fragments. But the dawn brought serenity and Transport digg ing a bright sunshine. They went to Mr. Mag con»"| l a r g e enough see about the tree. hole in the jtouna i s ^ w h e n Lightning had smote it and to transplant « £ = „ s k y Antler, broke it in two about the place it had finished e ^ t g wn S to get where it entered the deer's back.

But he didnt have Now it lay tumbled and in disaaround to i t , t 0 b e pulling ray in the mud with its body Instinct seemea t h e f p r . split open.

Sky Antler »<* v c o u l d l l > t s e e Torrents of rain had denuded est.

Though n* a n d though the root structure and it lay where he was g<-» & r o o t s there ugly and gaunt in the sunhe looked hideous from ^ ^ ^ shine. No root ends writhed and No movement or flapping arouna t Q w a r d waved now.

W ' J ^ P ^ ls ail uc k in the big life. Everything was dead, dead, that hidden , , ,,_forest —T'namev and Barney knew that's dead.

Some Buds Were Saved Mr. Mag whipped out his grafting knife and began cutting buds and water sprouts off the felled ally creaked anu j » deer tree. He piled handfuls of the strain as he inched his stmback toward the them in the muck to see if they legged way 1 xne strain as' „,. toward th( would take root. place of his birth. — Some of them survived, convertBut he never made it. Because there w a ? not a fiber of living ing back from a parasitical lifeflesh leffin his root-racked body. line to direct contact with the Hisfight with the tree had end- soil for subsistence. And from ?d And tte tree was the victor. these parent grafts and cuttings there developed superior strains BU 4y 0 t ASer° n had gone several of fruit prominent examples of hundred yards t r o m t h e cabin which can be found in the Piedwhen his strength forsook him mont Carolinas to this day. and he iust stopped on his four Old Mr. Mag in his waning immobili legs- He> listedito^one years is supposed to have writside eentlv and the top-heavy ten an account of his horticulturtree flowly yielded to gravity al experiences with t h e deer tree and pulled him over into a lean- and the subsequent development ing position agamst a steep bank of the blend of fruit which still there in the edge of the field. He graces the orchards of the Piedjust sort <rf sighed and all the mont. But no one has been able breath and life went out of him. to discover his papers despite And within minutes, Mr. Mag prolonged searching. , and Barney told everyone tor And do you know what finally years afterward, there was hard- happened to that hunk of root j ly any signs of Sky Antler left. structure which moulded itself | There was his shape, to be sure, into the form of a deer? but his hide, fur, bones, and feaThe most popular theory is t h a t tures had vanished, replaced by it turned into stone, the petrifithe root wood of the tree. Even cation being hastened by the what remained of his antlers tons of soil, g r i t and minerals were cracked and split and which were consumed by »Ky broken into little fragments by Antler during the time the tree the ravaging roots. demanded such nourishment.

Mr Mag studied the situation To this day there are those m and snapped his pudgy fingers. one edge of the Uwharrie Mountains who d a i m they know the They Cover Roots He and Barney got their location of a weathered shoulder shovels and started spading up of stone referred to locally as the soil and throwing it over the "Deer Rock." They claim it is deer-shaped root of the tree. If a barrel-shaped boulder supportthey could cover it sufficiently ed by four separate shatts oi with rich soil, perhaps the tree stone; On one end there is the would take root in the soil and beginnings of what might have survive. They worked for hours K i n a l e e k . But t h e cmrious heaping a mound of topsoil over statue-like rock is slowly disinthe hulking root by the bank. tegrating now amid the tnicK Then they lugged buckets of forest which has cloaked i t Peowater from the spring and satu- ple who have examined the deer rated the mound with cold spring rock will tell you t h a t under the water. Too exhausted to do thin scales of stone which drop more, they staggered back to the off the body of rock fronvtimeJto time are revealed distinct seams cabin at dusk and fell asleep.

That night, one of the craziest of a substance which looks and rain and electrical storms ever feels remarkably like bone.

In Albemarle Cottonmills

Ed Dick Recalls Child Labor At Its Worst An Albemarle man who went to work in the local cottonmills at the age of eight for less than one penny per hour for 12 hours per day, six days a week, says today's young people will find difficult to believe the severe conditions under which children of his generation labored.

Eddie Monroe Dick, 71, retired, who lives on his farm off Highway 740 just east of the Stanly County Fairgrounds, believes a recounting of the hardships of his early days of public work here might serve a useful purpose hi pointing out to children and teenagers just how well off they are in today's enlightened times.

The conditions he speaks about are grim and brutal judged by today's standards.

When his parents moved t o Albemarle and settled in the mill village along in the mid or late 1890's, his father put him and his three older sisters to work in the mill right away.

For learning the work, he "was paid nothing.

After he achieved a "learned" Status as a boy eight or nine years of age, he made 11 cents a day for 12 hours' work, 6 a. m. until 6 p.m.

His pay was raised t o 22 cents a day when he became experienced enough to handle two sides.

When he started doffing, his pay was upped to 30 cents a day. Later, he said they doubled his work load and upped his pay only half as much, up to 40 cents a day.

The most he was ever paid in the mill was 75 cents a day for a 12-hour day.

Off At 4 p j n . Saturdays Lunch hour was 45 minutes, he recalls, with 15 minutes of the hour each day building up to partially compensate for the company knocking off work at 4 p. m. each Saturday.

Mr. Ed, as he is known t o many of his friends, received no pay himself for his work in the mill.

His father collected the pay each payday.

"The company wouldn't pay a ehild or a young person under 21 unless they had written permission from their parents," he said.

So in practically all cases, it was the parent who collected for the child's labor, he said.

He had no allowance, either, as ehildren have nowdays. Rarely

ley Harwood of Albemarle, and Mrs. Bobby Epps of the Morrow Mountain Road.

Remembering his own setbacks caused by lack of formal education, Mr. Ed promised all his children he would help them get through high school if they would do their part. Two of them completed high school, he said.

That's one thing he advises young people today to doâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;get an education. As much as possible.

Get through high school a t least, he says, and get as much college education as you can.

Mr. Ed and his wife attend Anderson Grove Baptist Church.

Six years of retirement hasn't deactivated him by any marked degree. H e still has farming interests to look after and keeps gardens growing. Mrs. Dick looks after her flowers and does her housework.

When the Stars FeU One of the most vivid things Mr. Ed remembers in his whole lifetime was the time when he and an older sister were walking from their home down to the null before daylight one winter morning.

Something made Mm look up a t the sky and there h e was amazed to see what looked like hundreds of stars falling out of the sky.

Not just in one direction. But all around everywhere he looked.

I t seemed that the whole heavens had released all the stars and they were falling toward earth a t the same time.

He wonders if anyone else here now remembers t h a t sight.

As well as he remembers, the awesome display of falling stars spread considerable alarm through the community. Some people thought the end of time had come.

HE STARTED TO WORK EARLY Ed Dick, 71, of t h e Badin Road, says today's children a n d teenagers d o n t appreciate t h e ease and leisure they enjoy. To illustrate w h a t he means, h e says he went to work in t h e local cotton mills a t the age of eight for less t h a n a penny per hour. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo. did he ever see any of the money he earned. His parents provided food and clothes, little else.

Once when he was 16 or 17 years

old, he was walking with some friends toward town when he met his father returning from town.

He asked his father for a quarter and got it.

"I was almost scared to death to ask him for it," Mr. Ed reminisced. "But I got it. That quarter is tiie only money I ever remember getting out of my mill work."

A year or so after he started work in the mill as a child, the state enacted a law forbidding the working of children u n d e r age 12.

That put him out of a job.

Completed Second Grade During this Interval as a 11year-old boy, he attended school a t the old schoolhouse which once stood between the presentday YMCA and f i r s t Street Church.

He completed the second grade and his teacher was Miss Nannie Smith. She promoted him, but he never had the opportunity of attending school again.

Because in May of t h a t year when he readied his 12th birthday, his father put him back to work in the mill without skipping a day.

The only schooling he had previously was just a few weeks during one term at the old Dickvule School near where he was born about a mile west of Morrow Mountain and a short term a t the Old Efird School which was a con verted dwelling house.

Mr. Ed says you don't have to accept Ms word alone for these early conditions that existed h i the mill. He says there axe other men, women, too, his age and older still living in and around Albemarle who can tell you the very same thing.

When he was 17, he went with his father to help operate a onehorse farm which the elder man bough^ east of Albemarle. His father promised Ed if he would h d p him clear some land and get the farming underway, t h a t he would send him to Palmerville to school for a term or two.

"But he never did send me," Mr. Ed remembers shaking his head.

His father, J. M. Dick, was a carpenter by trade. His mother was the former Miss Betty Shaver.

To Work As Carpenter Along in the fall of 1909, Ed went to work with his father as a carpenter apprentice for Henry Cranford a t $1.15 per toy.

He continued in the carpentering trade until he retired a t the age of 65. At that time he was making $1.50 per hour. Most of his carpentering in these parts was for the late D. A. Holbrook, contractor. H e has helped build many homes and buildings in this area.

Lack of an education severely handicapped Mm throughout Ms career.

In the early days of the Aluminum Company construction a t Badin, where he worked for six years, he had to txan down the offer ot a foreman's job because of the paperwork.

Again in Florida, where he followed construction work for three years, a foreman's job with an increase of $15 a week hi pay was bypassed for the same reason.

He met his wife, the former Miss Annie L. Carr of Snow Hill, while he helped rebuild a burned dormitory at a college eight miles north of Kinston, They were married April 20, 1915.

In 1927, Mr. E d bought his father's old farm where he lives today. He farmed with the help of his sons, rented some of Ms land, and continued carpentering.

Seven Children He and his wife have seven children and 19 grandchildren. The four sons sure, Ishmael, a farmer of Route 1, Albemarle; Lester, a barber of Charlotte; Elmer, a carpenter of Delray Beach, Fla.; and Herman Horace, a mediamc who lives on Route 1, Albemarle.

The daughters are Mrs. Richard Harwood of Wadesboro, Mrs. Hur-

In Arizona's Vast Navajoland

Doug Eury Spent Month Working At Indian Mission . An exciting four-week "working" visit in the middle of Arizona's Navajoland ended last week for Douglas Eury, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Eury, 115 Fairway Street, Albemarle.

Doug, who has been interested in and studying Indians since he was old enough to read and look at pidurefe, came away from the vast Navajo Indian reservation vividly impressed and sympathetic with these native Americans and their crude, yet colorful, way of life in one of the most desolate areas of the United States.

Their changeover from paganism and primitive customs is slow, Doug says, painstakingly slow, despite half a century or more of organized missionary efforts of several religious denominations.

It was with one of these missionary endeavors that Doug obtained his close-up look at the present-dSy Indian life on the Navajo reservation.

Doug, who will be a sophomore business major at the University of North Carolina this fall, applied for and was accepted as a member of a work camp at the Ganado Mission at Ganada, Arizona, for the period, June 10, through July 8.

Established in 1901, the Ganado Mission is owned and operated by the Board of National Missions of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA. '16 Million Acres Situated deep inside the 16,000,000-acre Navajo reservation, this mission consists of 60 buildings and some 100 staff members and personnel, including members of their families. It is a green oasis on U. S. Highway 66 in the midst of barren desert country.

Each summer, groups of seled young people come to the mission to staff work camps and evangelism departments as an aid to the regular program. Doug was accepted for the work camp this summer.

While at the camp he and nine other boys and girls ranging from seniors in high school to sophomores in college, performed various projects around the mission grounds. One was repairing and painting a fence. Another was digging a deep trench several hundred feet long in preparation for underground cables and plumbing for a bathhouse near the swimming pool.

Doug helped, dig, paint, repair,

I

natural resources have been discovered in such quantities on their land to bring them great wealth.

He says they have their own government, schools, law officers, public services, and maintain their own roads.

One of the most interesting customs Doug learned was the typical Navajo's once - a - week bath â&#x20AC;&#x201D; quite different from the baths you and I take.

Their baths are taken in what is called the "sweat house," a small timbered enclosure over which is piled a thick mound of earth. There is room for about three people sitting inside.

Preparations For Bath Outside the sweat house, the bather builds a fire and heats several large stones as hot as he can get them. Then he disrobes and rolls the stones inside the sweat house taking a small container of water with him. Inside, he closes the door flap and.j with his fingers, drops a drop ofl water at a time on the hot stones. Soon, the small enclosure is filled with thick, hot steam.

The bathers take this long as they can, then quickly crawl outside and roll and wallow in the sand. They have surprisingly little b.o, Doug said.

LOOKING OVER MAP OF NAVAJOLAND Other denominations which Doug Eury looks over a large map of Navajoland, a 16-million-acre reservation in Arizona, sponsor missionary work In variNew Mexico, and Utah, upon which some 90,000 Navajo Indians live. Doug recently returned ous parts of the reservation are from a month of work at the Ganado Mission, a Presbyterian mission in Arizona which works Methodist, Catholic, Episcopal, and Morman. In late years, still with these Indians. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo. other religious faiths have bedrive a truck and numerous oth- The Navajo women are es- that it is a worldwide movement. gun work there. pecially expert at weaving and Doug said the Navajos are shy, Doug's family drove out to er chores.

Once a week, he and other turn out exquisite rugs. This reserved, and basMul, but keen- Ganado at the end of the camp members of the work camp had produce is taken to the trading ly observant. It was more than and they toured the Grand Canthe opportunity of assisting the posts and sold or exchanged for a week after their arrival before yon and other attradions before evangelism department in con- necessities. the Indians would approach the driving back home, arriving here ducting Bible study sessions at Elementary schooling is avail- members of the youthful work last Saturday.

So well did he enjoy the work various outposts around the mis- able to the Indians at free pub- camp. and like the country, Doug is alsion to-which Navajo youngsters lic schools. High school is availLanguage Barrier Were given free transportation. able at the Ganado Mission for Language barriers are a great ready investigating the possibilof returning to Ganado next These visits afforded Doug a wMch the students pay tuition. handicap in communicating the ities summer, possibly as a member of chance to see the Indians at Mission Hospital message of-the mission, Doug the evangelism group. homdp â&#x20AC;˘ A hospital at the mission min- said. The native tongue is dif- Contributions toward the exNavajo Hogan isters to the Indians, many of ficult to learn, he said. The penses of this trip were made by Home to the typical Navajo whom do not come for medical young Indians are taught Eng- the First Presbyterian Church of family consists of a five-, six-, or attention until after their tribal lish in both the mission and Albemarle, of which he is a memseven-sided hogan, a one-door, medidne man has failed to help public schools. ber, and the Presbyterian Church windowless, one-room, log struc- them. Although the infant mor- Up until a few years ago, Doug of Chapel Hill which he attends ture with dirt floor and roof. tality rate among the Nayajos is said Navajos, some 90,000 of them while in college.

Sometimes families or Up to 12 appallingly high, the adults seem on the reservation which extends and 15 live in these crude dwell- to have a resistance to some at into New Mexico and Utah, were ings, Doug said. Navajo fam- the major diseases which afflict the poorest as well as the largest ilies are usually quite large. whites. group of Indians in the United They sleep on blankets on the The mission hospital which States. Recently, however, natearthen floor at night then roll takes care of the Navajo's phys- ural gas, uranium, and other up the blankets and hang them ical ailments often opens up the on the walls during the day. door to spiritual ministry. RegFamilies build their hogans ular church and vesper services widely separated from their are held. The mission and its neighbors, preferring not to con- several outposts exert a Christian influence which reaches the gregate in villages or groups.

Each family usually h a s a few Indians within a radius of 40 sheep and goats and a horse. miles or so. Navajo lay leaders, They eat Sheep and goat meat of which there are several, are and great quantities of fry bread, key men in bringing the message of Christianity to the natives.

Doug said.

Most of the adults have de- An effort is made at the misveloped skills and many of them sion to bring in Christian instrucare master craftsmen in working tors and staff members of wide with wood, leather, metal and nationality in order to show the turning out trinkets and novel- Navajos that Christianity is not ties for the tourist trade. just a white man's projed but

4-A

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS. ALBEMARLE, N. C, FRIDAY. AUGUST 5, 1960

Dog Gives Cart Rides To Children A familiar sight around Oakboro this summer h a s been a large, shaggy, black, tan, and white dog trotting along the streets and yards p u l i n g a two-wheel cart upon which a child ir, riding.

The dog's name is "Shorty" and h e belongs to Mitchell Medlin, age eight, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Medlin of Oakboro.

Shorty is five years old himself.

For the last two years o r so, the dog h a s been pulling the cart and riding kids of the neighborhood.

Sometimes Mitchell charges five cents a head for rides.

Other days the rides are free for advertising purposes.

Free or not, it doesn't matter to Shorty who pulls the cart along happily.

Shorty h a s been so well trained by his young master, trainer, and handler that guide ; Veins aren't necessary.

Mitchell just starts walking i and the dog follows him pull| ling the cart.

Or, more often, Mitchell ' ijumps on his bike and pedals • :'away and the dog follows .wherever he leads.

Stopping is simple. The cart ; rider just grabs Shorty's bushy I tail and yanks. It isn't always effective, however Runaways are few because LlShorty doesn't go in for chasing ; peats when he's harnessed up. j ! While he's grown too heavy i»now, Mitchell once rode Shor'.•ty's back like" he was a pony i-jor young calf.

A year ago, he had Shorty k a n d the cart in the big Fourth ,;jof July parade in Oakboro. ill! When Mitchell Isn't helping I 'mow the yards or perform othi'er odd jobs on which Shorty i goes along, he is usually found i giving the dog a workout with I the cart or teaching him new tricks. ;: And the best part of all is I t h a t Shorty goes for it in a i'big way. He likes it just as Hwell as the boy.

OAKBORO BOYS WORK DOG IN HARNESS Shorty, five-year-old pet, is shown here all harnessed up and ready to sprint away with his twowheeled rubber-tired cart and its rider. The boy standing beside Shorty is Mitchell Medlin, Shorty's owner, trainer, and manager. Seated on the cart ready for a ride is Mike Ammons, 11, sor if Mr. and Mrs. Earl D. Ammons of Oakboro.

—Staff Mo.

14-B

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9. 1960

Alter 49 Years As Janitor

Ernest May Retires At Central For the first time In 49 years the school bells rang at Central School last Friday and Ernest May, the school janitor, was not there to help get the new school term underway.

Ernest retired from Ms job as janitor at Central effective July 1 after 49 years of continuous service.

"I sure miss t h a t school and those children," he said Friday morning.

His eyes said he meant it. He looked in the direction of the school building. And he wondered how his successor w a s now making out.

Ernest is a t home now a t 1083 Gibson Street in the home he has owned for more than 30 years.

Since Ms wife died two years ago, a foster child he and his wife reared, has brought her family to live with him and keep house. He has no cMldren of his own.

Right now Ernest is just taking a long rest and doing some fishing. Next year, he says he might do a little oddjobbing around in the comimmity.

He believes he could have completed his 50th year at Central.

But the work w a s beginning t o affed Ms health and his dodor advised him to quit t h e job.

Ne Schooling Himself Although holding down a steady job at Central School for nearly half a century, Ernest never had any formal schooling or education himself. *-Te ' ~s HE'S TAKING IT EASY NOW born and reared near New LonAfter serving for 49 continuous years as janitor at Central don. When his parents died, ms School in Albemarle, Ernest May, above, says he's going to take grandmother tried to rear him it easy now and catch up on Ms fishing. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo. and he had no opportunity to gq. to school. He went to work instead.

Ernest recalls vividly how he; got the job a t Central School In 1911. So does another Albemarle man, Dr. B. L. Parkinson, distinguished educator a n d retired college president.

Dr. Parkinson had come to Albemarle in August 1911 as superintendent of the Albemarle graded schools. He let it be known around town he w a s looking for a janitor. Two young colored men applied, Ernest and Jack Wallace.

He hired both of them for one month to help Mm clean u p the school building and grounds with the understanding t h a t when t h e month was up the better m a n would get the job permanently.

Ernest was that man. His starting salary w a s $20.00 per month.

"Ernest w a s punctual, industrious, and thorough in his duties," Dr. Parkinson recalled. "He never had to be reminded of reprimanded."

Ernest admires Dr. Parkinson and thinks more of him t h a n any m a n h e knows anywhere. "I sure think a lot of that man," he said. "If it hadn't been for him I wouldn't be here now. I would have died of pneumonia once if he hadn't got a doctor for me.

He got me to buy my house and helped me lots of ways."

Enrolment was around 250 pupils who occupied seven rooms of an eight-room building when Ernest went to work here. Eleven were graduated the first year.

Early Duties Ernest's duties including building fires in the heaters and fireplaces in the rooms, cutting wood, sweeping, ringing the bell, a n d toting buckets of drinking water from nearby wells which he poured into a tin tub on a bench under the tree for the children to drink with tin cups.

A Pennington family had a hog lot on one corner of the property, he remembers, and there were two outside toilets.

Later in 1911, water w a s piped to the school grounds from a private water system and the first drinking fountains in town were established a t t h e school.

School cMldren became fond of Ernest from the start and he of them. He treasures memories of his association with the school children through the years, some of whom now are among the county's leading citizens. Ernest had a t a d and diplomacy about him t h a t made his influence felt, in matters of disdpline.

Principals a n d teachers a t the school admired Ms ability in dealing with the children. They came to him with complaints and troubles a s well a s to the teachers. When Ernest spoke to a child it made an impression.

"I never had a cross word with a child all the time I was there," Ernest said.

Superintendents and principals Ernest remembers serving under are: Parkinson, Giles, Holder, Beam, Grigg, Stevenson, McKeever, Sifford, Hawkins, Gibson, McFadden, Gulledge, Parker, Cashwell, Jones, Webb, and Clark, not necessarily in t h a t order.

Although he's away from the school for good and on a retirement pension now, Ernest says whenever school activities are underway at Central his heart is still there with the cMldren.

\arketing

14-B

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C,

Christmas Novelties Things to make your Christmas catch on, will keep produdion bright and gay are now being steady the year around. manufactured in wholesale quanSeveral items in this category I tities and shipped to many parts have already been produced, such of the country by a new Albe- as a series of classic nursery marle small industry which oc- rhymes illustrated with characcupies most of the top floor of the ters and action on bright felt' Professional Building, the old material. These, all original Parker home at 125 East North creations by Conrad, are due to Street. be framed and sold as premium The production of these Christ- products. m a s novelties will intensify in Stacks of cut-outs, bolts and coming weeks, too, as the firm packages of materials lie around hits the peak of its busiest sea- now awaiting assembly. son of the year.

A year ago, Mr. Crotts designed The busiest time in its his- some "fluffy JohnMe" seats and tory, in fact, for the firm is only exhibited them to retailers for [about a year old. reaction.

They brought orders Krottz Kreations is the trade- for more. That led to the dedsn a m e of the firm and appears on ioh to expand into a complete the merchandising labels on its line of homemade products for products. the Christmas and novelty trade.

Mrs. F. F. Crotts, a silver-hair- Then began a long period of ed grandmother, well known to searching for ideas, designing, most Albemarle people, is owner and construding samples. and manager of the firm.

Last January, a number of her Right now Mrs. Crotts and sev- items were shown at a gift show eral assistants move around a in Charlotte. Response was very big work table in one of the favorable. Later she shipped back rooms as they cut out, sew, samples to leading department paste up, glue together, sort, stores in large cities in the South. shape, design, and redesign yule- Right now at a major merchantide items which will brighten andise exhibit hall at 225 Fifth windows and homes in many Avenue, New York Cit", a numparts of the USA durin'- the com- ber of her best items are being examined by buyers from all over ing Christmas holiday season. the country. Radio Center in Cute little Santa Claus heads Charlotte h a s a similar display. cover doorknobs. A tiny bell on Also, Mrs. Crotts hit the roads them tinkles when the doorknob to make personal contacts. She f^S§8^ is twisted.

A Utile panel of felt with a visited many gift shops, chilholiday motif covers the light dren's shops, florist shops, and SAMPLES OF KROTTZ KREATIONS switch on the wall with an open- department stores in this vicinHere is a portion of the variety of Christmas and seasonal ing for the flip switch to work ity. All but one asked for ship- novelties being produced now by Krottz Kreations, 125 East ments and agreed to handle her through.

North Street, Albemarle.

—Staff Photo.

Christmas kittens and puppies line of goods. This one excepand other animals grin at you tion was on the borderline of go- painstaking attention, she says. | „ with a festive spirit from the ing out of business she believes.

Along with her novelty busiwall as does jovial Santa Claus A Pinehurst >couple serves as ness, Mrs. Crotts operates, in the in a variety of reproductions. sales representatives for Krottz same building, a doll hospital Southern and sales room, plus an antique There are Christinas card mail Kreations in four shop. She has had quite a bit »y receptacles, Christmas tree skirts, states.

All these contacts have result- of experience with dolls and has re many models of Christmas stockings, dainty and frilly and gay ed in stacks of Mce orders which considered going into the stuffed Vt little aprons for the young wom- are currently being filled. toy animal business' as a sideen and mothers, colorful pajama Quality merchandise are words line to her other creations. bags for the youngsters, and a she emphasizes. This means top Helping her in the produdion number of delightful pastel paste- workmanship and materials, plus end of the business now, in addiups for the younger children. a high degree of originality and tion to Conrad, are Mrs. R. F. Hanging on the wall is a large creativity. Original products, al- Morgan of Oakboro and Mrs. vertical NOEL sprinkled with an most wholly handmade, require Fred Harwood of Albemarle. engaging assortment of Christmas characters and decorations.

Another unusual item is a thin six-feet-tall Santa Claus hooked on the wall. Instead of buttons up and down his narrow red tummy, he has individual pockets or compartments to hold cards or letters.

All these items, and many more, are samples of the type of quality products coming from Krottz Kreations.

All are handmade largely from colored felt with minor trinkets and materials added on as needed to give the items zip and distinction.

In all, Mrs. Crotts has some 50-odd items in production in her Christmas line. A couple dozen of these have become good sellers. Others are selling steadily.

She and her son, Conrad Crotts, AT WORK ON A NEW CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT chief designer for the firm, are Working here on a Christmas Tree Skirt, one of the big sellers of Krottz Kreations, are leftj working on ideas for an all-year line of novelties wMch, if they •ksht Mrs. R. F. Morgan of Oakboro, Mrs. R. F. Crotts, owner and manager of the business, •wd Mrs Fred Harwood. The other current member of the force is Conrad Crotts, chief designer On the wall in the background are some of Conrad's original creations.

—Staff Photo. |

ws^aaay

SM3M xsa-piw »:et saouanbasuoo JOinrux oo:n oc:n uoneajusouoo oo:n W » r a s i doll*

• muqy JMO 81JX OO^t ,,«jaSuBy SBxax a q i , , :MOUS a r a a q x

oo:n

oe:ot

jfooio a m j e a a 44011s u u o j g ajBO Wnoo u i / i e a asnoq^Bij JIBqouuy SM3N ^BQ-PJW saouanbasuoo •10 l i r u x uoHBj}uaouon » ^ » m «i » w j q o u n n J n o x <tBia JW a » q3no<j aouaros itojsXqa

ao saaspoqo Moqo 5**ij\[ Buunj "uoRonpord^ uinuipctttu SupjaS UJP 0S-ez-9I-6-2-8 PJEA pooMdinj 00-z ;e "ig jodaa 'S 8ET 'aaiAias P«« Aq pojiad Sujpifnq assq am •P] S3 <srz\ IBS fl[30iinoojv[ "^QI ''°0 saisg jo aaajUBApe SJ-BX — NSWAHIVa ai oe:zi UJJ-08-* GO:CT •2\o d\oii iBomeqoaui juai a^V oe=xt 00: n •sn aes — APId OX S310H J.SOJ 0S:0X U J1*£I"S •3JBMpJBH.^IU?lS—" 'anosaj 'tg A"5[ JOJ SJBMPJBH — 00:01 00: e

oe-z

PBtU>S-W 06=6 n o q j n o a oe:s OS'01 s^s3a j3p pi vs Xpautiax 08= 4 i p u n n mo£ X s i a 00:OT BZUBUOg 00:j.

IW 8H u S n o a 0S=6 UBuiaintt a u x 00:9 a o u a p g j s o j s x q j 00-'6 tUB3(SB[V StJX j s a a o j otSeiv 0g:8 A\O^S 3«1B£)-1S0J topox »:g S<::8 BuiBqBiv-BiSaoeo OS-6 SBUJICUBO 00=6 : H B q } o 0 j i v v O N 00=81 •IR «I ABPOX as-1 j s a a o a OISBIV OR: 8 •ttsBM-uoisog ^Bpox 'CBPOX : STOH0JB3 IIBqasBg o e : i t SBUt[OJBO 00-L. e i n uj XBpox Aog s n a i j o 00: I t •q» ui Xopox S?;:8 X r n j OS'01 _ 6T U a s£ * p o'XVOKOW x S^:9 jCspox OE-'i s p u a t j a SBUJ[OJB3 SC-L 00:01 8UI0H PUB UUBJ ain uj ^capox 00'2. *TH PUB iCj|t>o}j 00:6 : MORS » t a »«IX OO-ll ^BpOX SP : » *poocr jCpAvon Off: 8 oi 'jvaraj awo-ft up uas smjBjr ~ T 3 * JT»ApiaB3 M - V H O UOOJJBO oo-a s j j o d s aptsur OOCAl UBUISJJOdS 3*1.1,

' S p j O J 0 ^ 6 1 ''°ld

'SJIBAJOJ 'SUOOIBJ

's}uei[BA or;se[d bs[B 'sioiojtf 'sjBQg 'sauerj—JJggWdlHS AV3AT _ , UJJ-SI-B aanjiain j

s.aAsa

'ZZ8SS

OH

—\f

Xruais aaS-^aSSVHD 3HfLLSVd[ -

Sfl03NV773osiW n

ttWtaQX toasts puooas

Aou&B\f

atiOHat ttnog tit

aauojns

For Widespread Retail M

Krottz Kreations Turning Out

AT WORK ON A NEW CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT Working here on a CMistmas Tree Skirt, one of the big sellers of Krottz Kreations, are leftj to right, Mrs. R. F. Morgan of Oakboro, Mrs. R. F. Crotts, owner and manager of the business,) and Mrs. Fred Harwood. The other current member of the force is Conrad Crotts, chief designer. On the wall in the background are some of Conrad's original creations.

—Staff Photo.

For A Refreshing Vacation Excursion

Pfeiffer Professor Pedals Bike To Charleston

"NOTHING MUCH TO IT, REALLY" Dr. Warren E. Gates poses here before Jane Freeman Hall on the Pfeiffer College campus with a student's bike similar to the one he pedaled 200 miles to Charleston, S. C. this summer.

—Staff Photo.

Pedaling a bike from here to Charleston, S. C, was one enjoyable vacation excursion made a month ago by Dr. Warren E. Gates, 45-year-old Associate Professor of Languages at Pfeiffer College.

Dr. Gates, a mild and reserved professor whom you sense has a lot of adventuresome virility simmering beneath his academic exterior, was not out to prove anything on his 200-mile, threeday bike ride.

He was not especially interested in stamina of man or machine. Nor in the psychological effects of the loneliness of the bicycle seat, or in any sort of test or survey or experiment.

Rather, he was just out, or off, for a leisurely jaunt to the sea to satisfy the whims of the wanderlust instinct born in m a n milleniums ago.

Somewhat like you'd take a stroll around the block in the twilight to appreciate nature.

But he did keep his astute sensitivities humming and soaked up a lot of Carolina atmosphere and color which he systematically filed away in his teacher's mindSome folks didn't want to believe him when he casually remarked under questioning that h e simply boarded his bike and pedaled down the street which went by his home all the way to the coast.

Down Street To Coast But that's actually what he did. U. S. Highway 52 runs by Pfeiffer and right by the front door of the Gates home near New London. He followed 52 all the way to Charleston.

He and his wife, a teacher at Richfield School, discussed the trip only briefly prior to his departure. She had to teach. He was still on vacation. Their son was away at boarding school.

Departure was early on a Tuesday morning with the understanding that his wife and his brother would drive down on Saturday in their station wagon and bring him and the bike back home. Which is what happened.

Although he had allowed five days to reach Charleston, he made it at the end of the third day, despite several hours' delay by rain.

He rode only during daylight hours, bought his meals at restaurants, and slept in motel or hotel rooms.

He wore one set of wash and wear trousers and shirt and carried an extra pair along in the bike's saddlebags.

The end of the first day's ride found him in Society Hill, S. C, the second day in Kingstree, and the third in Charleston.

He believes he can average 75 miles in a normal day of bike riding without killing himself.

10 Miles Per Hour On this trip, he discovered he averaged about 10 miles per hour of actual riding time.

His English-made bike has three forward gears, the lowest of which makes pedaling uphill no more difficult than walking, he said. He pushed the bike up only one Mil. Another discovery—proof of a well-known fact, rather — was there are precious few bike riders, long distance bike riders, that is, on the roads these days.

He did not encounter a single one.

But his presence on the road did create interest. Motorists honked and yelled at him and passengers turned around to stare back at him.

Most drivers, Dr. Gates decided on the trip, don't know how to cope with a bike rider out on the open highway. He had several close brushes with vehicles which didn't allow him enough clearance, especially trailer-pulling vehicles which cut back in front of him too quickly.

There is some evidence that bike riding as a healthful exercise is growing in popularity, he said. He hopes that some future highways will be equipped with separate lanes for bikes and slow-moving vehicles as they are in Europe.

Europe is a subject he and his wife have been doing some wishful dreaming about, too. They would like to spend a summer vacation on a motor scooter tour of Europe. They have even considered riding their pedal-type bikes (she has one, too) to Florida.

To Town Creek One Sunday this past summer, they rode their bikes from their

H Sr

I

Sii fir: abi of B^ kins, ii fa ..

New London home to t h e Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site in Montgomery County and returned vial the station wagon pickup plant Mrs. Gates is one of the foremost rockhounds in this area of the state, having an enviable collection of specimens. Both she and her husband are devoted collectors of Indian artifacts.

Dr. Gates recalled t h a t the only other long-distance bike trip h e ever made was from Boston to Washington, D. C. back when he was a youngster, serving as a Western Union delivery boy.

In Charleston he met a n old seaman who wrangled him a tour of a U. S. Navy destroyer docked at the Charleston Naval Yard. While aboard, he m a d e recordings of some foreign language records which will be useful to him ln his language laboratory work at Pfeiffer.

Also, near Kingstree, he met a young man who showed him the location of a virtually unexplored Indian occupation site at which he and his party found arrowpoints, pottery fragments,

pipes, and other artifacts on their w a y back home.

"It was a very pleasant trip," Dr. Gates commented.

And he and Mrs. Gates are | keeping their bikes oiled up for J future jaunts.

Smokey Saytt

Let's all lake care!

Thomas Rowland Rode Horseback To R i e i i M l Va. A century and a quarter have passed since Thomas Rowland rode his horse from Stanly County to Richmond, Va., and back in order to register his 400 acres of Stanly land with the government land office there.

Today, about half of his original land grant still remains among his descendants, never having been bought or sold, but handed down in inheritance.

The rolling farmland, an excellent example of good farming, management, and conservation practices, lies along Bear Creek on the south side of Highway 73 about nine miles west of Albemarle.

Occupants and holders of the land today are great grandsons of the old settler. They are Ulysses A. Hatley and G. A. Hatley. The former owns 110 acres of the original tract, the latter owns 80 acres of it.

Both are farmers, tilling the Soil first broken to the plow by their distinguished forebear and later worked by slaves.

Despite the toll of time and the radical changes brought by modernization, there remain about the old homeplace many reminders of Thomas Rowland.

Thomas Rowland Thomas Rowland was born March 16, 1802, according to dates entered in the old Rowland family Bible, a remarkably well preserved volume, now in the possession of another great-grandson, Clifford Hatley, who lives a mile north of Millingport, He was married to Elizabeth P i d d e r on August 10, 1824.

His wife was born August 22, 1807.

The Hatleys believe the young married man made his arduous

At daylight he crept downstairs, got his horse from the barn, and left before anyone in the house stirred.

Back home after successfully entering his land with the government, Thomas Rowland built two log homes and a log smokehouse on his land.

A date scratched deeply into a native stone chimney on one of them is 1832. The other log home was built in 1843. The smokehouse was erected about the same period.

While deterioration has set in, all show remarkable preservation and excellent examples of home construction and architecture of that era.

They are regarded as among the oldest log strudures existing in Stanly County today. "nmbers and poles and boards, smoothed by hand tools and notched and mitered and held into place by wooden pegs, are used to the construction.

Wide Fireplaces Fireplaces are six feet wide.

"So wide it would have taken two people to carry a big log inside and put it on the fire," U. A. Hatley said.

Mr. Hatley and his brothers can remember living in the old log home in their -boyhood.

They remember when hams, shoulders, and sides of meat hung thick from the crossbeams ta the old smokehouse.

Down at the bottom of the hill a few hundred feet south of the LOG SMOKEHOUSE AT THOMAS ROWLAND HOMEPLACE Still sound and sturdy after 125 years, this log smokehouse once served as the meat curing old homeplace is a spring wMch and storing quarters a t the homeplace of Thomas Rowland. Though it is beginning to sag in furnished water for the household. milk house once stood ta the places, the structure has amazingly solid timbers which are notched tightly in place to prevent A spring run in which crocks of milk slippage. Termites apparently have bypassed it. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo. and butter were kept cool. A large slab of native slate stone, on his trip, even if that much.

He the erection of Ms large two-story ride on horseback to Richmond drug there over a hundred years and back some time between Ms log home, which still stands to- sought lodging and meals at ago by many men and mules, homes by the wayside wherever guards the spring against overmarriage and 1832, the date of day.

They recall fragments of stories nightfall caught him.

Early one night after an all- flow from the nearby stream. of this ride which has become a Thomas Rowland, his wife, his day ride, he sought and found beloved legend in the family, told son, the son's wife, and a child, lodging at a log home in the counto generations of descendants. died in the year 1862.

Travel was hazardous and un- try, though his host was a bit allElizabeth Pickler Rowland died certain at best in those days and reluctant. After supper, he was April 26, 1862. it is not known whether Thomas shown to an upstairs room. He The son, John A. Rowland, born Rowland made his trip cross coun- prepared for bed to ease his bone- March 1835, went to battle try or whether he stayed on the tired body in restful sleep. Then with the16,Confederate Armies ta strange noises came from downpoor roads of that era. the Civil War and was killed ta stairs.

There were many voices Leaves For Richmond action on August 22, 1862.

But one day he bade his young and shuffling feet.

His father, now 60, made arThe stairs creaked and a rap wife and children goodby and rangements to have the body of sounded on his door.

He opened turned Ms horse northeastward it cautiously. A man invited him the soldier shipped back to Raand began his Journey. leigh where he would meet it and On Ms person he carried in ex- down to join in a party, a gather- bring it on back home for burial cess of $400 with which to pay for ing in of neighbors for food, fun, in the family cemetery. his land, a t $1 per acre, and to and song. He declined. The man Train Wrecked buy food and lodging for himself insisted. Again he declined, stating that he was too exhausted and and his mount during the trip.

Accompanied by his grieving Also, he carried a sharp knife sleepy from his day's ride. The daughter-in-law, he went to Raleigh, claimed his son's body, and at his belt and a loaded pistol in man left- scowling.

Downstairs the party continued, was on the way back with it when his pocket Murders and robpunctuated by ribald laughter and the train wrecked and Thomas beries were not uncommon occurrences on the eastern frontier jumbled voices, until almost day- Rowland was killed ta the accident. then. . , Didn't Sleep a Wink His daughter-in-law was fatally I t is estimated that he averThomas Rowland didn't sleep a aged no more than 40 miles a day wink that night. He didn't un- injured in the train wreck, hospitalized, and died about a week dress. Instead, he whetted Ms later. knife and made sure his pistol Instead of one body, three were was loaded and handy. Most of brought back for burial. the night, he stood tensely beside The bodies of Thomas Rowland the door ready to spring outside and his battle-slain soldier son, OLD THOMAS I and dash away to freedom in case John A. Rowland, were buried toUlysses A. Hatley, great j his host or the host's drunken gether in the same grave. | points to the date "1832" serai friends came to Ms room to rob Today ova: this common grave stone chimney of the Rowland him. ' there stands a single slate marker and uses the old log home for with their names and dates of birth and death still legible upon it.

The graveyard keeps a lonely vigil from a rise of ground in the middle of a plowed field in the i rolling hills along Bear Creek.

•paqAV aq) )B SJSATjp p3DU3IJ3dX3 M1IAV 8}B -jado iCfueuipJO qoiqM 'OO) 'saptq -3A JBlOJaUIUIOO PUB S>pn.Il 9J3M sapiqaA paiqStfun aq) jo auios HB )B UO S)q2*i ou pBq uaAas jaq)o aqj, •uo s;qgri -pBaq J p q ) psq uiaq; jo uaAaia uo sjqSq >pBd j p q i paq uiaq) jo uaa;qS;a •sapiqaA gg )aui aq pres aq 3[JBUI - a q i V o)ut u o puod; S O J J

UIOJJ

•UI 'B 0 £ : 8 punoaB

SBAV s p u , •SutAtap 3 o j snopjBZBti a q j ui u o t j n B o a a d .Cjajes B S B UO >*

P S P F »P

^aSjj^j

JBinSaa Suunp SUIUJOUI A^puns jaqio aq) qoonqo ano )B dfi * * * * •jaA"BJd jo apn)R)B UB ut JSAO

juaq pBaq siq q)tM padoo)s me/A o) psq aq 'pAaj )noj*Bq do))Bg siq 33*BUI o; j a pJO ui )Bq)

A"BM

B ipns ui )no uaaq psq Jisq S;H •pies A"BH 'inojiBq do))Bg luaoaj siq inoqs Suiute[d -UIOD Ajpiiui SBM jojsBd a q x •jaijBiu a q ) SBM )BqM

pasjSB pus uiiq

paddo)s A*BH *)ssoUMop psaq •PI q)fM pjBMJOj padoojs ifnqSr[s 'iauuBur PJFA\>[/!AB -laifiBJ B u_r Sur ->[[»Al SBAV 'prBS /TEH 'JOJSBCl aXJJJ •jajunooua a m j n o q e 3ui[[3} SBM

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS. ALBEMARLE, N. C. TUESDAY. DEC1

OLD THOMAS ROWLAND HOME Ulysses A. Hatley, great grandson of t h e pioneer settler, points to t h e date "1832" scratched deeply into a rock in t h e stone chimney of the Rowland home. Mr. Hatley lives nearby and uses the old log home for storage.

—Staff Photo. with their names and dates of birth and death still legible upon it.

The graveyard keeps a lonely vigil from a rise of ground in the middle of a plowed field in the ,rolling hills along Bear Creek.

Painting Again Alter 40 Years

Mrs. Burris Is Local 'Grandma Moses' A lady who poses as the "Grandma Moses" of Stanly County has been turning out some delightful landscapes in oils for the past 10 months after an absence of more than 40 years away from the paint brushes and the easel.

She is Mrs. Conrad Burris who lives six miles east of Albemarle on Highway 740.

Last December when she took up her paint brushes and canvasses again, it had been 68 years since she had had an art lesson.

Three paintings were completed that month. More than two dozen have been finished since then.

And she's hard at work on more.

Already she has sold six of them. Others have been spoken for.

A physical disability imposes limitations on her movements and she doesn't get outside and go places often. Visitors to her home are few outsjde neighbors and members of her family.

Consequently, her contacts with the outside are limited. Not a lot of people are aware that she's painting again—at the age of 87.

Having Lots Of Fun But she is painting again, successfully, too, and having lots of fun with it.

Her room in the big old house on the Mil up from the highway is sprinkled with paintings and paraphernalia.

You see paintings she's done of Lake Junaluska in the moonlight, Llnville Falls tumbling from its gorge, sailboats on mountain - rimmed lakes, wharf scenes, birds, flowers, houses, trees, sunsets, and many other still-life and landscape canvasses, some complete and some incomplete, but most with the theme of the out-of-doors.

Her easel stands where the light from the south window is best. Tubes of paint and parcels of brushes lie around with daubing rags, an arm rest, and a T-square. Boxes and stacks of clippings, pictures, newspapers, and magazines indicate her love of reading and studying and saving.

Many of her picture ideas come from postcards and magazine pic-

158. Zmi • Main, stwset

SHE IS STANLY COUNTY'S GRANDMA MOSES Mrs. Conrad Burris, 87, of the Badin Road, poses here at her easel working on an oil painting typical of the many she has turned out during the past 10 months. She resumed painting again last December after 40 years and 68 years since she has had an art lesson.—Staff Photo. tures. Any colored picture that catches her eye, she files away as a future model.

Many of her paintings are from memory altogether.

For instance, she painted Linville Falls, Table Rock, and other Western N. C. mountain scenes from memories she has of visiting those places when she was a college girl 68 years ago.

"I love the mountains and the out-of-doors," she said. "I love painting. I hope these pictures will be pleasure to someone."

Voice Is Mellow Her voice is mellowed and delicate as a fine old tune expertly played. It comes intermittently with resonance and rhythm. Her speech is poised, her manners gracious, and her demeanor gives a distinct impression of good breeding and aristocracy.

5 • Her eyes crinkle up and sparkle with merriment. She laughs with gusto. Snowy hair waves about her head. Hands, a bit wrinkled and gnarled now, clasp the brush and pallet with firmness and faith.

Only on fine detail work in her paintings does her vision need the aid of glasses.

Thirty-four years ago, she came to this house on the hill as a step-mother to eight chil-

dren. Thirteen years ago, the last of the children left home and she's lived alone since.

When she was married in 1926, she brought her painting equipment with her to her new home hoping she would find time to paint again. But she never did.

Her easel was chopped up for stovewood and the children made playthings of her pallet and Tsquare.

Her sister, Mary, in California, aware of her early interest in art, insisted in her letters that she go back to painting to fill the empty hours after she was left alone in the big house. Last December, her sister wrote and almost demanded that she resume her painting. Enclosed in the letter was $75 to help her get started.

"Get To Painting" "You have not lost your talent," her sister wrote. "You have raised another woman's family and you have had no income.

Take this money and buy what you need and get to painting."

When she sent for paint- and materials, she discovered brands and names had modernized so much she hardly knew how to order her equipment.

In Norwood, where she completed high school, she studied art for a year, specializing in watercolors and doing highly-

rated work in lighting and shading.

There followed a year which must have been one of the happiest years of her life at the Greensboro Female College, 189192, where she devoted herself to art as well as taking a full course of study.

There she was judged the best landscape painter in a class of 75 art students.

While at college she took trips into the mountains and saw scenes which even today she distills from her memory in the form of refreshing paintings in oils.

After college, she taught school and worked in the U. S. Post Office in Norwood. A Methodist all her life, she also taught a Sunday school class in the Methodist Church in Norwood for 25 years.

Her Former Students Some of her students are now

prominent Albemarle men. Robert L. Vick of the First National Bank, Attorneys Erskine Smith and Hal Turner, and Dr. W. N. McKenzie are a few of them.

"I have had responsibility all my life," she said. "Even when I was a young girl, my parents would leave me at home with the younger children."

Mrs. Burris is the former Miss Ola Atkins, daughter of the late A. S. and Sarah Cornelia. Lilly Atkins. She was born in Montgomery County.

Her parents moved to Stanly County when she was six and subsequently settled at Norwood. In addition to her sister in California, she has one brother living. He is Arthur C. Atkins of Sanford.

She has no children of her own.

Her father was a large landholder in this county at one time and she recalls with fondness the devotion and affection he had for his children.

Painting, Mrs. Burris says, is exacting work, necessitating exhausting concentration, close attention to detail, and the use of all the senses and faculties one possesses. It's also hard on the nerves, she said.

She paints whenever she chooses now. Some days it's all day long from breakfast until daylight fades into dusk. Other days she doesn't pick up a brush at all.

Reading occupies her evenings.

"I read everything," she said with a chuckle in her voice.

"Newspapers, magazines, books, and maybe even some things I really shouldn't read."

Radio news broadcasts are a must with her. But she's thumbs down on TV. She doesn't have a TV set and doesn't want one.

"It's too wasteful of your time," she said.

Occasionally she stays up reading, writing letters, and just thinking and remembering until I I p.m. or midnight. Then she lets the light, or the sunshine, or the chirping birds wake her next morning.

Sees Beauty Everywhere "I see beauty everywhere," she said. "In the mountains, in the sunsets, in the clouds, in flowers, animals, and people. I thank God constantly in my prayers that He has given me the ability to see and appreciate the beauty in His handiwork."

Several Albemarle homes have pictures hanging on their walls

"It Ain't Built For Speed"

Hugh Shank Builds lever Car' For Parade A r e m e d y for today's space-age people w h o a r e both speeding up and fattening up h a s been perfected

by H u g h Shank, 46, a partt i m e ' f a r m e r a n d part-time t i n k e r e r w h o lives in t h e P a u l ' s Crossing community on Route 1, Richfield.

Hugh is living proof that it works, too.

He's tall, lean, rangy and work-worn.

The invention which materialized in Hugh's inventive mind reflects Ms nature pretty well.

It's a roughhewn conglomeration of iron wheels, rods, levers, and odd hunks of metal which somehow bring the word "junkyard" to mind.

He calls the tiling a "lever car" because a lever, pumped back and forth by a pair dr sturdy arms, is what provides the motive power.

The nickname of the unmotorized chariot is "Tricky".

"Sometimes when you work tha lever you dont know whether if s gonna go forward or backward," Hugh said.

Tricky is Hugh's rebuttal and retaliation to today's speed-loving society.

Less Speeding "If people had to operate one of these everywhere they traveled there would be less speeding and less traffic accidents and less people getting killed," he said.

Then he added: "Less traveling, too."

He had great fun putting Ms lever car together, mostly from spare party lying around his home.

The idea for the ironclad little vehicle came to Mm over a month ago and he has been busy assembling the machine in his spare time ever since.

THEY'RE READY FOB THE ALBEMARLE CHRISTMAS PARADE An abandoned crankshaft and Hugh Shank, 46, and his homemade "Lever Car" last week became the first official entry connecting rod from a one-lung In the 1960 Albemarle Christmas parade on Monday, November 28. Hugh built the unmotorgasoline motor gave him the ized Utile vehicle as a spare time hobby and as a protest against today's speed-conscious society. He's talking about making other refinements on the car and investigating to see if he can secure a patent. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo.

ATLANTIC

1'Ailrol ACCEPTANCE CORP.

lio^iig 150 East Main! Street

idea. Why not hook the shaft up to an axle with wheels, attach a lever onto the end of the rod, and work the lever with the hands for power?

He rounded up a couple of 16inch wheelbarrow wheels to go in front and a couple of more truck wheels off a disc harrow to go in *he rear.

Boxings and bearings for rear

axle crankshaft came from the Ed Miller machine shop in Albemarle.

Two chunks of channel iron came from the Carolina Welding Shop of Albemarle.

The main chassis frame of the lever car, linking the front and rear wheels, came off an old disc harrow.

Welding was done on the con-

traption by Jay Rowland and Walt Austin.

Lever Is Table Leg The all-important hand lever which provides propulsion is a metal leg off a dining table.

To operate the lever car, the driver sits in a hard metal seat wMch came off a mowing machine. His feet, resting on the front axle, guide the machine.

It has no luxuries like springs or shock absorbers to soften the jolts from the solid wheels.

Comfort and driving ease were not even considered in the building of this cart, Hugh said.

"I thought about putting a motor on it," Hugh said. "But then I said to myself "Why a motor? I want this to be something different.'

"Ever since World War II people have been speed happy.

Speed is almost a religion. People just want to see how fast they can go. Everything has speeded up. Well, I wanted to break away from that. Tricky ain't built for speed."

What is it built for?

To play with, mostly, Hugh said.

In Christmas Paxade He plans to enter it in the Albemarle Christmas parade.

It has already been inspected and approved for the parade by Albemarle and Stanly County Chamber of Commerce.

Between now and parade time, Hugh plans to add a "spike" bell to the lever car, the kind of bell you strike with a mallet to get a clang.

Several times he has demonstrated the 100-pound pile of scrap metal to people around in the county. Viewers have been very impressed with the novelty of the car.

Two Albemarle boys Who played with it offered to trade Hugh their ponies for it.

Hugh admits Ms lever car clanks and clatters a bit and that there's a little lost motion in tiie stroke of the conneding rod.

But he don't pay that no mind.

This Is Economy He says just think of the economy you getâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;no fuel, no water, no oil, no air, no tires, no battery, no licenses, and no taxes to, worry about.

And his muscular mileage is terrific.

He says he gets five miles on a Pepsi-Cola and three to four miles on a Coke, regular size.

Hugh's planning further re|finements on Tricky. Then he's got in mind discussing patent possibilities with a lawyer.

Cedar Tree Novelties Carved By D. T. Hall •

DILLARD HALL AND PRISON Dillard T. Hall, of 704 Austin Street, cedar tree trunk carving which is a replica prison tower he saw in China 40 years ago.

Forty years ago a destroyer from the United States Navy docked at a port on the coast of China and an Albemarle sailor, an eager young teenager, went ashore for his first liberty in quite some time.

While his salty pals rushed to the city to savor the pleasures of its nightlife, he headed inland to see all he could of this interesting new country.

He had not gone far before he encountered an odd-looking Chinese prison tower, a vertical stone strudure with several levels ant" compartments. The tower and its grotesque architecture fascinated him. He viewed it from all angles and inquired about its operations and facilities. In Ms mind he formed a mental blueprint of the structure and filed it away because he knew he would need it again some day.

A year or so later he was discharged from the Navy, came back home, and took a job. Years passed. He got married and began raising a family.

Knew What He Wanted Dillard Hall knew what he wanted to do. He wanted to build a replica of that Chinese prison tower.

He began asking lumbermen and sawmill men to save for him the biggest and most gnarled cedar tree trunk they could find.

After 10 to 12 years, he found just the cedar tree trunk he wanted from a Rowan County farm.

In his spare time, he began the task of converting the tree trunk into a scale replica of the prison tower he had seen in China. It was a labor of love.

Three of his four daughters were big enough now to help him strip off the bark and rub sandpaper over the surfaces. But the father handled the saws and the planes and wood chisels and pocketknife. In a log book, he kept daily record of the time spent on the project.

Two years later he was finished. The log book showed a toTOWER poses here with his t a l of 379 hours and 15 minutes.

And the prison tower was then, of an actual Chinese as it is now, a wonder to behold.

—Staff Photo*.

Wonder to Behold It is one solid block of cedar with all its features carved right into, or out of, the wood with the exception of the latticework doors and the ladders attached to the outside which connect the various levels.

There is an office and quarters for the prison warden and guards on the first level, prisoner cells on the other levels, several elevated lookout posts for guards, and a dark dungeon hollowed out into one side of the front.

Once completed, the prison tower attracted considerable (SJfflrnent frorti surprised visitors.

No one had ever seen anything so unusual made from a cedar log.

Today the objed still brings exclamations of surprise and awe from new visitors to the Hall home at 704 Austin Street.

Mrs. Hall, the former Miss Maude Martin of Rowan County,

Vv

MEDIEVAL CASTLE TOWER CARVING Carved from one massive cedar tree trunk, this intricate carving, well over seven feet tall, represents a medieval castle.

A drawbridge once connected the top levels. It contains a secret compartment which was once the object of $500 prize search.

—Staff Photo. decorates the tower and puts it at her window for a Christmas tree each year. The tower is wired with lights in each of the compartments.

Castle Tower Soon after he had finished the tower, Mr. Hall set to work on another ambitious projed — a tower castle based on medieval and Biblical conceptions.

This time he got a larger and taller cedar tree trunk which separated into two prongs to his specifications. In approximately 275 hours of spare time worked stretched over a n 18-month pe-l riod, he had his castle completed.

Possibly it is more complex and intricate than the prison tower. Each prong is honeycombed with rooms, compartments, passageways, trap doors, outside steps, interior ladders, and secret panels.

It, too, is wired and has light sockets in each room. It can be

used as a floor lamp to read by, as Mr. Hall often has done.

Once it had a drawbridge which could be raised and lowered to connect the top levels of the two towers. But the Hall grandchildren have climbed over the massive carving and broken the bridge and some of the fixtures.

Both the prison and castle towers were originally furnished with miniature furniture made

by Mr. Hall, but most of this h a s now been lost. Today, the castle tower, over seven feet tall and so wide it must be turned sideways to go through an average door, Is in t h e home of w«i ofl the Hall daughters, Mrs. Coy W. Almond, of Route 3, Albemarle.

On Public Display So impressed was the Duke Power Company by the castle carving that the company put it on public display in Salisbury a n d later in Port Huron, Mich. There, the company offered a $500 prize

OpJ to anyone who could locate a secret compartment, large enough to hold a folded newspaper, somewhere in the tower. Only Mr. Hall and the company president knew the location of the secret.

Hundreds of people searched but none found the secret or claimed the prize.

To this day only a very few people know about the secret compartment in the big castle tower.

Two smaller cedar tower carvings were completed by Mr. Hall and given away, one to Rev. Dan Allen of Lexington.

Born March 26, 1904 in Montgomery County near Troy, Mr. Hall was reared in Albemarle.

After his enlistment with the Navy, most of which was spentf in the Asiatic theatre, he worked in Stanly and Rowan Countiea and w a s employed with Gable'| Stores for 14 years. Now he hofc a position on the second shiT with American & Efird Mills.

He and Mrs. Hall have »ur daughters, Mrs. Clarence Faafctt and Mrs. Bobby Pickler of ^ e - l marie, Mrs. Coy W. Almoni of | Route 3, Albemarle, and IWrs. Clyde Davidson of Norwood J and 16 grandchildren.

Plans Refinishing When he can get away/from his gardening chores long enough, he h a s in mind refinishing both the castle and prison towers, repairing some of the fences, railing, and drawbridge which the grandchildren have broken.

Maybe he will construct more miniature furniture for them, too.

After a quarter of a century now, he figures both the cedar tower novelties are needing refinishln

With Penny Brothers Auctiqn Band

P. L. Mayberry Is Man With The Golden Horn Preston Lee Mayberry, 68, of ' the Old Aquadale Road section of Route 1, Albemarle, is known as " t h e man with the golden horn" la Stanly County, North Carolina, and over a large part of the nation.

As a trumpet player extraordinary, he has thrilled many a band and music-lover in many a city on many an occasion.

What's more, he still does it.

All that's keeping him grounded now is the rough winter weather. Soon as the weather breaks for the better, he's off again with the Penny Brothers Audion Company of Charlotte as the lead trumpetv with an eight-piece band.

This jand, famous in itself, accompanies the famous auction team to give concerts prior to the beginning of the sale.

T h e last such performanc»-in which Mr. Mayberry participated was ntl^vtember^^BiiajipripK he expects to- go wttfl the band to South Carolina.

He has been affiliated with Penny Brothers for over 32 years.

"They're the best," he said.

T h e world's best."

Noma Is Legendary The name of Mayberry and Mayberry's Band and Mayberry*i trumpet are legendary in Stanly County and in the Southeast.

Mention his name to any oldtime band musician in these parts P. L. MAYBERRY AND HIS TRUMPET READY FOR ACTION and he'll be quick to tell you that Referred to a s "the m a n with the golden horn" in the Carolinas, P. L. Mayberry poses here P . L. Mayberry unlocks the se- with his trumpet in his home off the Old Aquadale Road. He h a s played lead trumpet with crets of the trumpet as few other t h e Penney Brothers Auction Co. for more t h a n 32 years. Since he came to Albemarle in 1922, hornblowers have ever done. he has been affiliated with a large number of bands and musical groups here and in this area. At Aside from Ms mastery of the the age of 68, he still plays with t h e band.

—Staff Photo. trumpet, his leadership and participation in the bands of AlbeHe, himself, captured three state ' Began At Age Of 10 Furr Orchestra marle and viciMty have won Mm Another band with wMch he prizes for Ms guitar playing.

Mr. Maybenry began his musiquite an honorable place in the He played in the oldJSKiscassett musical history of Stanly County. cal career as a 10-year-old young- was long identified was Prince Band anePthe -oldTilfird Band unFurr's "Furr Orchestra", a band He and his bands played any ster in Cooleemee who pestered der the- direction of Prof. Sid Ludtype of music and played i t out- his neighbor, a Mr. Squeaks, to wMch played exdusively for wig. standingly well. He and his cur- let Mm practice on his mandolin. dances all over North Carolina.

Other Bands I t consisted of - t h e f o U o w i n g ; rent band hold Mgh this tradiSome of the many other bands Prince Furr, bass fiddle; Belvin Within a few years, he had protion. vkjjin; Thiddeus Furr, tenor he played with at one time or anCurrent members of the Penny gressed to a guitar and bass fid- Furr, banjo;/Marvin Burr, guitar and other were the Redman Band of Brothers band are P . L. Mayberry dle and had formed a string band vocalist; Rayvori Furr, drums; Albemarle, the Franklin Band in and Mae Davis, trumpets; Donald which played at public functions. Donald Wataor, .darinet; P . L. Concord, the Kannapolis Band unWatson, clarinet; Hugh Barrier I n Salisbury, where he lived for Maybeiiry, trunipejt; and Herbert der the direction of Bob McGuirt, and Joe Black, drums; Bud Mor- seven years, he formed Kayberry's Simmons, piano. the Army and Marine Bands of gan, bass dram; Henry Doby, bari- Orchestra, an eight-piece string the Winnsboro, S. C , "That Herbert is one of the Charlotte, tone; and Tom Kearns, trombone. band which proved highly popular Band under the direction of Worth 'greats'' op the piano," he said.

In Mr. Mayberry's estimation, at theatres, dances, public events, Allen, the Winnsboro Orchestra, For fl\» years Mi. Mayberry the Fireman's Band i n Greensall of t h a n rank at the top. and amusement centers. was scoutmaster and director of All of them are Stanly County In 1922 he came to Albemarle the Brum & Bugle Corps of the boro, tiie Elberton, Ga., Orchestra, men with t h e exception of Joe the Atlanta, Ga., City Band, and Black, from JShArlottey a n d Tom and right away formed the Nov- Boy Scout TroOp sponsored by the Badin Band under the direcelty Orchestra, a seven-member Wiscassett Mills in Albemarle. tion of the late Leo W. Gabriel.

Kearns of Davidson County.

All are well up in years, being band which he headed for over Each year his troop band played V After going as far as he could middle-aged or better. One. is four years. I t was composed of a t the Shllne Bowl game in Char- with string instruments, Mr. Mayolder, than Mr. Mayberry. All are the following members: P. L. l o t t e . / berry switched to wind instru"Max Bogle Ihow a teller at ments and selected tha trumpet professionals and seasoned vet- Mayberry, trumpet and guitar; Worth Allen, clarinet; Going Cole, Cabarrus Bank 4 Trust Company) erans of practically, a lifetime of tenor banjo; Hugh Barrier, tenor was one of ihy b e s t drummers," as his special forte. I t proved a musical experience. banjo; Fisher Hendley, five-string he recalled. "And Reba Chance perfect match and he and the trumpet advanced to the top of It's A SNAP a t ATLANTIC. T h * banjo; Ray Ballard, vocalist; and ; (now Mrs. Junior Barbee) was the the field.

George Russell, clarinet. best >naj6rette I ever had in a place for AUTO LOANS a n d His virtuosity with the trumFINANCING at the Lowest Cost— The latter man, he referred to band." pet caused Mm to be handpicked, His bands todjt.prizes in various ATLANTIC ACCEPTANCE CORP.. as the world's second best on a contests » ' $ M s ; part of the state. in 1926, for a place on the Penny 150 East Main St. tf n clarinet.

Brothers band. There fallowed a colorful and rewarding career of traveling and playing all over the United States with the auction company. A hand congf"-**- J^L"+ street, foUowedby a parade, p r e ceded the land sal#» "Those were great days and they were great people," he said.

•This band plays a t the.«»P d the marsh section,"* he said.

It is one of the best bands I have ever been with. They are all good, agreeable fellows and i r s a pleasure to work with them."

Advice To Mu»telan» He has some advice for the young musician of today who seeks to attain more than an amateur status in the musical field.

Assuming there is some native musical talent and ability to begin with, the most- important tMng, he says, is to experiment and determine precisely what in-, strument you like best and wantl most to play. Then, the vital tiling, is to take advantage of all instruction available and to exercise rigid self-disdpline in practicing to reach perfection.

Always be cooperative with your musician friends and never show envy of a superior ability, he said.

"Friendships and hdping hands go a long way in helping you meet and overcome difficulty, he said. " I value friendship above everything else."

Shortly after coming to Albemarle, Mr. Mayberry began his apprenticeship as a stonecutter at the C. M. Palmer Stoneworks and 1 successfully completed his train1 ing He followed the stonecutting 1 trade here, in Georgia, South Carolina, and Charlotte before retiring in 1953. Since then, he has eiven more time to the band.

On August J, 1922, he was married to the former Miss Terry Morris of Albemarle. They have two daughters, Mrs. Clyde Lee of Norwood, and Mrs. Julia Ann Burris of the home, and six grandchildren.

Moved To Country Mr. Mayberry is a tnembCT of Tabernacle Methodist Church of Albemarle and lived in Albemarle until aboqt five years ago when t h e moved two miles south of Ai' b l m a r l e on the Old -Muadale Road. Here he admits tt> enjoying the country and working in hl

W n l e he doesn't do mfctfi extra trumpeting outside Ma regular S ^ c o n c e r t s , Mr. Mayberry is 1 occasionally called upoiftojcome and rehearse witiUocMe t (musicians just to help t h e n \ g into the right swing of things. .

He doesn't promise, any special performances just for you, but if TOU happen to catch Mm m one of these impromptu rehearsals, or, 1 betterJif you can arrange to atS one of the band concerts a t an auction sale, listovclosely to that man on the lead trumpet and see if you don't agree that F . U Mayberry lives up to his reputation as "the man with the golden horn.^

#

Howell Springs Was Albemarle Playground In Mid-20's STANLY NEWS AND PRESS. ALBEMARLE. N. C

FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1981

VISITORS INSPECT REMAINS OF OLD SWIMMING POOL Dillard T. Hall, left, and S. R. Andrew, both of whom remember visiting the pool back in its heyday in the mid-twenties, stand at the north end of the old concrete structure and look over the ruins. A portion of the wall in the lower right corner has crumbled. A large bath house once stood close behind the men at the end of the pool.

—Staff Photo.

THIS SPRING FED THE POOL S. R. Andrew, left, and Dillard T. Hall inspect one of the major springs of the Howell Springs group. This spring, still flowing today, fed water into the big concrete swimming pool a short distance south of this site.

—Staff Photo.

On a hot day in the middle 1920's oldtimers say you could find a good fourth ol the people of Albemarle and vicinity beating the heat and having fun at the Howell Springs Pleasure Park, a couple miles northwest of the N square.

Especially on the weekends and afternoons.

If you didn't want to take a dip in the spacious concrete swimming pool, you could stand around and spectate and watch some fancy high divers at work and play.

Divers like Jack Snuggs, Pete Parker, Fred Owens, and Harold Horton. The former two were lifeguards at the pool.

You could watch these young men, and lots of .others, dive off into the deep end of the pool and swim underwater over 100 feet to the shallow end of the pool Where they broke the surface blue in the face and gasping for breath.

Large Man Floated You might catch a glimpse of a large man with a big stomach floating on his back around on the surface of the pool. Sometimes he looked as relaxed and unmindful of the rippling surface waves just as if he had been asleep on his sofa at home. Some spectators vowed that he slept as he THIS IS HOW HOWELL SPRINGS SWIMMING POOL LOOKED IN ITS HEYDAY floated — supported only by the Photographer L. A. Hitchcock of Albemarle made this p i d u r e Note the old cars in the picture, the electric lights, and tha buoyancy of his own body. He'd do this for hours at a time, some- of Howell Springs Swimming Pool sometime in the early or mode of dress of the people in the p i d u r e . This picture is now times with a bottled drink or sand- middle twenties, although the e x a d year or date is not known. owned by Mrs. W. T. Carpenter of Albemarle, who is the former wich perched on top of his tummy. The view is from the west side of the pool looking toward the Miss Lucille Efird, daughter of the late W. T. Efird, manager north end. The structure at the end of the pool housed the bath When you grew tired of swim- house facilities for men and women and the concession stand. of the pool and park. ming, wading, or watching the activity at the pool—which was dif- buttressed with pipe and cement. and take a dip M the fine Seasonal Opening In 1926 furnished by numerous sparkling ficult for most people to do—you The springs are concentrated in friends, The following year, 1926, the mountain springs and is always could take the family and stroll up an area between two hillsides no pool. You'll live longer."

At the seasonal opening of the pool held its grand seasonal open- kept running. No one need have past the bathhouses to the springs larger than half a football field. pool on Wednesday, June 3, 1925, ing on May 20 with prizes offered any fear of contamination on acand picnic grounds. powers were attribut- there were afternoon and evening to the best swimmer, best diver, count of stagnant water. EveryHere was a verdant little park, edCurative to the water from some of band concerts. The pool and park the most fancy diver and the long- thing is conducted in the most green and shady, laced with foot- these mineral saMtary manner by tha managesprings and their were open from 9 a. m. until 11 est distance diver. paths and sparking spring runs water was sought for relief from p. m. with refreshments available Harold Horton and Fred Owens ment." and picnic tables. at the concession stand.

However, sanitation is believed numerous ailments. proved the outstanding divers in If it was getting on down toto be one of the factors wMch led The advertisement said two fine Albemarle's Playground this contest.

Houston Moody and ward the shank of the afternoon, to the downfall of the popular An advertisement appearing in tailored bathing suits for men and R. J. Corbit, Jr., both of Badin, pool after a few short seasons. you might see Dugan Shankle prewomen were to be given away also won contests. the Albemarle newspaper back paring for one of his famous fish Someone remembers that cerThe ladies' contest was won by tain moral objectors to the swim* fries, where, for a quarter, you when Howell Springs was in its free to those renting suits. There were cash prizes for swimmers heyday described the place like Mrs. James Buie. could eat all the fish you wanted. ming pool succeeded in getting aubringing their own suits.

Half of the population of Al- thorities to outlaw it and state One Albemarle man remembers this: "Albemarle's Playground — Bathing tubes were offc ».' free bemarle was expected out for tMs health authorities to condemn it that the way they cooked the fish was to pour gallons of grease, That's Howell Springs Pleasure to beginners and free camping fa- opening day, according to the on sanitation grounds because the butter, or cooking oil into a large Park and swimming pool. If you cilities were available on the newspaper advertisement wMch pool had no filtered water. said in part: vat or cooking pot. Then the fish don't believe it, join the party of grounds for tourists.

"Naked" Women Bathers The late W. T. Efird was man"Howell Springs is one of the were rolled in cornmeal and drop- recreation seekers almost any afped into the bubbling oil. They ternoon or evening who gather ager of the pool and the park at most complete bathing pools in It is remembered by some lothe country. The water supply is cal citizens that church groups plummeted to the bottom. When there. Come out, meet your this time. they popped back up to the surviolently objeded to the existence of the pool and its "naked" women face, moments later, they were bathers, despite the fact that their ready to take out and put on the bathing suits covered them almost plate. from neck to knee, except for the That the park and pool comarms. prised an elaborate playground At any rate the popularity of for the city some 35 years ago is the p o d waned and it gradually still evident to this day. fell into disuse and abandonment.

Pool Still Stands People continued to visit the springs and to use the picnicking While bath houses and all the facilities and camp grounds. Later, wooden structures have long since the area was said to be infested rotted away, the concrete pool by cockfighters, gamblers, and stands with dignity. A portion of other riffraff. the east wall of the pool has toppled inward, letting in water and Roads into the springs now are soil wMch has covered most of the choked with forest growth and are sloping concrete bottom. Trees up barely negotiable by a motorized to the size of your leg have taken vehicle. But recent visitors found root in this soil and appear to* be that the springs still sparkle and growing tight out through the flow, creating a young stream • concrete bottom. The interior of wMch gurgles across the rocks in the pool now is choked with the old road as it sings its way on bushes, leaves, and Utter. toward Long Creek. The bleached-out gray concrete walls of the wThere is no sign of the diving old rectangular pool stand aloof l^-ard s t r u d u r e at the south end to the encroaching forest wMch is ,'ie pool. But the drainage outslowly obliterating them. Wild \!«from this end juts out promcreatures find the area a haven.

Jfcntly.

There are citizens today who KijOn the west side of the pool a visit the verdant but forgotten lit&**tle stream of sparkling water tle park in the ravine between gjhws by unimpeded by the huge two hills and come away with Ppncrete reservoir it once filled. reminiscence brightening their jjsAt the northeast corner of the minds.

E>ol is a square, shallow offset The visionaries among them see d i o n of pool, on a higher level, the spot being revived and re>parently reserved for the chilstored some future day as a top en. recreation area for our increasing Pipes once diverted the combinpopulation. flow from a number of springs hundred yards north of the pool Chas. Lutwidge Dodgson wrote to the shallow end of the pool under the pen n a m e of Lewis nd out again at the deep end.

ICaroll. Dodgson, author of "AlTHIS IS HOWELL SPRINGS SWIMMING POOL TODAY lice in Wonderland," w a s an Anhus, a constant stream of fresh This is p i d u r e of Howell Springs swimming pool w a s m a d e in January It shows the Iglican deacon and mathematics ring w a t e r was fed into the pool pd the excess drained off through thicket of trees which are growing u p inside the old pool. Vines and roots are s'lowlv weakenine teacher, t h e son of a n Anglican the concrete walls, a portion Qf which has already caved inward. Tangled thickets of vines | priest. e outlet.

Several of these springs flow briars, bushes and trees practically hide the pool now and it is invisible except at very close eadily today. One or two are r a n g e # Use Easter Seals.

—Staff Photo.

Organizer Of Many Churches Still Preaches At 81

Stanly's Rev. S. L Mclntyre Has Had Colorful Ministry with his work," Mrs. Mclntyre said. She is 69 years of age. "I

By FRED T. MORGAN Weekly prayer meeting time at old Big Lick Church in western Stanly County in the early years following 1900 always saw half a hundred or more faithfuls gather at the hilltop church to renew their spiritual ties and to offer their testimonials to the glory of God. Prominent among them was a grown young man in his twenties who never failed to climax the prayer service with a three-to-five minute glowing tribute to the greatness of God and a firm testimonial about what God had done for him in his life.

A deacon called him aside at the end of one such meeting and said to him: "Brother, you are waxing so strong in the glory of the Lord we're just going to have to let you preach to us here sometime."

Half jokingly, the young man responded: "All right, when do you want me to preach?"

"Nest Sunday night here at the church," the deacon said.

So the young man agreed.

The sermon he preached that Sunday night before half a church full of people launched the preaching career of Rev. S. L. Mclntyre, one of the most beloved country preachers Stanly County has ever REV. AND MRS. S. L. McINTYRE OF BIG LICK produced.

Mr. Mclntyre, who still preaches, will be 81 on May 9. His wife, the former Miss Martha TucRemember First Text of Stanly County, is 69. They were married January 6, 1906 and have lived on their farm Asked recently if he still re- ker on the Big Lick-Stanfleld Road for a long number of years. Mr. Mclntyre has been preaching membered what he preached about for more than 50 years and has organized a number of churches in this area. —Staff Photo. on that momentous occasion, Rev. Mclntyre leaned back to his he, like Barnabas, be full of the found someone to play at each He Had to Choose 1-3 chair.

Reminiscence flickered Holy Spirit, and of faith through location to provide the vital music over his friendly eyes. A gnarled Along ta the years when he him may much people be added for his services. Townspeople, athand rubbed his thinning wtate began to feel more keenly the to the Lord." tracted by the tent, helped Mm to hildren and hair. Then his head nodded af- ever-pressing call to go and preach Rev. Mclntyre organized Bethel erect it and dismantle it. He re- ren.

God's Word, he was busy develop- Baptist Church, West Oakboro members as high as 25 conversions firmatively.

•yre attend "This was my text," he said: ing a brick manufacturing indus- Baptist Church, and Centerview at one tent service.

Th of which try at Big Lick.

He was both a " 'And they bowed their knees Baptist Church, all ta StaMy As far as finances went, he said pers since brick maker and a brick layer. saying, Hall King of the Jews'." and served as pastor of he did little more than break even, days of Ms' had business visions of leasing County, if that good, as most of his offereach of them.

He has never stopped preaching He land, erecting buildings, and in- He was pastor of Wiscassett ings went to pay expenses. OMy since that time: stalling machinery to manufacwas there an extra e 9-B) Now nearing his 81st birthday, ture brick to supply the brick Street Baptist Church ta Albe- occasionally dollar or two to slip in an enmarle for over three years and May 9, Rev. Mclntyre can look needs of a large area of this part remembers baptizing more than velope to send home to his wife back on over half a century of of the country.

60 converts. At West Oakboro and children who continued to preaching God's word and imple- "I had to choose between lay- Baptist Church, of wMch he was operate the farm while he was off menting His work among the peo- ing down my preaching and tak- pastor for seven years, he on the tent meeting circuit. ple of this area. ing up my brides or laying down says he mustover have baptized a hun- "The Good Lord provided us The number of people this re- my bricks and taking up my dred or more new members. with the necessities," he said, almarkable man has been instru- preaching," Mr. Mclntyre said. though he admits to hardships He organized the Kerr Street mental in converting to Christ He chose the preaching. now and then.

Baptist Church in Concord and "I felt like God wanted me to and has baptized would number When his tent locations would served as its pastor for two years. preach more than He wanted me many hundreds. permit it, he often drove his horse He organized other churches ta No one has ever been able to to make bricks," he said. and buggy, and ta later years his other commumties, the exact get him to reveal the exact num- But he did not give up working number of which he says he had Model-T, back home and worked at farming or brick jobs during ber of churches he has organized with bricks altogether. not reveal.

Along with his preaching, he rather the day and preached ta Ms tent and served.

From July 1 till the wMte frosts as a brick mason laying of autumn, he hit the tent meet- during the evenings.

However, it is well known that worked and mortar and building ing trail, erecting his large tent The following incident illuhe has organized a number of bricks structures of brick all over this and preaching each evening tor strates how binding he held a Baptist Churches, several of them and surrounding counties. Twenty commitment. ta Stanly County. years ago he suffered a fall from two-to-three-week stands in such His famed tent revival meet- a scaffold on a brick job which places as Albemarle, Oakboro, Once he promised a man over ings were once a tradition and a resulted in a crippling and per- Norwood, Wadesboro, Troy, Thom- ta the Burnsville community of highlight of the summer religious manently disabling injury. He has asville, High Point, Salisbury, Anson County to build two large activities at many towns tMough- not been able to walk without Kannapolis, Concord, and Rock brick chimneys for him when he got ready. When the man notiHill, S. C. out the Piedmont section of the support since. fied him he was ready for the Carolinas and Filled even beyond.

People Tents Took Tent to Florida This disability stopped his to commence, Rev. Mclntyre People flocked to fill his tents bride-laying but it oMy slightly One year, 1925 he believes, he work was in the midst of a tent meet-i wherever he ereded them and to curtailed his preaching. up his wife and family ta ing at GoM Hill in Rowan County.; hear the colorful sermons preach- In the early days of his minis- loaded his Model-T and set out with his For days he drove his horse and ed by this dynamic little man try, he preached in schools, in tent for Florida he spent buggy back and forth each day whose oratory, perhaps, was not homes, anywhere there was a few the better part of where a year conduct- to work on the chimneys while as polished and refined as his ur- people to listen. tent meetings the year-around meeting Ms preaching services in bane contemporaries, but it was He was licensed to preach on ing in various towns. They the tent ta Gold Hill each evening. packed with plain talk and gen- April 13, 1912. Ordination came wanted him small to stay organize His Family uine emotionalism which endear- six years later, on July 12, 1918, churches there, but and he declined, Rev. Mclntyre was married to ed him to his congregations. at Mineral Springs Baptist knowing he could not give the the former Miss Martha Tucker Hundreds of people made the Church. projects the necessary follow- of the Red Cross community on right spiritual connections under through.

January 6, 1906.

Ai Organized Churches the influence of his tent services A passage from his ordination On the truck which transported and walked down the aisles to certificate reads as follows: "May Ms tent was an organ wMch he I "1 have tried not to taterfe<°o clasp this stalwart preacher bythe hand and to give their hearts' and souls to God. On the basis of this public profession of faith and salvation gained, they were accepted for membership in the churches of the commuMty to which the revivalist urged them to unite.

Rev. Mclntyre was unable to read his Bible at the time he was ! called to preach. Now the Bible is about the only thing he does read.

For the first few years of his preaching, his wife read the Bible to him. His sharpened memory enabled him to retain most of what he heard in his mind and he was able to quote it verbatim in his sermons. Then, with his wife's tutoring and the Lord's help, he began to do Ms own reading and eventually mastered the reading of the Bible.

"The Lord provides a way," Preacher Mclntyre said. "He always provides a way to those who love Him and serve Him." Ministry Not Easy Nowhere was Ms ministry an easy one. There were obstacles and hardships and enforced separations from his wife and family at times when they needed Mm. Plus a lot of hard work.

Rev. Mclntyre was born May 9, 1880, in the vicinity of what is now Aquadale. The son of a tenant farmer, he had no opportunity for schooling since the family moved to a new location about every year. He had three brothers and two sisters, none of whom survive today.

Tired of the constant moving and the unremunerative hard work of the farm, Mr. Mclntyre left home at the age of 20 when Ms father and mother and other I members of the family were living on a farm near Mooresville.

Job opportumties for an uneducated youth were slim. He waa turned away from many doors where he sought meals and lodging. Once, he remembers, he tried to pawn his most prized possession, a pocket watch, ta re turn for a night's lodging.

Coming back to Big Lick, he found a farm job at 25 cents a day and board. Next, he agreed to I work for a farmer for five months • ta return for $35 in cash Upon receiving these wages ta 1 lump sum, he made a down pay1 ment on a house and lot at Big l Lick and sent word to Moores1 ville for his parents to come and I live in the house with him. He I has maintained his residence at ' I Big Lick ever since.

Soon after buying the house land lot, he said the Lord raised I Ms wages to $6.00 per week.

For three years, he stayed and worked for Professor C. J. Black at the Big Lick Academy where •he received his only formal {schooling.

#

fa

-«»< .IM AcpsaupaM jaaiy q^IO j y laqneds si u»W ajjoiJoqo

—•u uo qomqo aqi JB ui3aq HIM qoiqM p o q o s a[q -ig UORBOBA aqj 3uiuuBid jo asod -ind aqi JOJ 3uiuaAa ^Bpsaupa^v uo qojnqo aqj JB jaaui 01 psftso uaaq aABq qojnqo jstpoqja^[ {BJJ -uao JB uoisiAia s,uaip[tqo aqj jo siaqoBa; piie SJ3>JJOM 'sjaoijjo iooqos eiqja XO£ ap»w 9fl ox SUDU

Acre a^Bui "JOUUBO no^ sjaafqns JO JIBd 8 U^ jo A;auBA B uf jsaiajui deap B SUI -dopAap Aq sseuiddBqun JSUIBSB juspiooB auioq Avau oijiuaj B 3 qjSuajjs jo jioAjasaj B pirnq -jajjo UBuidiBS aouBJnsut Xiaai, •sduieo dn jas puB uoou A[iBa uauiOM puB uaui asi^v -jajje ABpiJ.ii ajBi jfjBd urejunouz B SBM J I j.oipq,, PI«s AnnjuiBi *S8Ai[ Jiaqi pa ai\l JB aAiiiB HIM sjoujsip Aia -pnop ssaupIdBqufl •UOIJDBJSIJBS puB auoqd aqj oj jt apsui ail -uio3juoj\[ puB puouiqoja 'uosuy JOJ uznj oj ejaqA\ou pfeq Xaqx AilBnjuaAQ[ uapinoqs siq paijDBj; 'uotufl 'snjJBqBO 'XpiBJS ut A[ •snpis eiSuis Jiaqi Uf ajBdptj 'psddqs 'A*iifainb jno paddoil -juaoai p p q sjsajuoo p u j s i p eqi -JBd JO uuojjad 0} saijqiqe Jiaqj aH 'SUBJ auoqd aqj — pauaddBi Uf suoqqiJ anjq 3IIIUUIM SIOJJBJ pauassa[ aSy -SIBBA JBJBI J p q j aiqBjiAaui aqj uaqM qnjqjBcl uu un •jpaM sfqj jo ABpiins puB Asp ui ] ui Addsqun jsoui auiooaq 'jsaiaj 'jsajaj aqj ui SBM usiu B UBSyqoip^ •iu3iu -» ° ' 4 -jniBg 'ABpp^i uo ifjBd ajBjs UJBJ •paMonBMS a q s -u{ paduin] -lir auo 'juaiBj auo 'ntifs auo jo jo /•»r,o->T,^-... „ „ c ^ . , ™ , , AALT •«•! au° 'juarej auo "nprs auo -unop\[ Moiiopvi JB pa3Bjs 3uiaq asnoui aqx 'uiBaios oj qjnotu nassassod UBUIOAV DUB im*..

Ji aajoduiBD ipunoo aqj up ajBdpiJ x S f n S ^ m ^ i i f S ? S S T tif™ Passassod UJUIOM P U B uaui uaas jaq pauado a q s 'asnoui B qjiM o/w sBamddBqun JBau Xfsno n -JBd HIM ftbunoQ BuqojtBO qiioij cl- dnul™ a IBjujBa '8S pue *23 BOBJ oj aosj jiasiaq puij oj jqSfiJ J I M JaVpim ^jaSuBp AV 3JB 'SsauiddBqun Apmo aM 'JI ui JBau uoijaajjad IBJjuao aqi Supoduioo sajiunoo 'Xspsaupa^v '.§gV PUB 69 ?'^Bpsanj, IIBJJB P 3A\ 'jsajaj sqj uo paqojiMS a q s "SuiJiiBql S£ qOUJ UB JO Z9:puBiA\oa: P9I<2JOJ .raSrrpn a i r qSnoqj a** h r mtidAa trnmaTTarT aqs aqj UIOJJ sfoijBd jnoos A03 •Xepsanjr 9£ ^IiqAV V^ia uo Z8 '^epuojv TiBjuiBH p u s 2.8 m . - sdABq i " Uf SBM Sop jaq AqM aas o^ uaqajrjil ^^^^^ B aM •UfB , 1OUO A[uo 3Muoipajiad uaqAV <r 'ABpsaupa^y '.95 69-go 'Xepsanr *f UBUuaqjBa^V ^Bpsjnqj, J9S"AV ptre 7° ajaAV "' PUB^q ajaqj ssauiddBq puij p u s jaq ojui juaM UBUIOM JdAuao y l — • • » - « - • • • ,Jf pajjodaj sajnjBjaduiai Aopiij u s d o eaJodacDO jnoag •jooj maqj oj ujnj UBD 3AV 'sjoafqns AVO[ p u s qS{q 3u{A\onoj aqj, „ M Mclntyre jo XjaiJBA B ui jsajajui daap B eqj ui j p s u i t q joqs PUB lojsid s iuq f JJodan xamaa/A aABq 9M JI 'AkOJJOiuoj ssauiddBq jo jaSSiii aqj pannd uaqj 'paifBoworK, """• f a g e . "I d m3N moxf sstmma) -un Suuq Aexa Xspoj ssauiddBq aq „• • • jas jag • • • JIJBUI jnoA is e B y e a r s j ^ & *unS B qjiM IBUSIS S u i j j B j s g j j p j 5 S « i ^ ^ ^ sSuijq qoiqM jBqj, "sjuauiiBS u o „ uiaqj aAia' puB aoBJ Atjunoa jo AjaiJBA B ui sassajp ssauiddBH aqj -SSOID B JOJ sjauuru aqj dn euii •jins aiio JBeAv'j.usaop ssauiddBq oj uasoqa SBM jaoijjo AJBJIHUI y ' j s q j ureal jsnui a/& -ssauiddBq •ajij oj ji SuisnBO ' u n 3 siq JOJ Sui>pas SuijqSis-jJoqs jno Aq jo j a 3 3 u j aqj JB paMBd qoood pa ssauiddBqun amjhj oj saApsjno -punodtui UB uaqM joqs SBM BBJB a/A. uajjo ooj 'jaAaMon jaqjouB ut jaqojBO 3op B p u y ff n o QQ uuiapuoo "IBOS s.auoAiaAa si ssauiddBH •japinoqs aqj ui papunoM * * * SBM JatiMO a q x 'apoidxa oj (Q-£ a ^ B j uo panupuoo) „;XddBq os aui a>jBui pjnoAV jaiinq B pasneo sauiBU p u s ajij JOJ pajBqs 1 puB jajuag uiijf -JCI jt JBqj jo ajns aq pinoa 1 J I „ uo SBM asnoq B aassauuax u j \ •SUJMOjd s,^Bp v UIOOJ auiBS aqj si Q\Z "0|f m o o s B 'qo„ « - " i H P 't{0» ' • " Op OJ AVOU •paqjBajq aqs „'J8unrep •qjjea UIOJJ XBMB UIB I auiij a q „"noA j UB .

UAVOP >toBq p a q u i i p a q SB p a j aorfnl v ,,-UAVO inoA u o -ui uiaqj JO auios — sasiruq put • •"• op oj MOU UIOJJ XBA\B UIB I auiij a q j n » • • • aj.noA" JOUIUI auios JOJ jdaoxa p; siqj JajjB asneoaq .'jBa^ ixau sSid j q 3 u Aifaaua qSnoua aABq j,uop eiqBjasiui os aq HBqs i„ 'puaijgp sjna -jnfumn SBM a n 'dojaajj B oju I jBqj JOJ snoiAqo S.JI uo 'os uaaq JjaaAV UMO j n o ^ Anq oj >[jod aqj jo j n o XlJBau jaip siqj OAJB A*oq j a q pauiiBpxa „ J B J B S ( '40»» . aqj qSnojqj jaaj 09 uipi p? qSnoua ajfBiu ptre s^jd asoqj oj •jam .,^ddis„ B paireo sr sraj. . , _. ' s a j a q j JIB -ssoj p u e aoiMj paujnjjaAO 'PBO. puaj oj aABq oj SujaS aJB no^„ u o raB A ddBl un u m •jiasji sjBadaj a p ^ o aqj uaqj. ^ «"/ "~ « ' ^ i l^ aqj jjo juaM 'ajtj B Maiq JBC*. :uiiif pauotjnBO aqs j n g -joafojd •SSa „A"uunJ„ am oj jfDBq pii¥ -ai UBO sjoafqns jo XjaiJBA B ut pa siq uaqM aajj B dh jjasuirq puno: .•;•' Suisrej-^jod B qjiM JJBJS B iuiq aAiS oj sSid aqj jqSnoq urfdoj 'UIBSB j-eq-puB-j-Bq uaqj 'jeaqM -Jswajui Aidaap auo 0^,, .-JLX3I. AlIBJajti UBUI B /CjIQ SBSUBH U I 1 •s.iH JBa^ J S B I -qnro H 4 ^H% JO UIB3J3 JO SujAjaS [[BUIS B jaS f\ aoaoa a — a a j ^H 111 •pjaiqspuiM spq qSnojqj p a q s B j J | OJ s0uo[aq uos OTo-ieaA-ix ian IIJM 1 uaqj UIOJJ jnoq a u o 'Jr^q SUOUiJaj „ - UA\O Jiaqj uo ai ( Xaqj -pire-Jisq jo SSB[5 HBUIS jaqjo pup 'jsgu aqj jo jrio uiaqj saAoqs -UB qjtM JajB[ jnoq auo paAV0[[0j a q s uaqj 'Ag oj a\qv aie ^aqj '[BauijBO jo SufAJas [[BUIS B jnoq fijun SunoA j a q jo BJBO sajfBj jaqjouB ui "uiBajo qjiM palm pjiq jaqjoui aqx,, sAvs aqs ,/Sunj stiJjnoj-aajqj j n o q s SSBI^ aofnf -vil UIOJJ ajduiBxa UB ajjex,, jaqjouB ia3 H J 'uieaja jo q s p •saAar[Dq aqs ,/aouBffaj srqj SuiJfuijp p u e 83a sjqj 3m s3utm op oj sastnduif UMO jcxaiix -jaa jajjB 'Aiou UIOJJ jnoq a u o ,'33a aq% qifAi a c f o nvxxis o3 0% tuvato jo ssviS aotn[ Ar..

Ministry

(-at ™* pun *

»qureure

C

t)

^

puooas-09

..a. 33MOO,

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C, FRIDAY, MAY 19, 1961 decided if the Lord had called him to preach I'd let him go and that the best thing I could do was not to stand in Ms way."

Rev. and Mrs. Mclntyre reared 11 children, four sons, Paul, Roy, and Ralph, all of Troy, and Bill of Stanfield; and seven daughters,

Mrs. Marvin Hartsell of Thomasville, Mrs. Ranzie Sossamon of Concord, Mrs. Warren Cannup and Mrs. Nathan Huneycutt of Big Lick, Mrs. Simeon WMtley of Sparta, Mrs. Grant Whitley of Oakboro, and Mrs. Jack Hatley of Stanfield.

1-3

There are 32 grandchildren and seven great-grandcMldren.

Mr. and Mrs. Mclntyre attend Big Lick Baptist Church of which they have been members since, way back ta the early days of his ministry.

(Continued on Page 9-B)

Rev. Mclntyre (Continued from Page 1-B) Each fifth Sunday, he preaches at West Oakboro Baptist Church at the 11 a.m. service. Occasionally he supplies and preaches a guest sermon at a church here and there.

"I'm happiest when I get in the pulpit," Mr. Mclntyre said.

"That brings more Joy to me than anything else. My biggest satisfaction during my life has been in trying to get people to repent of their sins and to believe on the Lord.

"I take no credit for anything I've done. The credit for anything I may have accomplished goes to the Lord and to my good wife.

"I thank the Lord for the kindness and love shown to me and my family by the people of Stanly County and everywhere else. I do hope the Lord will bless them and prosper them in a great way.

"I know I won't ever get to meet and see all my friends again.

But tell them that I'm remembering them and that I'm hoping to see them all in Heaven."

#

D. C. Griggs Is Raising Trio Of Baby Foxes STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE. N. C. FRIDAY. JUNE 2, 1961 10-A A bulldozer pushing over a pile of discarded crossties near the railroad on the farm of D. C. Griggs north of Albemarle uncovered a den of baby gray foxes about five weeks ago.

Mr. Griggs caught two of the tiny balls of fur while the bulldozer operator caught the third one.

Uncertain as to what to do with the babies whose den had been ruined, Mr. Griggs took them home and made them a bed in a drawer.

His wife fed them milk from a medicine dropper for the first few days.

Soon they were lapping milk from a saucer.

Then they were eating cooked hamburger meat.

Within a few more days, the growing gray foxes were thriving on a firin diet of commercial dog food in the morning and raw hamburger meat in the evening.

Growing Fast Now, at about six weeks of age, the trio of fast-developing wild foxes are large as a small pet dog.

Mr. Griggs keeps the young foxes penned in a wire cage in his back yard where they snarl, growl, and fight like young puppies or kittens.

However, there is a noticeable I degree of ferocity and wildness I apparent in their antics which | isn't found in the behavior of animals of a more domesticated BABY FOXES MAKE LIVELY PETS AT GRIGGS HOME nature.

TMs trio of rix-weeks-old baby foxes, held on leashes by D. C. Griggs, did not want to "You should see how wild they cooperate in having their pidure taken on top of their wire cage. Mr. Griggs, who found the get and how they fight when I babies after a bulldozer had disturbed their den, plans to keep one for a pet. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo. throw in some meat at feeding time," Mr. Griggs said. "â&#x20AC;˘vi**.

Several times ta the past few weeks, he and his wife have seen the old mother fox edging around the fields and even coming into tiie garden near the house.

"She knows the little ones are here," Mr. Griggs said. "She's keeping an eye on them."

One Is Favorite Mr. Griggs has picked out one favorite among the young foxes and outfitted him with a collar and leash.

He lets this fox crawl around on Ms shoulder, and ride with him downtown in his pickup truck.

In the evenings, he lets this particular young fox loose in his home where he gambols about the house. Often, the young fox climbs up in the chair where Mr. Griggs is reading his | newspaper and falls asleep In his lap or on the back of his chair.

He plans to keep this one fox as a personal pet and probably will give the other two away.

Whether their wildness and predatory instincts can be sublimated enough to make them tolerable pets, Mr. Griggs doesn't know.

But it will be interesting to find out, he said.

Part Oi Growth For Over 50 Years

Fred Austin Has Watched Albemarle Grow For 80 Years

By FRED T. MORGAN A man who has watched Albemarle grow for the past 80 years rubbed a gnarled hand through his thinning gray hair the other day and told a reporter a bit fondly: "All my life I've tried to do a lot for Stanly County ta every way I knew how. I have always stood for what I think best for the good of all here and ta our state and country.

"I do think a lot of the people of Albemarle and Stanly County.

And I have* known a lot of them.

They have been mighty good to

me.

Fred Austin was the speaker.

Mr. Austin, who is pusMng hard toward his 84th birthday on December 5, lives in the little white house in the corner of the crossroads at the Kendall Valley Grocery and Walt Austin Shop five miles north of Albemarle.

His words give little inkling of the long life of service and activity he has lived in the place where he was born and reared.

I t would be difficult to find a man alive today who has put more m u s d e and business integrity into Albemarle's early industrial development than Mr. Austin.

His reputation as a blacksmith, builder, and trader is known all over Stanly County and beyond.

Whenever oldsters ta the Albemarle area get together to ruminate about the old days, the name of Fred Austin is invariably mentioned.

Grew Up Xn Shop He grew up swinging a hammer and helping his father, Pless Austin, in the blacksmith shop. His mother was Mary Pickler Austin.

His earliest memory dates back to the time he was three years old when the late Joe Marshall bought him a shiny pair of red-topped leather boots.

"The boots made me feel like the biggest Md on earth," he said.

By the time he was 19, he and his five brothers all were helping their father in the blacksmith •hop. But there was only work enough to keep them busy half the time. Fred got tired of this waste of time and one day he asked his father if he might leave home and take a job and make it on his own. His father agreed but said: "I'll Just give you two weeks to give it up and come back."

This stung the young man, who took his life's savings, $145.00, all ta penmes and nickels, and set out to make Ms mark ta the world.

For $100 he bought out a small merchantile store near present day Albemarle, added a shed on one side, and began shoeing mules and horses, sharpening plow points, and repairing wagons and macMnmry m addition to operating the store. He lived and batched ta th& stor© He remained in the blacksmith and shop business tor the next 51 years, until he was 70.

And If one counted the extra time, the all day and half the night hours, he put into his work it would probably add several more years.

Telephone Lines Early in his boyhood, Mr. Austin made himself a pair of tree climbers which he used to climb trees after squirrels because he didn't have the money to buy guns and amumtion with wMch to hunt.

These climbers and his practice with them stood him in good stead on one occasion.

He and two of his brothers, Trav and Big Will, contracted to dig

GLAMOR SHOP — Presents —

CHILDREN'S PORTRAIT SPECIAL 5x7 VlO c Portrait Only *Ww Thurs., Fri., and Sat., August 17, 18, and 19

He mentioned the names of block of land now enclosed by some contemporaries, now de- West Main, South First, West ceased, whom he knew and with South Depot Streets sold for whom he developed lasting friend- something like a hundred dollars. ships. Names like the following: And, at the time, there was Umstead Lilly, Eben Hearne, Arch enough pine timber on it to build Freeman, Jim Milton, Buck a dwelling or two* ...

Snuggs (Sheriff at the time of the He remembers when Bus Brown Alec Whitley lynching), Jim Red- made "mud" bricks from Long wine, Sam Pemberton (one of the Creek mud which were used ta town's first lawyers whose wife erecting the Stanly County courtgot burned to death by an ex- house. Exposed to repeated rains ploding kerosene lamp), Joe Mar- and the elements, the bricks beshall, Will Huckabee, D. B. Mc- gan to soften and crumble. "Them Curdy, John Efird, P a t Skidmore, bricks began to melt so bad that Gus Boger, Ed Snuggs, and others. building might have fell down Special Friend if they hadn't slapped some stucco on it to protect the bricks," he Ed Snuggs he regarded as a special friend. "We grew up to- said.

10 Cents Per Shoe gether, fished and hunted togethHe remembers being hired to er, we were in business deals together right up until Ms death," shoe mules and horses for three straight days for the canal buildhe said. ers at Whitney at 10 cents a shoe.

Dr. L. V. DuMap and Cap'n Tom His first day's wages amounted to Denning are two of his older $9.40, a quart of whiskey, and a friends who are still living in Al- box of cigars. bemarle.

As a youth, he worked all day He remembers when Yankees many a day for 25 cents ta wages. used to come down to stay at the By the time he reached young Joe Marshall Hotel in the fall of manhood, he was maMng 40 cents the year to go bird hunting. A to 60 cents a day in wages. bird hunter himself, he went His father had the opportunity hunting with some of them and once of buying a 150-acre farm got to know Dr. King who married two miles west of Albemarle for one of the Hearne girls and settled $400. Instead, he chose to rent here. Later, Dr. King donated the farm for $50 a year standing some land for the present day rent. In the 16 years they lived Kingville community which was there, Ms father paid the owner named after him, according to Mr. $800 in rent, double what it would Austin. have cost him to own the place.

He remembers when a western "I made up my mind, then, that Stanly man by the name of Jim I never would pull such a stunt as Cagle had the gumption to oppose that," he said. the one-party Democratic ticket Since then, he has bought a and run for High Sheriff of StaMy number of farms and built six RELAXING AT HOME County on an independent ticket— houses, the last one being his presFred Austin relaxes here in the shade of his yard after hav- and got elected. ent home wMch was built 25 years ing chopped weeds from around his strawberry patch. He reHe remembers when there was ago. All were paid for at the time members Albemarle from the time there was only one small a rail fence zigzagging along of purchase or building. store here.

—Staff Photo. about where the Lowder Hardware "And I've got the money to pay now stands. He and Ed Snuggs anyone who can prove to me that holes, set poles, and string two grown up with Albemarle for 80 set rabbit boxes along in the woods I ever gypped him on a trade," he strands of telephone line between years are gone," Mr. Austin there and caught lots of rabbits. said.

Albemarle and Concord. Will set mused.

He remembers when the whole (Continued on Page 5-B) the poles, Trav drove the mules prions kM u m i ui«and wagon with the reel of wire, ?Lal care ot a physiand Fred used his climbers to h he is argumentative climb the poles and attach the tor and quick to take brackets and wires. fchn on matters perf-in The job took them 12 days for health. He which they collected the total sum Ijpersonal now in Ms activities of $55, split among them and their jhome. father.

Thereafter, the same trio erect- f no means retired to ed additional telephone lines, but [ chair. none to match the Albemarle-to- Iks some every day i home. Last season, he Concord job. patch from The first brick Mr. Austin re- strawberry picked 144 quarts of members seeing laid in Albemarle Ring 140 quarts of them was on the brick chimney of the home of Kearner Howell, operator its per quart. he of Howell's Grog (wMskey) Shop, hit leaving home, too the only man ta town who had enough money to afford a brick Advice to Young what his advice would be chimney, he said.

The first bicyde he ever saw in esent younger generation, town was a bike with a large front bned thrift ("save a part c wheel ridden by Lawrence Fesper- dollar you make ), mnd initiative ("don't wait man of Wadesboro.

It's a lot easier to remember He said the first motor veMde come to you—you got to fast nowdays, they oughta slow what you said when you tell the he ever saw here looked like a and get it"), fair play down and visit more"). buggy with a motor ta it which ron't long get by with "But," he said. "These young truth. people*), and good jeople—they ain't gonna pay no ran a chain drive off the whed.

Bob Sibley had the first Modd-T ."they're living too fast ittention to us old folks anyhow." Don't be a litterbug. ning themselves out too Ford he remembers.

f

Shackles for Prisoners Mr. Austin was the first man to forge iron shackles for the legs of convicts who worked in Albemarle ta the early days. Some of the worst of the convicts had a shackle on each leg, joined by a short length of chain which permitted them to walk ta short steps. Attached to their shackles was a 40 to 50-pound ball. He did the maintenance work for the chaingang.

Once he was hired for a job which required him to be locked up ta the town's new jail with a toolbox full of tools. His job was to inspect the cell construction and see if he could break out, thus testing the jail's reliability. He reported he broke cold cMsels and dulled hacksaw blades before he gave the cell Ms approval.

A man who has dealt with the general public in business most of his life, Mr. Austin never had but 30 days of formal schooling. Even so, he was a good hand at writing the letters of the alphabet. His first wife was a good speller. They conducted Ms business correspondence with her spelling the words and he writing them down.

"Most of the people who have

I q a t q M ' O S H S J B 3 A Avej e OLUU 4 s i q J B s a u o j a d jBjaAas p e q A"J -unoo XIUBIS UJaisaM. uj Jno qaz

s p u n Aui • • • Avau Sujqjou si 'Xipnqnd qonui uaaq SBq aaaqi tpiqjw. jnoqe pue ajBjs aqj jo jiBd majSBa aqi ut UMOP I(jq3nBo„ uaaq seq qoiqwv 'jiqqBj jpsq pue yea Jieq 'leunus <(jiq-BD„ jBqj,

•joqs §uox B Aq 3ui3 -Si3 3oij sjBaq JI ajns sj suia •ppss Aaqj 'jajBAV aqj ui Aq a m -UIOD qsij n^tus puB SMOUUJUI uo paaj pue jq3ra JB JajBM jaiui aqj jo uiojjoq aqj uo atj oj usaoo aqj UIOJJ ut auioo ' sjapunojj ei LL 'IIBJ 9J^I oj Suuds AiJBa XUOJJ 'A^es iteqj 'otxqhd aqj oj eiqen^AB aie sdiij papinS qons •aq UBD duj B qons jq3ti -ap B jeqM jiasjhoA" oj aAOJd oj JI aouanadxa- oj aABq jsnf ll.noA Aes Aaqj. jq3iu jo pnap aqj UT auop si Suiqsij aqj xye aouis uhs joq aqi UIOJJ uiopaajj pus 'ejsoo TBUIUIOU 'XiiaAou 'sannvnb . . a o u a u a d x a As.au., six a r e

jo

ed^

smi

so

s»t|3Tiap

Suitjsij otu.

jaaj aaaqi jnoqs Xjjuaxjs jeoq aqj papd A^jiadxa ptAB<3 aiiqM •pa -qsij A"aqi aiaqM daap saqoui z\ uaqj aiotu qonui Suiaq jou JBJBAV aqj 'jajBM MOHBqs aqj jo uiojjoq aqi pajeuiuinni j{ os pauoijtsod jq3ii SB3 B 3unq jBoq aqj jo appi aqj J3AO "UOISIA aqj jjojsjp qaiq/w saABAv asnea puB jajBM aqj aijjni oj azaaiq JO pupw ou qjiAV Hljs pun jajnb — Suiiapunon JOJ jaajiad aq oj paAOJd rqSiu aqj, •A\iiBnb aqj jeads oj qoiqM qjtM pua aqj uo sSuojd djeqs aaiqj qjiM 3i3 pajpueq -Suoi B pet* uaui OMJ aqj jo qo^a -pua aaqjo aqj uo tO|f puB aipptui aqj uj pauoijBjs SBAV s i n a aiiq/A pua auo UIOJJ jBoq n^uis aqj „Su*pd„ ptABa yjpn "urd 0g:6 jnoqB jno pajiejs Aaqj, •aujqjA'iaAa papniou; pus 'pres aq 'aiqsuoseaj A\I3A SBM aaj aqx •ju3tu ABpsanj, 3uijapuno[j uiaqj aifBi oj ' - o - s 'laiuf s,naJJtij\[ '3u% '&tra,r\a

T3 p a S e ^ u s

XXITX- E > c r e

strrrrr

Fred Austin (Continued from Page 1-B) One of the big jobs he recalls was building' 13 school bus bodies for the Stanly County Board of Education, having got the job by underbidding 21 other bidders and saving the county $1,600 on the job.

As a boy he hewed out axe handles for five cents each. A few years ago, a friend asked him to make six dozen axe handles for him, which he did—at 75 cents each.

Married Four Times Mr. Austin has been married four times, the last time when he was 80 years old.

His first wife and the mother of his four cMldren was the former Miss Nancy Beck. To them were born two sons, Walter and Jim, and two daughters, Lizzie and ^tfora. All are living except Jim, the late J. R. Austin, former Albemarle dty coundlman and operator of the J. R. Austin Shop here some years ago.

The other son, Walter, now opjerates a shop next door to his faIther's home. "That boy used to {climb up and help me hammer at Ithe anvil when he was three or Ifour years old," Mr. Austin said.

"And he was good at it, too.

He and his first wife started housekeeping with total funds of $14.50, he remembers, plus a few odds and ends given them by their •families.

Other descendants include 14 | grandchildren and about 15 great grandchildren.

A big man, six feet and two inches, •weighing 200 pounds, Mr. I Austin reports that he is off about four pounds now from Ms normal I weight. For 30 years he worked

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, AL T

anywhere from 10 to 15 hours a day, weighed 175 pounds, and was never sick a day, he said.

In the past few years he has had mild afflictions and been under the partial care ot a physidan, although he is argumentative with the doctor and quick to take issue witi him on matters pertaining to personal health. He uses a cane now ta Ms activities around his home.

He is by no means retired to his rocking chair.

He works some every day around his home. Last season, he tended a strawberry patch from which he picked 144 quarts of berries, selling 140 quarts of them at 40 cents per quart.

"Without leaving home, too," he I said.

Advice to Young Asked what his advice would be to the present younger generation, he mentioned thrift ("save a part of every dollar you make"), industry and initiative ("don't wait for it to come to you—you got to go out and get if'), fair play ("you won't long get by with wronging people"), and good health ("they're living too fast and burning themselves out too

llXK

iast nowdays, they oughta slow It's a lot easier to remember down and visit more"). what you said when you tell the "But," he said. "These young truth. people—they ain't gonna pay no attention to us old folks anyhow." Don't be a litterbug.

NEWS AND PRESS A Stanly County Newspaper of Character

The Stanly News Established 1890

ALBEMARLE, N. C , TUESDAY, JULY 18, 1961

Stanly Herald Established 1919

1 Z IO

PAGES TODAY

Circulation A ^ kf%f% Now Over O . X U U Albemarle .Press Established 1922

No. 57

Mrs. Franklin Hutchinson, Norwood, Killed In Two-Car Collision On Highway 2 7 Monday Road Death Is Fifth For This Year Mrs. Franklin Hutchinson, 47, of Norwood, was instantly killed Monday morning about 8:20 when the 1960 Corvair she was driving collided headon with a 1958 Rambler on Highway 27 between Red Cross and Locust about 12 miles west of Albemarle.

Occupants of the Rambler, Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. Lukowski, of Charlotte, suffered cuts and bruises but were not seriously hurt.

Both cars were demolished.

The impact of the head-on collision, which occurred in Mr. Lukowski's driving lane, threw Mrs. Hutchinson out of her car. Her body was picked up from the sideditch in front of the Lukowski car which was knocked into the sideditch by the collision.

Mrs. Hutchinson headed west, had passed a car driven by Fred T. Morgan of Albemarle, on the crest of a hill a mile west of Red Cross. Her car apparently then went out of control and began swerving back and forth on the pavement and collided head-on with the oncoming east-bound Lukowski car.

Mr. Morgan witnessed the collision and immediately called an ambulance and notified the State Highway Patrol.

Mrs. Hutchinson was pronounced dead on arrival at the Stanly County Hospital.

Patrolman Nolan E. Greene Investigated the fatality for the State Highway Patrol.

He said this was the fifth highway traffic death in Stanly County for 1961.

Funeral services for Mrs. Hutchinson will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Norwood Baptist Church of which she was a member.

Rev. George L. Hocutt, pastor, will conduct the rites and inter| (Continued on Page 2-A)

NORWOOD WOMAN KILLED IN HEAD- ON COLLISION HERE MONDAY MORNING This picture was made minutes after a head-on collision shown in the sideditch at left. The victim was thrown from Monday about 8:20 a. m. 12 miles west of Albemarle on Highway her car. Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. Lukowski, of Charlotte, occu27 which took the life of Mrs. Franklin Hutchinson, 47, of Norpants of the other car, suffered cuts and bruises. Mrs. Lukowski wood. The accident occurred after Mrs. Hutchinson had passed a can be seen in the front seat of her demolished vehicle with car on the crest of a hill and lost control of her car, shown at blood streaming down her leg. Her husband is in the group right, which swerved into the path of the oncoming vehicle, of men between the two vehicles. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Photo. contest in tiign n u m . a U U

was

named second runner-up in the North Carolina "Miss Universe" contest at Charlotte.

Mrs. Hutchinson

(Continued from Page One) ment will be in the Norwood Cemetery. The body will lie in state in the church prior to the rites.

The body will be taken from Stanly Funeral Home to the home of a son, Billy C. Hutchinson in Norwood on Tuesday to remain until taken to the church.

Mrs. Hutchinson was the former Miss Mabel Hillard, born August 21, 1913, daughter of Mrs. Mary Jane Russell Hillard of Norwood and the late Crawford C. Hillard.

Her husband, Thomas Franklin Hutchinson, died November 17, 1959.

Mrs. Hutchinson was a member

of the Norwood Baptist Church and a member of the Norwood Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by three sons, Gerald F. of Albemarle, A. J. of Sail* bury, and Billy C. of Norwood.

McLaurin Built Chest With 30,000 Pieces

By FRED T. MORGAN

A. D. McLAURIN WITH UNUSUAL CHEST A. D. McLaurin, 62-year-old cabinetmaker and adventurer, is shown here with his unique chest, completed recently, which contains over 30,000 pieces of wood of more than 1,400 different types, coming from every state in the USA plus many foreign countries. He lives on Highway 740 six miles east of Albemarle.

—Staff Photo. j _

he iCt

he >sis jr-

its :eliof 5,«

II an th ot )W

ag hy ne • &

he •eed

A unique vork requiring the better part of a lifetime was completed earlier this year by A. D. McLaurin, 62, who fives six miles east of Albemarle on Highway 740.

This object of his lavish devotion and constant interest during the past half a century is a thing of consummate beauty and amazing intricacy, reflecting a «*ift of craftsmanship, patience, and fidelity that only a few oossess.

It h a s taken him around the United States several times and into Mexico. It has taken him to many famous shrines and gained him interviews with world-famous people.

Today the culmination of all this work, travel, talking, and trading is exhibited in the form of a n exquisite wooden chest which stands in his hillside home.

And what a chest!

It is 18 inches wide by 32 inches long by 21 inches high.

This chest contains over 30,000 individual pieces of wood which have come from every state in the United States and 10 foreign countries. In size, they average something like half an inch off the end of your finger.

The pieces are inlaid on every surface of the chest in a great variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and designs.

Lid Has 10,000 Pieces WOODEN CHEST BUILT FROM 30,000 PIECES The five-inch-thick lid of the Here is a close-up of the wooden chest built by A. D. McLaurin, 62, of the Albemarlechest, alone, contains over 10,Badin Road. He started the chest in 1910 and finished it this year. Aitnougn ne Knows ex000 individual pieces of wood.

Over 1,400 different types of actly the number of pieces in the chest, McLaurin refuses to reveal thw miormauon, saying wood are represented in the t h a t the number exceeds 30,000. Over 1,400 types of wood are represented in tne cnest, coming chest, including nearly all types from all over the USA and many foreign countries. The chest is 18 inches wide, xU incnes long, of trees in the United States, and 21 inches high. Most of the 30,000 pieces were painstakingly shaped by saw, pocKetknite, fruit trees, commercial trees, and sandpaper, then carefully glued together in a variety of patterns. McLaurm nas retused evergreens, flowering s h r u b s , $2,000 for the chest bushes, driftwood, even grapevines. of the Cuban-Dictator-to-be, conBy stealth and by diplomatic the McLaurin knife back in the McLaurin's actual cash outlay fronted the man, stated his pur- ingenuity he has secured bits of early thirties. for wood that went into his pose, and waited. Castro laughed, wood for his chest from many of Wood From Sequoia chest is $1.40 for the few times asked for details, and then gave the hallowed shrines of America. *For 15 years he waited, correhe gave kids pocket change to McLaurin a hunk of broken rifle On the day the Empire State sponded, visited and prowled rustle up scraps of wood for him stock for his collection.

Building opened to the public around the largest of the giant at special locations.

He succeeded in getting a piece McLaurin was on hand and per- redwood sequoia trees in the SeNone of the wood was pur- of woood from a "death tree", one suaded a guide to let him take quoia National Park in Califorchased outright. The large metal of which he located in Mexico a piece of scaffolding timber nia before a storm blew a branch hinges which support the lid and Florida. This tree is so call- from the top floor of the gigantic off the giant tree and the park were given him by a hotel ed, he said, because it is filled structure. rangers saved a piece about the manager in Florida. The hinges, with deadly needle-like thorns size of a coke bottle for him.

He sliced a small strip of wood the lid supports, and the metal which trap and impale any type For two weeks, he worked for from the same limb on a tree wood screws with which they are fastened are the only metal ob- of bird or small animal unfortu- near Atlanta, Ga. from which a a lumber company in New Jersey jects about the chest. And he nate enough to alight in it's man was publicly executed by for the sole purpose of accumulating odd and end bits of scrap hanging. countersunk the screw heads and branches.

One of the last of the oldtime lumber imported by the company "The branches of that tree were inlaid lemon wood over them.

The other 30,000 pieces of the full of carcasses," McLaurin re- public whipping posts used in from many foreign countries. chest are held together by pegs calls. "The ground underneath this country, this one a historic Since he once lived in St. and glue. And most of the glue was covered with bits of bone shrine in Delaware, yielded a Augustine, Fla., hfc naturally was donated to him. sliver of its hallowed wood under has wood from all the famed and feathers."

But the time and money he's spent traveling to collect his wood would equal a Large-sized fortune.

Exhibited Chest Since he finished his chest a few months ago, he has exhibited it at shopping centers and other public places in Charlotte, and Charleston and Columbia, S. C. He turned down one offer of $2,000 for it.

Born and reared around Beveloped interest and abilities irr lumbering and woodworking. He has followed the contracting, building, carpentry, and cabinetmaking trade all his life.

Today he lives in a 15-yearold home which he built himself. It contains many unifsual features' such as pre-cast plaster moulding, round corners, and extra-rugged doors.

Without much schooling, he left the South Carolina lowlands for the open road. World War L marriage, family responsibilities did not interfere with his travels.

Last year—1960, he spent months driving to Florida, out to Arizona, deep into Mexico, then on to California, before he returned.

Always, the eye searched for one more rare or unusual piece of wood for the chest.

White House Broom There was the time in 1917 when, wearing the uniform of the U. S. Army, McLaurin prowled the corridors of the White House in Washington, D. C, eyes alert for some scrap of wood.

He saw a janitor lean the handle of a worn broom against the wall and walk off. Here was his chance. There were other new brooms nearby, so they would never miss this one, he reasoned.

Quickly he put the end of the handle on the floor under his foot and broke off a portion. The "snap" of the breaking handle resounded throughout the corridor. Heads popped out of doors.

The janitor ran up, alarmed. He accosted McLaurin and they began arguing.

About that time, a door opened and two men walked by, one of them being President Woodrow Wilson. Hearing the altercation, the President stopped and asked w h a t was going on. McLaurin spoke up.

"McLaurin's m y name," he said, "And all I want here is a piece of this broom handle for a chest I'm working on."

Amused, President Wilson ini vited the brusque South Carolian into his private office where they had half an hour's chat. The two men had mutual acquaintances in South Carolina. McLaurin left the White House with his broom handle and with the President's last words in his ears: "You be a good soldier." ' For several days, McLaurin tried to clear the way for an interview with Franklin D. Roosevelt in his office in Albany, N. Y. while the late President was Governor of New York State in 1928.

Finally he made it. Mr. Roosevelt expressed interest in the McLaurin project. He looked around bis office for a few minutes then handed McLaurin a wooden object off a piece of his office furniture. "Reckon you'll ever get that chest finished?" he asked Mc Laurin.

Another world-famous person asked McLaurin that some question.

Wood From Castro In 1954 while he was on a 1 jaunt deep into Mexico looking for what he calls the "death tree", he learned that Fidel Castro was training a group of his revolutionaries nearby. Brazenly.

I he bluffed his way into the camp

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS. ALBEMARLI. N. FRIDAY. SEPTEMBER 22. 1961 *uirf • Gildings in America of that city, such as the first house, first school, first church, also wood from the nearby Fort He lived in Charleston, S. C. and Columbia, S. C. so he has wood from the old library and old city market in Charleston as wen a s from the dome of the Mate House in Columbia.

His wife is a naturalized American citizen who came from Poland as a young woman. They met and were married in New York State in the 1920s while McLaurin was allied with a baseball club. His wife had a trunk which came from her native Poland. Naturally a fragment of wood from this trunk had to go into the chest He has driftwood in the chest trom the Pacific and the Atlantic, from the Florida everglades, from Canada and Alaska, from dozens Of other landmarks and shrines of history.

Sow and Pocketknife * A saw, a pocketknife, and glue were the mainstays of his patient and painstaking work in putting together the thousands of intricate pieces of cherished wood, each with a story behind it.

Through his many locations and travels, he slowly shaped, assembled, and glued the pieces.

There were times when his mother, and later his wife, grew exasperated w i t h the unsightly bundles and boxes of wood and made way with them. There were times when he could be accused of neglecting his family on his sporadic jaunts around the country.

However, his three sons all were graduated from Badin High School with honors. All three have good jobs in Charlotte where they live with their families. There are four grandchildren.

The dream of the chest — a finished, shining, gleaming thing —occupied McLaurin's mind. In recent years, Mrs. McLaurin said her husband would get up at odd hours of the night and resume working on his chest in his basement workshop.

"Sometimes I wondered, myself, if I'd ever get through with i t McLaurin said.

He is a big man, rawboned and tall. His commanding voice comes from a face which looks like it might have been carved from a block of his favorite South Carolina hardwood. His sharp eyes penetrate you under a mane of flowing white hair.

His hands are fast, sure, and gnarled.

The chest is not for sale, he emphasizes.

Leave Te Museum He says he probably will leave the unique chest to a museum in

C

9-A

either North or South Carolina.

The actual time he's spent working on the chest and the exact number of pieces in the chest are secrets he has revealed to no one.

This information is contained Ir an envelope which is to be opened by his survivors after he has pass ed on.

Instead of selling the chest he'i more interested in finding a buyei for his 70-acre tract of land. He located here after visiting a brother at Badin several times. Now that his brother and his three sons live in Charlotte, he's thinking strongly about selling out anc moving there, or to South Carolina, or maybe even to Florida.

That old subdued restlessness sparks to life when he talks about moving. His eyes jerk and his head tosses and he appears to be poised as if listening to the far off call of the open road.

Meantime, he invites you to come by and examine his unique wooden c h e s t But be prepared to tarry awhile. You will seldom experience such fascination as that which grips you when adventurer McLaurin drops a gnarled finger down to a dot of wood on the side of his wooden chest and begins: "Now this one here, it came from . . ."

*^*^*^*^*^*B ^^^^^^^^B

^^^H""""""fl ^^^^^^^M

^^^^^^^^^H

•^•^•1

H ^^^^^H ^^^^^^^^^H

^^^^^^^^^|

^^^^^^^^^H

^^^^^^^^^^H

^^^^^^^^^^H «eiV I

^^^H

-S^^r •

^^^H

^^^^^^H ^^^^^H

^^^^^^^^^^H

^^^^^^^^^H

Said To Be The Site OI Spooks And Hain'ts

The Big Oak-Landmark For Decades-Is Gone The big oak tree is gone.

Yes, the storied old oak is no more.

For many decades the big oak was a familiar landmark on the south side of what is now East South Street, a major thoroughfare linking downtown Albemarle with the Kingville community.

Recent street improvement projects doomed the big oak which has now been pushed over and mangled by a power saw. .

Its widespread branches, under which many mysterious and clandestine events allegedly occurred, are dying now in jumbled heaps around the desecrated trunk of the tree.

By this tree many citizens of the Kingville community have trod on their way back and forth to town for several decades.

"It was a big tree the first time I ever remember seeing it as a little child and I'm nigh onto 70 now," one resident of the community said.

"It ain't changed much in the last 40 or 50 years," another said.

"Nobody never could reach around it."

Tales are told of strange things seen and heard around the big oak.

Some Avoided Tree Some folks in the community have made it a practice of walking blocks out of their way to avoid going past the big oak, especially at night Maybe all of us would feel the same way if we had seen the pair of glowing human hands — just hands—that some folks claim have been seen floating around the tree hi the dark of night.

Hands with a purpose, apparently, which no one ever took the trouble to understand. The hands are said to have motioned at and approached people. While no one apparently has ever pinned the occurrence down as fact, rumor has it that the glowing, luminous pair of human hands chased and choked one drunken Negro who staggered swearing by the tree in the middle of the night.

Spooky things like a big white sheet fluttering around in and under the tree at night have been reported.

Pedestrians claimed something followed them as they passed under the tree late at night.

One story says a woman could be seen cavorting under the tree at certain hours of the night.

Man With No Head One Kingville man, now in his fifties, said that as a youngster, he accompanied his father on the way to work one morning before daylight and that a strange thing happened a t the tree. He said footsteps began following them soon as they passed under the tree.

Both he and his father looked back and saw a man following them, a normal appearing man— except that he had no head.

While they watched, the figure appeared to walk into the ground and disappear.

"It was a place of hain'ts and sich, hit shore was," a 'Kingville man said. w» One man remembers that folks claimed evil spirits used to inhabit a crumbling old frame schoolhouse which stood nearby the tree two score years or so ago.

Despite the element of the supernatural about the old tree, Kingville citizens today refer to it with affection.

They seem to see something

J

THE BIG OAK —SPOOKS WILL INHABIT IT NO MORE For decades, citizens of the Kingville community have claimed t h a t spooks and supernatural beings have made a home around this huge oak tree, a landmark on t h e main street linking!

Kingville with downtown Albemarle. This picture shows the tree a s lt appeared late last week after workmen had felled it to m a k e way for a street widening and improvement project.

—Staff Photo.

Bo!

Ent. ... blockec against . same year, ¥>•**'"' Tyler also blocKeu .. a game with Oklahoma State. symbolic in the fact that neither age, nor lightning, nor wind, nor disease, nor no doing of Mother Nature • eliminated the old Monarch tree—it was felled by the hand of man.

Little Long Creek Heavily Polluted

Creek Stinks- Fish Die - Here In Albemarle

By FRED T. MORGAN

r

I saw fish dying by the dozens Friday afternoon in an extremely heavily polluted creek which flows through the heart of Albemarle's industrial and residential areas.

The water looked black as black ink with a sickening tinge of greasy gray and vile green.

Worse than the water you'd release from your washing machine after you had washed a washer of the dirtiest, grimy-est, blackest clothing you have ever seen.

The creek was not a creek on Friday — it was an open sewer flowing sluggishly between two banks.

It looked like tons and tons, or thousands and thousands of gallons, of dye or dope, chemicals or industrial waste, or raw sewage, had been released into the creek upstream somewhere.

Revolting to the eyes as well as the nose and other senses, the vile mess in the creek—certainly not water any longer—reminded me of phlegm, of excreta, of the contents of the stomach ejected involuntarily through the mouth.

That's about what it reminded me of.

Dead and dying fish lay strewn along the banks of this stream.

Big Fish Dead Large fish—three pounders, five pounders, even one2 carp which must have gone eight pounds or better.

Carp and catfish, which usually are more plentiful in the stream, are coarse fish, scavenger fish, able to withstand more pollution and unfavorable conditions than the more delicate game fish species.

Yet these scavenger fish were dying by the dozens Friday afternoon in Little Long Creek, commonly referred to as Town Creek, in the area near the north end of Wiscassett Mills and north of Salisbury Avenue.

I stood on the little footbridge over the creek near the Wiscassett Mills parking lot and watched both carp and catfish gasping for air, too weak to struggle, just drifting in the silt-thickened and blackened water, the catfish with their white-chinned heads at the surface fighting for air.

Carcasses of big carp could be seen hooked on obstructions out in the stream.

Minnows, Too Hundreds of tiny minnows swarmed around little pockets of water amid the rocks into which the pollution had not penetrated so severely. It looked like only a matter of time until they, too, would die.

Normally a stream with naturally clear, pure, unpolluted water is well aerated by nature with bubbles of oxygen in the water which provides the fish with the air they need to survive. Introduce heavy, concentrated foreign matter, or pollution, into the water and It absorbs and removes this oxygen.

And the fish die, usually from lack of oxygen.

Apparently that is what is happening here in Little Long Creek.

I.

-^

Dead Fish P h o t o g r a p h e d F r i d a y In Little Long Creek I walked further upstream along the creek banks. More dead and dying fish. Blacker, dirtier, thicker liquid masses in the stream. No frogs fer-plunked into the water from off the banks. No birds or wildlife played around the edges of the creek, though I walked through small jungles of trees and undergrowth. I saw one eel, three to four foot long, stretched out dead in a shallow portion of the stream.

Never Like This I talked to several men, well up in years, who lived around this creek since they were youngsters.

They have seen the creek water discolored before. They have seen fish die in the stream before. But not like this.

All of them said the creek, once, was an abundant source of fish, frogs, and eels. Fishing, seining, and frog-gigging were sports enjoyed by many people in the area.

Boys used to have favorite swimming holes along the creek.

But not any more.

"It's a shame and a pity to see this creek treated this way and to see all them poor fish dying there in that terrible mess," one man said. £ids still visit the creek, repungant as it is, and even capture some of the big fish dying in the polluted water. It must be hazardous to their health.

The creek appears headed for oblivion as far as a place of fishing, swimming, and waterlife is concerned if this gross pollution continues.

The vital question of health menace is another issue.

If last Friday's condition of the creek is typical, then the stream is already practically a dead one.

I I f

Lady Gifted With ESP Has Prophetic Dreams

By FRED T. MORGAN I A 67-year-old Badin woman, apparently gifted with extrasensory perception, has dreamed dreams wh ich later came true concerning w o u . s. Presidents and Adolph •Hitler, among others.

The lady who has experienced these prophetic dreams is Mrs. A. D. McLaurin who lives with her husband on Highway 740 a mile west of Badin.

She is the former Miss Mary Monkiewicz, a native of Poland, who came to this country as a . 20-year-old girl in 1914The Relationship between her fivid dreams and later actual occurrences is too close to be coincidence. Neither can it be attributed to fabrication or fanciful imagination.

One senses this by the genuineI ness and sincerity of her face which is beginning to show wrinki les around eyes that ire sharp and \ Tlear. Also, fey her voice, still ac\ ent-prbne and faltering now and \ien over a word, which rings as ^ u e as the clang of a cash regis? t i e r divination of things to come L e pieans other than t * five nor\ \ senses seems best explained 0i e> e presence of ESP, a gift re>dly demonstrated many times J a d u l t life orer a long periva^year. oXX& night in a dreamjhe saw in the office at President c**2l D. Roosevelt. His office MRS. A. D. McLAURIN . . . Many of her dreams come true. t ^ ^ i d y and cluttered with V** ' papers.

She began Jing the papers and Mrs. McLaurin dreamed she saw a big room, she saw the Virgin ^\otv6\ u p the place. But Mr. Kennedy, wearing formal Mary, wearing a white dress with clothes, astride a white a blue ribbon and a rosary at her Roosevelt stopped her. black horse moving slowly through a side, cradling the new Kennedy o t ^ J W , " heUaid. "I don't crowd of endless people. Mr. Ken- baby in her arms. vt ^ t i m e . " nedy's straight hair ruffled in the "Is it a boy or a girl?" she ask^iJ^ nights late,-she had a breeze. The people were peculiar. ed. gylream. Agaia she was in The women were all old women The Virgin Mary looked at her -..^e of the Pesident, en- wearing long dresses and shawls ., '§ to help staighten up over their hair. However, the and smiled. "It's a son," she said.

John F. Kennedy stood nearby, ^!y office. Agai the Presi- men were most peculiar—they had but he did not say a word or apno heads. oped her. parently acknowledge her presSo use," he repeated, "I Within a few feet of Mr. Ken, te much time left now. nedy, she said to him: "Go, John, ence, she said.

When she awoke from . thjp ' .,,'ch pain in my cad." He go, you've made it." % ead between Is hands When the white horse came to dream, Mrs. McLaurin told her a certain place, it stopped and husband about it and told him she knew the Kennedy baby would be v : ^ later, Mrs. IVLaurio Kennedy bowed his head as if a boy. He scoffed at the idea. praying.

Then he raised his right e^ilong with th&whole Nine days later, late in the wee if shocked at tlinews hand in what apparently was a hours of the morning of Novemvictory sign. fo of President toose25, she had another dream, "He has done made it," Mrs. ber *n Springs, Ga. \ this time that a ringing telephone rtl-eamed several drams McLaurin remembers herself say- was about to burst her eardrums. ing.

Then she said the crowd of \ president John F.\en(The McLaurins have no telephone endless people fell -, down on the in their home.) To stop the intolground and prayed in unison: erable fey and Election noise, she picked up the re*f before the Tuesd*v "Bless our Lord and the Holy ceiver and heard a voice telling Trinity now and forever more. * (in November, 1960, Holy, holy, holy. The earth is about a son being born, three earlier than expected, to full of glory. Glory be to the Fa- weeks President-elect and Mrs. Kennedy ther, the Son, and the Holy at 12:22 a.m. that morning and Ghost." that Mr. Kennedy was now on his She woke from her dream about way back to Washington, D. C. 5 a.m. on Friday before the Tues- from Florida. day election from which KenShe awoke from the dream nedy emerged the victor. sometime around 5 a.m. She said Dreamed of Baby she was so upset by the vividness Later in November, 1960, she and reality of it that she got out dreamed that the new Kennedy of bed, put on her robe, and went baby would be a boy. into the other room and switched In this dream, she went to a on her radio. "flie very first words she heard house—she doesn't know which house—to see the baby. There in was the announcer giving a news

tt™*'

I

the middle—the blood staining her red dress redder. She remembers herself starting to pray . . .

"Lord forgive me for I know I am dying . . ." Then she awoke.

On the third and final night of the series of dreams, she wore a creamy-white dress of such loveliness she had never seen before.

She was in the same garden walking between the same two men, praying softly to herself because she knew they would kill her this time. Up to this point, she had never spoken a word to them.

Hitler stopped. "This time, ttfs time!" He shouted the command.

Hitler' himself raised the wicked sword and swung it at the helpless woman. But instead of the sword striking the woman, it struck Hitler, who staggered mortally wounded with his spurting blood soiling the creamy-white dress of the woman.

"You're going to live and I'm dying," Hitler gasped. • "I'm sorry I ruined your dress."

"That's all right," she said.

"You didn't hurt me."

At that instant, her blood-spattered dress turned magically white again—cleansed and normal again.

Dreamed Patient Well While a patient in Providence Hospital in Columbia, S. C , around 1939, Mrs. McLaurin was in the same room with another aged patient, a frail little old woman who must have been well into her late eighties. Her doctor, had given up all hope for her. The —Staff Photo. elderly woman's family had been notified and they kept a death bulletin about the early-morning watch by her bedside night and birth of a son to President and day. This continued for a week with the old woman teetering at Mrs. Kennedy.

It was the exact same voice and death's point of no return.

Finally one day the doctor callthe exact same words she had ed a huddle and told the family heard in her dream. that the woman was dying—that Adolph Hitler her condition progressively worsAround 1939-40 while living in ened and there was nothing he nor Columbia, S. C, Mrs. McLaurin anyone else could do. They could dreamed three consecutive nightly look for death at any minute, he dreams about Adolph Hitler which told them.

Mrs. McLaurin spoke up from were especially grisly.

In each dream she walked in a her bed across the room.

"That woman isn't going to die, flower garden between Adolph Hitler, smartly dressed in his mili- doctor," she told the group. "I tary uniform, and another man know she isn't."

Shocked and incredulous, they whom she said was Hitler's partner or companion. On each occa- stared at her. How did she know?

"I saw her in my dreams," she sion, Hitler laughed and talked in told the astounded people. "She obvious good spirits.

The first time,' she wore a pret- was outside digging and working ty blue dress. As she walked be- with her flowers around the tween the two men, Hitler stop- house."

Soon Mrs. McLaurin was disped abruptly and said: "It's time!"

Thereupon, the second man drew charged from the hospital. Some his sword and struck her vicious- weeks later, she met one of the ly, the weapon slicing her open elderly woman's daughters on the from head to foot down the left street in Columbia and asked side of her body. Blood spurted about her mother.

"Why it was just like you said," all over her blue dress, ruining it. the daughter told her. "My mothShe awoke.

In the second dream she again er rallied and got well. She's Walked between the two men, Hit- been outside digging and working ler on her right and the other man in her flowers just like you said." on her left. This time she wore Saw Virgin Mary a beautiful red dress which she On another occasion, Mrs. Mcprized highly. Hitler had his arm" Laurin was gravely ill in the hosaround her waist when he stopped pital and at the point of death. abruptly with the command: '^tfs Her doctor had called in specialtime!" ists who hurriedly examined her The second man raised his sword and tried to arrive at some diagand with a brutal blow, sliced he# nosis for her critical condition. Her head and body open right down husband arrived while the doctors huddled. He thought his wife was dying. He remembers that she made a terrible, agonized gasping noise with each breath.

"I was having a beautiful dream then," she said.

In her dream she walked down the street carrying $100 given her by her husband to pay some bills.

A Negro began to follow her and she believed he was after her money. She tried to run faster and faster, but she had no strength.

She wobbled and weaved. Her feet were leadened.

The Negro gained on her.

Then she came to a big stepladder, the top of which vanished up into the sky. I t seemed to offer the only means of escape from her pursuer. Realizing that her fast-ebbing strength would not permit her to climb high on tile ladder, she nevertheless started up, one painful handhold and foothold after the other. After an eternity of suffering and exhaustion, she reached what appeared to be the top. But then she felt as if she would fall off again.

Right at this point, she saw the beautiful figure of the Virgin Mary appearing before her. "Oh God-Mother help me," she pleaded.

Help me, please help me because I have three children who need me."

The Virgin Mary held out her hands and pulled the pleading woman out of danger. Then Mrs. McLaurin kneeled before her and she placed her hands on the head of the kneeling woman and said: "God bless you. This will never happen to you any more."

She woke up.

Doctors and a nurse and her husband stood around her bed staring anxiously at her. The doctors asked her repeatedly if she was all right.

Her eyes were open and bright and rational. She smiled and weakly lifted her head to look at them. "Sure, I'm all right. I'm all right now."

The puzzled doctors shook their heads fii bafflement. One of them smiled and said. "Yes, I truly believe she is all right now."

Since that day well over 20 years ago, Mrs. McLaurin has never had a moment's sickness.

Since that day she has been able to lay her hands on sick people and give them relief from various ailments.

Father and Mother Mrs. McLaurin had three brothers and three sisters in Poland when she left, as well as her father and mother, and numerous other relatives. Her mother, one brother, and two sisters were Wiled by the Russians when they invaded Poland during the outbreak of the war.

On the same night her mother died in a prison camp, she dreamed t h a t her mother had come to visit her in her New York apartment and was unable to climb up the long stairway to her room.

Later a letter from a family member confirmed the date of her death which coincided with the time of the dream.

She also dreamed of .her father in far off Poland on the night be died. In the dream her father came and asked her to dance with him and chided her about being (Continued on Page 3-B)

i

Dwight Efird Is Now Picking Ripe Tomatoes 11-B

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS. ALBEMARLE. N. C FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 10. 1961

Dwight K. Efird, 26, is picking a bushel of ripe tomatoes every other day at his home on the Charlotte Road about three miles west H^Bk."^. of Albemarle.

He is able to do this by means of a plastic-covered greenhouse, 20 feet wide and 98 feet long, V;; '-• which contains 500 tomato plants in seven long rows.

The plants now contain mature fruit which started ripening two or three weeks ago and which will continue to produce for another month.

This is Dwight's first crop of commercial tomatoes grown inside his new plastic covered building.

He is selling his current crop to local grocery stores as well as to some individuals.

The plants, now heavy with ripening fruit, are trained to grow up strings attached to the metal pipes overhead which form the framework of the structure.

About December 15 the current crop will be over and Dwight plans to clean out the greenhouse and prepare it for a new crop to be seeded early in January.

He plans to sterlize the soil as protection against diseases, insects, and to control grass and weeds.

Mulch helps the plants, too.

The plants get a good soaking down with water about once a week.

TOMATOES ARE RIPE NOW IN THE EFIRD GREENHOUSE Forced Air Heat Dwight K. Efird exhibits a handful of ripe tomatoes Just picked from his plants Inside Since the structure is covered his plastic greenhouse back of his home on the Charlotte Road. Currently, he is harvesting with a thin sheet of plastic, with three to four bushels a week from his crop which will produce until about mid-December. a door at either end, forced air heat is used to maintain the de—Staff Photo. sired temperature. A gas-fired fl ID '•'in greenhouse heater at one end sends hot air into a six-inch pipe which circles the walls at the ground level. , At the opposite end of the building is an exhaust fan which aids in the distribution of the heat and in ventilation.

All the heating and ventilation equipment is automatic and thermostatically controlled.

Nighttime temperature for the growing plants should not drop under 60 degrees, he said, nor should the daytime temperature exceed a maximum of 80 degrees.

Relative humidity should be kept under 90 percent.

Although the current crop is his first one, Dwight is shooting at two crops a year in his plastic greenhouse — a fall crop and a spring crop.

Spring Crop Early in January he will replant for his spring crop which should reach maturity and the market in April, well ahead of any regular garden-grown tomatoes in these parts. The spring crop stands to command a considerably higher price on the local market than do fall tomatoes.

Preparations for the fall crop are made early in July with the seed being sown around July 15.

Four and a half months are allowed for the fall crop from seed .. " ^

^

- • / "

" . i

' "*';'"»*W4l.

is

mT^f.

mwrnMwn

:1

EXTERIOR VIEW OF THE EFIRD GREENHOUSE Dwight stands in the doorway of his plastic greenhouse which is 20 feet wide by 98 feet long.

It is equipped with an automatic heating and ventilating system. Inside this structure he plans to grow two commercial crops of tomatoes per year.

—Staff Photo. to ripe tomato. The spring crop requires about a month longer.

At the present time, Dwight's tomatoes are the Tucker-O-Cross and Ohio Globe varieties, devloped especially for greenhouse growing.

Beginning with the next crop Dwight intends to experiment a bit with several different varieties to see which proves out the best.

Bedding Plants Prior to this year, Dwight's only experience with greenhouse work was growing quantities of bedding plants in a much smaller building, which he marketed locally to garden supply dealers as well as to individuals.

Prior to that he grew one crop of chrysanthemums, but found the market for them too unreliable.

He would like to get back into the bedding annuals and flowers if there were more demand for them. '. .

Prior to going into his commercial tomato business on such a scale, Dwight visited several other similar operations and studied literature on them.

He figures he has around $900 in his greenhouse, including all the equipment. Added to this is the expense of the fuel to operate the heating system. The plastic deteriorates and must be replaced about every crop, also.

Daily attention must be given the plants, too, for a failure in the heating system, or other abrupt change in temperature could wipe out the crop within a few hours.

Dwight is married to the former Miss Ruth Coble of Burlington.

They have one son, Jeff, 11 months of age.

In addition to his greenhouse venture, he is associated with his father, Aubrey Efird, in the operation of the Aubrey H. Efird Company, 440 West Main Street.

Reserve Ofiicers Join Association Officers of the 108th Division (Training) of the U. S. Army Reserve have subscribed 100 per cent in the Reserve Officers Association this year.

The national association is a voluntary group open to all commissioned officers in the Army Reserve and National Guard, with headquarters in Washington, D. C. It's aim is to promote national security through a strengthened reserve program.

The announcement of 100 per cent participation comes from Major General Robert M. Jones of Clemson, S. C, commander of the division.

Capt. Billy L. Phillips, commander of Co. M (MP) here announced today t h a t the six officers and warrant officers in the unit joined in the 100 per cent membership subscription.

The division has the mission of conducting basic training of "recruits if called to active duty, operating such a facility as Fort Jackson, S. C.

fw

©

L Sbe Is Tyrnsii Out Woodwork Novelties

if you're thinking about doing away with that old apple tree— hold it.

Becayse there's a m a n at Badin who needs it and will take it off your hands.

Apple wood is one of the main materials he uses in an interesting woodworking hobby he has developed in the last few years.

D. A. Shoe, of 53 Boyden Street, is a craftsman .when it comes to building, and designing things, especially of wood.

He is a machinest, a mechanic, a builder and designer, as well as an electrician. Creating things of wood h a s become an exciting hobby with him now.

And h e h a s turned out some beauties.

Although he does a bit of woodwork repairing from time to time, most of his current creations are in the novelty vein.

Exquisite Items There are exquisite little items like a miniature butter mould, candy dishes, fruit dishes, assorted wooden bowls, delicate, slender, long-stemmed goblets, toothpick holders which remind one of the oldtime butter churn, and larger objects like a bigwheeled wagon planter and a sheltered windless well.

Mr. Shoe retired at t h e first of 1961 after 40 years of service with Alcoa's Badin Works a t Badin, most of that time in the electrical department. For t h e last 23 years, he was foreman in the electric shop.

He doesn't consider it strange a t all that his retirement leisure time interest h a s turned to woodwork after his two-score years of professional work in the electrical field.

merica's Most Popular

STORM

wnwva KIT

made by manufacturer of genuine Flex-0-Glass Warp Bras., Chicago 51

Insist

k

On Easy^ On

AT YOUR LOCAL DEALER

/

J 1

WOODWORK NOVELTIES MAD*. BY D. A. SHOE OF BADIN "I've always liked wookworking," he grinned.

But he can't get away from his former skills. He still does a little work in the electrical field now and then such as rewiding electric motors.

He and his wife, t h e former Miss Maude Kanoy of Thomasville, have been living in their present home since 1927. They have no children. He's a native of Rowan County.

Since then, he h a s added on to t h e rear of his home and built a garage and workshop out back. His garage .has an interesting architectural history, since he h a s remodled it, moved it, and expanded it several times.

At the present time, his woodwork shop is upstairs over the garage.

Made Own Tools It is small but well equipped with t h e devices he needs for his work. Most of the wood-cutting hand tools he made himself — from the best quality of steel.

The wooden handles of the steel hand tools were m a d e by his hand, too.

With these homemade tocls and his wood-turning lathe, combined with his inborn artistry, he transforms a squat length of roughly split wood into trinkets and novelties immensely pleasing to the eye.

Often people exultate over them and want to keep them.

He h a s given m a n y away.

He h a s plans for many more different novelties of wood.

If he hits upon a popular item, he might even arrange to mass produce it for commercial purposes. "Of course, that's a big 'if'," h e said.

D. A. SHOE WORKS AT HIS WOOD LATHE One project in the back of his mind which h e h a s contemplatWhen it comes to creating coats with varnish or shellac; ed this year is starting out from something scratch and making himself a cial system.new, he h a s no spe- others are left natural.

He's thinking about the possicomplete grandfather clock — Just Starts Turning bility of stocking up a batch of every piece of it, big and little, "I just clamp a fresh block of woodwork novelties and offering personally handmade.

He's sure he can do if he just wood in the lathe and start to them for sale to tourists along turning," h e said. "Often I'm the Morrow Mountain State Park gets around to it.

He can make about anything^ surprised, myself, at what comes Road as genuine souvenirs of this area. out of wood that t h e next person out."

You have to understand yourj Also, a chain store is interestcan make. This summer and fall he h a s seen magazine pictures wood characteristics in this ed in negotiating with him about of woodwork objects and dupli- business. Because a crack or handling a line of his novelties. I warp or other abrupt calamity While it's comforting to know cated them in his shop. can ruin an otherwise flawless t h a t these commercial possibilipiece of work right at the fin- ties exist, he's in no hurry to ishing-up point. capitalize on them..

He likes apple wood because He prefers to just putter of its quality, texture, and eye around and tinker. appeal.

And, anyway, isn't that what Some of his finished items he retirement's for, he asks?

Q w w t •.•--*$ 'FEBRUARY 25,

1952

JOURNAL AND SENTINEL

Mm

WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA

A Solitary Survivor of Chestnut Blight

By Fred L. Morgan

ported parasite of microscopic size, believed to have come from the Orient.

It began in Long Island, N. Y. about 1904, gradually spreading southward and westward. It ended half a century later when the American chestnut was wiped out.

No one knows the exact age of the old American chestnut in Morrow Mountain Park. Some think it to be upwards of 100 years old. Some people speculate that it might have been set out and cared for by Dr. Francis J. Kron, since it is located near his old homeplace, now restored, in the park.

LBEMARLE — A skin test, A preceding a possible full physical examination, is being given an ancient chestnut tree in Morrow Mountain State Park by U.S. Forest Service plant pathologists to find out how it escaped the blight which wiped out its species throughout the eastern United States a generation ago.

The pathologists are investigating the age, vitality, and resistability secrets, if any, of the old giant to determine if it really is blight resistant or if its isolation saved it.

Until carefully controlled scientific tests prove otherwise, the investigators will tend to believe the latter theory.

The park tree has been identified as a genuine American chestnut (Castenea dentata).

A Solitary Survivor L. John Trott, of New London and Alexandria, Va., a noted naturalist who has lectured to naturalist groups all over the eastern United States, considers the park chestnut a solitary survivor of one of this country's most cherished trees.

"I would be willing to bet there is not another like it in the state, perhaps in the Southeast, except in a park or a.carefully preserved arboreteum," he said.

Mr. Trott visited the park and inspected the chestnut in 1961.

"How the tree at Morrow Mountain, several hundred miles east of its natural habitat, survived the blight, a bark disease that has killed all the others, is a mystery.

"My idea is that its isolation saved it. Being so far from the huge stands, it was somehow spared the fatal blight."

Scion Cuttings Taken On Feb. 13 approximately 20 scion cuttings were taken from the park chestnut, c a r e f u l l y packed, and shipped to Dr. Jesse D. Diller, plant pathologist, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station, Upper Darby, Pa. Here fee scionwood will be tested for genetical resistance to the blight.

It will be grafted onto Asiatic chestnut rootstock and from one to several growing seasons will be required to determine its susceptibility to the blight fungus Jut disease.

If it should prove to be resistant hr to die blight through all the tests —including direct innoculation with the disease—then die Morrow Mountain Park chestnut might be the key to the development of a blight-resistant strain of the original American chestnut and the re-establishment of these trees over the eastern half of the nation.

Many Tests Made Since 1954, nearly 150 mature American chestnut trees have been included in the U.S. Forest research tests at Upper Darby.

Most of these survivors apparently escaped the blight rather than being immune to it. However, a few of the earliest grafts are still living and are still blight free.

These may eventually succumb.

If so, the search will continue with hopes pinned on other yet unreported old surviving chestnuts.

Another hope is that nature will develop a mutant, offshoot species retaining the desirable characteristics of the American chestnut

I H e..:e

[whether the venerable old tree has the inherent blight immunity Iwhich they are seeking. i

I

Horticultural Wizard Dr. Kron, who lived there during the middle to latter 1800s, was known as a horticultural w i z a r d , maintaining orchards, floral gardens, and a greenhouse where he conducted many botanical experiments. Regardless of whether he set out the chestnut, it probably received his attention and protection until his death in the early 1880s.

Today, the old tree shows its age. Rotten and decaying wood can be seen among its widepread branches, some tottery u n d e r their own weight. It looks unhealthy and vulnerable. Folds et the ancient Uwharrie Mountains shelter it on every side.

Several years may elapse before the scientists will k n o w

This huge, doddering American chestnut In Morrow Mountain Park is undergoing tests to determine if possible how it escaped. which will resist the blight.

From pictures and descriptions of it, the Forest Service personnel believe that the Morrow Mountain Park chestnut is one of j the largest surviving American chestnuts reported in the United States.

The tree branches out into two main trunks a few feet above the ground. »#!'•"One division has a circumference of 48 inches and a diameter slightly over 15 inches.

The other division has a circumference of 74 inches and a diameter of about 24% inches.

Fruit Is Faulty The tree flowers from June to August and produces quantities of the large, spiny fruits, but the nuts usually are faulty and wormeaten.

There has been no natural reproduction from the tree, at least in recent years, according to Cedric Squires, park superintendent.

At one t i m e the American chestnut covered the eastern U. S. from Maine to Florida, Michigan to Arkansas, the predominant tree in an area encompassing 50,000 square miles.

Then came the blight, an im-

NORGE SALES & SERVICE

HUTCHINS & WOOD SALES AND SERVICE 1420 N. Liberty St. Ph. PA 4-6474

PLANE CRASHES AT LOCUST SUNDAY AFTERNOON «•_• «_u* wi„v,0 a rhnmnlftn Tri-Traveler. stalled and crashed while landing at a flelo 1S g P L ocu5 Sun day afte?noSn^!teCccup?nts T h a r i e r l a r n h a r d t , 32 of Charlotte and his sons, J h ^ H 4 Offered onlv siieht injuries. Mr. Earnhardt, who said he has about three years i Ivnerfence wa landing the plane, which was rented from Lee Smith of Charlotte, when it « about 12 feeT above t h f ground. It plummeted and somersaulted when it hit the ground J 1?0 persons who were o l hand for a parachute jumping exhibition by the a a r t o t t e Sta witnessed ^ e x h i b i t i o n . Mr. Earnhardt was not connected with the organizationjmttingj exhibition.

•

TH1 CHARLOTTE OBSERVER Saturday, March 3, 1962

7-A

Ancient N. C. Chestnut May Help Restore The Species with hopes pinned on other yet - unreported surviving chestnuts.

By FRED T. MORGAN Special te Thi Observer

ALBEMARLE — A skin test preceding a possible full physical examination is being given an ancient chestnut tree in Morrow Mountain State Park

by U. S. Forest Service plant pathologists.

They want to find out how it escaped the blight disease which wiped out millions of its contemporaries throughout the eastern United States a generation ago.

"While most of our specimens have succumbed when grafted onto scionwood in other locations, a few a r e still living," Diller s a i d .

"This gives us hope t h a t there still may be genetically resistant trees that have survived the original blight."

Another hope is that nature will develop a mutant, an offshoot species retaining t h e desirable characteristics of the American Chestnut, that will resist the blight.

From pictures and descriptions of it, the forest service personnel beUeve that t h e Morrow Mountain Park chestnut is one of the largest surviving American Chestnuts reported in the United States.

The tree branches eut into two main trunks about two or three feet above the ground.

One division has a circumference of 4" inches and a diameter slightly over 15 inches.

The pathologists are investigating the age, vitality" and resistance secrets, if any, of the old giant to determine if it really is blight resistant or if its isolation saved it.

Until carefully controlled scientific tests prove otherwise, the investigators will tend to b e l i e v e the latter theory.

The tree has been identified as a genuine American Chestnut (Castenea dentata).

L. John Trott of New London and Alexandria, Va., a noted naturalist, considers this chestnut a solitary remnant of one of this country's m o s t cherished trees.

"I would be willing to bet there is not another like it in the state, perhaps in the Southeast, except maybe in a ;park or a carefully preserved arboretum," he said.

Then came the blight, an imported parasite of microscopic size, believed to have come from the Orient.

It began in Long Island, N. Y., about 1904 and gradually spread southward and westward. It ended half a century later when the American Chestnut was wiped out, the victim of one of the world's

The other division has a circumference of 74 Inches and a diameter of about ZilA inches.

The tree flowers from June cm 18 to August and produces quantities of the large, spiny fruits, 9U but the edible nuts usually are 7 faulty and worm-eaten.

CRA There has been no natural saved it. Being so far from from one to several growing Trott visited the park and o l d EEcthe huge stands, it was some- seasons will be required to de- reproduction from the inspected the chestnut in a termine its susceptibility to the tree, at least in recent years, how spared the fatal blight." n 1961. blight fungus disease. according to Cedric Squires, 9 On Feb. 13, about 20 scion If it should prove to be re- park superintendent.

"It may be the lone survivor cuttings were taken from the sistant to blight through all At one time the American to remind us of the magnifi- chestnut, carefully packed and the tests — including a direct cent stands of chestnuts that shipped to Dr. Jesse D. Dil- innoculation of the disease — Chestnut covered the eastern once filled the forests of the ler, plant pathologist, North- then the Morrow Mountain U. S. from Maine to Florida, Appalachian and Great Smoky eastern Forest Experiment Sta- Park chestnut might be the Michigan to Arkansas. It was tion, Upper Darby, Pa. Mountains. key'to the development of a .the predominant tree in area -**How the tree at Morrow blight-resistant strain of the encompassing 50,000 square Here the scionwood will Mountain, several hundred original American Chestnut miles. be tested for genetical remiles east of its natural habiand the re-establishment of sistance to the blight. these trees over the eastern tat, survived the blight, a bark half of the nation. disease that has killed ah 'the It will be grafted onto Asiothers, is a mystery.

The park chestnut is one of "My idea is that its isolation atic chestnut rootstock, a n d the first, if not the first, American Chestnut survivor from x"*~* * TM? T» i \\l») aTt 4 ^ i j p North Carolina to be. tested at the station. A dozen other c eastern states have produced mature survivors, which have ad gi undergone these tests.

Since 1954, nearly 150 mature American Chestnut trees have been included in the U.S. ai Forest research tests at Up- ei per Darby. Most of these sur- ar vivors apparently escaped the fr< lai rhe blight and were not immune Vi to it.

However, a few of the tal earliest grafts are still living C* and are still Might-free. These Cc may eventually succumb. If le|i cted so, the search will continue fd tried to SNIP, SNIP—Park Superintendent Cedric Squires, on ladder, snips on chestnut tree while ranger James Gull Gullege holds the scionwood cuttings. (Photo by Fred Morgan)

T

st

a

H

it

JM- Mark'* !»•'

greatest forest tragedies.

The exact age of the old American Chestnut in Morrow Mountain Park is not known.

Some think it to be more than 100 years old. Some people speculate that it might have been set out and cared for by Dr. Francis J. Kron, because it is located near h i s old home, now restored.

Kron, «to^livedjthere dur-

ing the middle to latter 1800s, was known as a horticultural wizard. He had orchards, floral gardens and a greenhouse where he conducted botanical experiments. Regardless of whether he set out the chestnut, it probably received big attention and protection until his death in the early 1880s.

Today, the old tree shows its age. Rotten and decaying

wood can be seen among its widespread branches. S o m e branches totter under their own weight. It looks unhealthy and vulnerable.

But it has survived age and disease as it stands sheltered on every side by the folds of the ancient Uwharrie Mountains. And it may contribute to the regeneration of its species in this country.

STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. G, FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1S62

From Tower On Nelson Mountain

Elaine Is Queen Of Stanly Woodlands r

BP^i^ll. ^ : T^B

^

*J#; lit

;"

\jjjp jttjJF

.. 1 x

^^'

^t*\\y\*.

^iiiilJl,

J

™*?^» "~

"^-^s." ^ i - * * ^ . ^

..--

TOWER OPERATOR RECORDS RADIO MESSAGES Elaine B. Simpson makes an entry into her log book as she talks on the radio-telephone.

Logging the traffic between her tower and other towers and between the two radio-equipped mobile units in Stanly County occupies much of her time. The map in the background is where she pots the location of fires and suspicious smoke before alerting the smokechaser who investigates.

—Staff Photo.

Regular services are held at Centerview as follows: Sunday School at 10 a.m., morning worship at 11 a.m.; Training Union at 6:30 p.m., evening worship at 7:30 Joel Nichols, Centerview Bap- p.m. and weekly prayer service on tist Church layman, will deliver Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. the message for the evening worship service at Centerview on Sunday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m.

Rev. S. A. Hatley, supply pastor, and the congregation extends a cordial invitation to ah members and to the public to attend The Aquadale High School this service and hear Mr. Nichols' graduating class of 1943 plans a message. class reunion on Saturday, April The Brotherhood of the church 28, at the Community Building Is planning a supper for the con- in Aquadale. gregation on May 12 at 7:30 p.m. Plans are to gather around 6 at the church. p. m. and eat at 6:30 p. m.

Nichols To Speak At Centerview

Aquadale Class Plans Reunion

Reservations should be made by returning cards mailed out to all members on the mailing list Anyone not receiving a card should contact Clay Efird, president of this yearns reunion committee, on Route 1, Albemarle, or Mrs. Bill Greene, secretary, Badin Road, Albemarle.

Barbecued chicken will be served by a catering service and no one attending need bring any food.

This event is primarily for class members, their husbands and wives. All known teachers of the class also are invited.

After you have killed, regrets accomplish nothing.

One of North Carolina's prettiest and youngest forest fire lookout tower operators sits in lofty solitude atop Nelson Mountain seven days a week and keeps a protective eye over most of Stanly County's woodlands.

If the woodlands could stare back, they'd go bugeyed.

They'd see a pair of blue eyes dancing in a peaches-and-cream face under a canopy of honeycolored hair. They'd see a fivefoot, four-and-a-half-inch, 108pound figure Which might just have returned victoriously from a beauty queen contest.

Her smile brightens up the corners of the pantry-sized quarters .atop the 55-foot tower even en the darkest of days.

This young lady who sits on her throne as Queen of the Stanly woodlands is Elaine B. Simpson, 18, who lives with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Benner, just outside the western city limits on Route 4, Albemarle.

Elaine will be 19 on July 30.

Elaine took the job last October after she learned about it at the local employment office and passed an interview with county forester George Gaines.

A visit to the tower and a check-out on the operations convinced her this was the job for her.

"I love it here," she said.

She Scans Horizon Elaine operates on the theory that where there's smoke, there's fire. She is constantly scanning the horizon in something like a 20-mile radius to spot, watch and report all suspicious smoke aside from the dozen or so "permanent" smokes the nature of which is known.

She is in constant radio contact with forester Gaines and smokechaser Tom Efird and can dispatch them to check on a suspicious smoke within minutes.

When such a smoke is sighted, Elaine studies it through her binoculars for a few minutes. Then she takes an azimuth reading and plots the degree on her map.

With the mileage estimated and the location pinpointed, she radios the information to the smokechaser who investigates.

If need be, she can call for a cross reading from another tower operator, usually the one at Locust, and get a verification on the location.

Another chore requiring considerable time is logging all radio messages and traffic coming through her tower.

She also studies her mobile and portable radio-telephone operator's handbook.

"It's so peaceful here and I have such a grand view of all this scenery," Elaine says with a wave of her hand.

Spectacular View Hie tower does command a spectacular view.

The City of Albemarle winks at Elaine from behind Gobbler's Knob. Morrow Mountain and the ancient Uwharrie Mountains go sawtoothing along the eastern horizon. From every direction comes an erratic checkerboard

LOOKOUT TOWER This is the Nelson Mountain forest fire lookout tower where Elaine works. The structure on the right is a television signal relay tower. —Staff Photo* pattern of reddish-brown fields and lush green fields interspersed in the overriding woodlands.

Vigorous spring breezes whistle past the open windows of the

tower house causing it to creak and vibrate gently.

"The swaying treetops and the feeling that the tower was moving in the wind made me sick the first day," Elaine laughed.

Since then the motion sickness hasn't bothered her.

Right now the trees are budding and leafing out into a fresh green world closing in around her mountaintop tower. An owl hoots mournfully down . in the woods. Squirrels chatter. Birds dart through the trees busy with their nesting. Infrequently, a jet plane zips by with a roar which startles her.

About the only trouble she's had with the wild varmints is a battle with a colony of wasps trying to locate in the cramped quarters of the tower. She keeps a bottle of insect spray handy.

Seven Days a Week During the spring and fall fire season, normally running from March into June and from early October until about Christmas, Elaine works a seven-day week.

She comes to the tower at 8 a. m. and leaves at 5 p. m. Monday through Saturday. Sundays it's 1 p. m. to 5 p. m.

She isn't required to man the tower on rainy days or when fog wraps the tower and obscures vision.

A 1961 graduate of Endy High School, Elaine hopes to save enough money from' her lookout tower job to go to beauty school or business school, she hasn't made up her mind which yet.

Although she is reluctant to do so, she's thinking about giving up the tower job after another season or two and taking additional training in one of the above fields.

An accomplished pianist, she studied for nine years with Mrs. O. H. Bolch and has received instruction from Herbert Simmons.

She is a pianist at West Albemarle Baptist Church.

"They have to drive me away from the piano at home," she said. Then wistfully, "If I just had a piano up here in the WATCHING IS NEVER-ENDING CHOSE tower, I'd have it made."

Scanning the woodlands near and far, often with the aid oi binoculars, is a continuous task for Elaine during her dally Conscientious Actually she is quite conscien- hours in the tower. The objective is to spot fires, report them, and get help to the scene before the fire gets out of control and tious about her job.

—Staff Photo.

On slack days, she does tune destroys valuable woodland. m some music on her portable radio, read some, do some pencil mother was skeptical about her them.

Does she ever get that trapped sketches of the scenery, and once taking the Job at first.

If any unknown or unauthoriz- or hemmed-in feeling? she hemmed a dress.

1 don't let these things dis- ed persons come up the road or "What, with all this open tract me," she said. "Because a start prowling around the tower, space around me?" she exclaimhre can get started in minutes Elaine can nave help on the ed. "All I have to do is open j*nd it must be reported promptly scene within a matter of minutes the windows and it all comes by using either her telephone or right through here." before it spreads.* Does she ever get frightened or radio. Once she is ln the tower Incidentally, her tower tele* afraid up there in all that isola- house and the door in the floor phone number is classified Inforis lowered in place, no one can mation except for forest fire retion? get inside unless she admits porting work.

She doesn't, although her

Midget Calf Is Big Attraction On Almond Farm A most unusual "compact" model of 'Whiteface Hereford calf is attracting a lot of attention on the farm of Miss Isabelle Almond in the Ridgecrest com munity of Route 1, Stanfield.

The calf is a dwarf, a midget, a genetic freak in cattle'breeding, according to veterinarians.

At four months of age, it is less than half the size of a normal calf of this age.

When Miss Almond found the newborn calf, dropped in the pasture by its normal-sized mother, she said it was about the size of a house cat.

"It didn't even look like a calf then," she said.

Expecting the tiny calf to die momentarily, she took it to the barn, wrapped it in a blanket, and left it overnight.

Next morning, the calf was still alive.

She fed it with a teaspoon until it gained strength. Soon it graduated to a baby bottle. Within a few weeks it took up regular nursing chores with Its mother.

Now it nurses its mother morning and night.

"It gets so much milk now its little sides swell out," Miss Almond said.

Hay, grazing, and commercial feed is available to it, but the calf hasn't been eating much.

Despite the nourishment and petting, the calf hasn't grown much or developed like a normal animal.

It appears to be a severely Stunted and compressed version of a normal calf.

Miss Almond says the calf took pneumonia during Its infancy and still wheezes from t h e infection. It has had the professional attention of a veterinarian on at least one occasion.

She plans to raise the calf along with her other beef cattle.

She and a lot of her neighbors are interested in seeing how the calf looks when it reaches maturity.

She started off calling the little animal "Tiny", but after it developed some, she decided a better n a m e would be "Midget."

*

MIDGET CALF NUZZLES "BIG BROTHER" COUSIN ON ALMOND The calf on the left was four months and two days old at the time this last week, while the calf on the right was four weeks old. An example of freak known as "dwarfism" among cattle breeders, the midget calf, 21 inches Miss Isabelle Almond near Ridgecrest School.

FARM picture was made a type of genetic high, is owned by —Staff Photo.

W, JUNE 22, 1962

Old Liquor Tree Still Standing Back in the mid and late 1890's a liquor hauler by the name of Wash Crowell of Montgomery County camped overnight occasionally at a good spring of water on Clover , Fork Creek on a well-travelled wagon road north of Albemarle.

Women of the community frowned and muttered under their breaths. They sent word to their neighboring women: "Watch your menfolks tonight, the liquor man is camping at the spring."

Although Crowell's liquor business was perfectly legal from the standpoint of the law, on the surface, at least, his visits nevertheless created a stir among the uprighteous in the community.

Crowell owned and operated a registered government distillery in M mtgomery County and hauled his produce by barrel and wagon t i Concord where he sold it to a government agent, a legal and flourishing business in those days.

However, on his trips Crowell invariably brought along a few "loose" jugs of his distilled produce, one of them being a sample jug from which everyone who visited his campsite was offered a swig.

Tantalized by the sample swig, the customers usually bought a few jugs from the distiller who proceeded on the assumption that what the government didn't know about these extra sales wouldn't hurt it.

Sometimes when business was good, Crowell camped two nights at the spring.

Lovely Campsite It was a lovely place to camp.

The isolated creek bottom was far enough removed from any habitation that he did not disturb anyone.

There was lush grazing for his animals and the never-failing spring furnished water for all a camper's needs. Three huge trees, an oak and two poplars, stood IT'S NOT USED ANYMORE guard around the spring and under their lofty canopy Crowell parked Thirteen-year-old Tommy Walker, son of Mrs. Foy Walker of Route 1 New London and grandson of W. T. Holt, stands looking at what his wagon and made his camp.

Around his crackling campfire at remains of the hollow in the old "liquor tree" on the Holt property on night, the men of the vicinity gath- Clover Fork Creek between Highway 52 and Prospect Baptist ChurcH. —Staff Photo. ered to hear the talk and stories of this genial camper and to sample changed and the old spring and uge. Squirrels scamper about in its his wares. tree were bypassed and for- topmost branches.

Even after Crowell had broke hollow Mr. Holt, who says he would sell gotten. camp and departed, local men conthe property as a private cabin Today, the area is overgrown tinued to visit the campsite for with shrubs, vines, and poison ive^ site if someone wants to develop it, days. believes the wooden shelves could The reason for these clandestine and can be reached only by foot. still be found entwined somewhere The spring still flows on vigorvisits was that Crowell had left in the heart of the old tree. the partially filled sample jug in ously, although it has not received "And who knows," he laughed, any maintenance in recent years. one of the big poplars which had A few feet away, the old hollow "there might even be a 50-year-old a hollow in the center of its trunk large enough for a man to come in poplar "liquor tree," huge and tow- jug of government liquor still inering, soars toward the sky, com- tact inside that old tree someand out of the rain.

On his return trip Crowell knew peting for prestige with the still- where." standing oak, the widespread limbs where to find his empty jug.

Constant use as a hiding place of which sheltered campers over for whiskey branded the big hol- half a century ago. low poplar as the "liquor tree."

Age has bent the old liquor tree Wooden Shelves until now it leans southward at a Someone actually built wooden sharper angle than the Leaning shelves inside the hollow tree for Tower of Pisa in Italy. the more convenient storing of the Mr. Holt said he thought the old whiskey jugs. tree would have fallen decades ago W. T. Holt, who owns the prop- due to its weakened condition by erty now, remembers visiting the the hollow inside. hollow poplar when he was a boy I However, the old giant appears to of two or three years of age. Soon have taken renewed growth in byhe will be 67. gone years.

To his personal knowledge, Hollow Sealed Off grown men have been inside the Subsequent growth has sealed hollow poplar. "They had to in order to install the wooden shelves," off most of the hollow interior from the outside, except for a hole here he said.

After the days of the liquor and there up and down the southhauling and camping had gone, ern side of the tree and except for roads and modes of transportation an opening at the base where one can see daylight straight through DID YOU KNOW — That you the four-foot diameter trunk. Wild can go on Unico—Unico Tires, animals appear to be making frequent use of the hollow as a refthat is.—Stanly FCZ Service.

Pfeiffer's Program Leading The Way

Jack Lowder Revitalizes Teacher Training

By FRED T. MORGAN A quietly unassuming yet intellectually seething young Albemarle native is springboarding into prominence in educational circles in North Carolina by piling one new idea and achievement on top of the other.

This has been bis record, especially in the fields of teacher training and mathematics as well as in the general shaping and crystallization of the "new look" in public education with which educators everywhere are being forced to deal.

For the past few years Dr. Lloyd G. (Jack) Lowder has made Pfeiffer College at Misenheimer his base of operations.

In these years, he has left a trailblazing imprint at the college which will be difficult to emulate. His work has helped shove Pfeiffer College into the limelight as having a teacher training program rated as one of the very best in North Carolina.

Observers are saying that Pfeiffer Is a leader in revamping and enriching teacher training to meet the fast-changing needs of modern education.

Committee Study This year Jack has s e r v e d on a state-appointed study committee which had as its purpose to organize and formulate a framework — to work out the guidelines and establish the dimensions — of a new teacher preparation curriculum leading to teacher certification by the state of North Carolina.

Jack took to his committee assignment a wealth of ideas and experiences gained from Pfeiffer's teacher preparation program developed in the late 1950's which embodied new approaches to teacher preparation and is based on a broad liberal arts education.

Why were some students not excited about teaching after they had completed the prescribed courses?

Why were other teachers failing to perform satisfactorily in the class-

COLLECTING POTTERY IS HOBBY WITH DR. LOWDER Collecting lovely specimens of pottery from many areas and periods is a hobby with Dr. Lloyd G. (Jack) Lowder, shown here with a portion of his collection. His collection ties in well with another interest—cooking and preparing exotic dishes. Also, he is a hi-fi enthusiast, a golfer, a Sunday School class teacher, arc he drives a sports car.

—Staff Photo. room? Why were some washing out?

These were the questions concerned educators were asking around the state as well as hi the N. C. Department of Public Instruction.

It was apparent that the old teach-

er certification program was becoming outmoded or obsolete along with the preparation program of some colleges. They would have to be forced out of their shell. Mediocre teachers were not good enough.

The study committee on which Jack is serving is seeking answers and recomendations to break the shell.

However, Pfeiffer had already selevaluated its curriculum in this respect and developed a teacher preparation program, underway for several years now, which is closely parallel to the one now being recommended to colleges.

Pfeiffer's Program The program at Pfeiffer started as far back as 1956 under the direction of Dr. Cameron P. West. Jack came in 1957, first'as a professor, then as Dean of Students, and, since 1960, as chairman of the Division of Education. Through planning, careful study of a number of other programs, and through close coordination with the Department of Public Instruction, they worked out and put into use, at least four years ago, a program which is now among those "leading tiie way" in teacher training.

Jack calls it a program of controlled flexibility, designed to develop the student teacher to full competence and potential.

"A liberal arts background is basic in the education of a teacher," Jack said. "In addition, we insist on sound academic preparation in die subject fields of teaching and have the 100 percent cooperation of our total faculty. Along with this, we seek to develop confidence, knowledge, and experience. Once the student teacher has grasped and mastered the academic subject to be taught and the methods of teaching, discipline is seldom a problem and she can handle the petty details and trivialities."

Three major points are cited as reasons why Pfeiffer is rated as doing a superior job of teacher training: 1. The teacher training program is the total concern of the faculty; 2.

The thoroughness of the screening of candidates for future teachers; and 3. The exacting and closely supervised period of internship and practice teaching for the student teachers.

Reasonover Comments Commenting on these points, Bill Reasonover, Director of Development at Pfeiffer, said: "Pfeiffer College believes the teacher training program must be the concern of the entire faculty if the student is to develop a superior intellectual and academic background as well as effective teaching skills.

"T h e professional educational courses must encompass practical materials, psychology, the latest thinking on effective methods of testing and guidance, as well as the philosophy which serve as a basis for teaching in an age which demands the ability to keep abreast with an ever expanding and changing society.

"The period of classroom internship, to be most effective, requires extensive preparations by the student and faculty, plus observation by the faculty, followed by conferences with the practice and supervising teachers as to how the student teacher is progressing."

In the last eight weeks of the justended school term. Jack had 17 practice teachers in public schools in this area of the state. He visited each one a minimum of four times (some up to seven or eight) remaining in the classroom from one class period up to a full day.

He traveled 2,500 miles in supervising these 17 practice teachers during their internship.

Proper placement of the student teacher is of crucial importance and much consideration is given this phase of the training.

"The ideal place is where the student teacher and the veteran teacher compliment each other," Jack said "And where the principal is happy about the arrangement. Some principals have told us that the presence of a practice teacher or two in their school boosts morale, creates a little rivalry, and makes teaching attitudes better."

Albemarle Native The man who is leading Pfeiffer's teacher training program is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Lowder of Albemarle. He was born and reared here and was graduated from Albemarle High School in 1940. He attended Pfeiffer for two years, then served in a Military Ponce unit in the U. S. Army for three years, much of the time overseas.

Jack looks as much or more like a debonair leading man in a movie production as he does a college professor. He is at home with anything cultured, cosmopolitan, or highbrow.

And if it's education, Jack is on familiar ground on which he has few peers.

At the University of North Carolina, Jack earned his A. B. degree in math in 1947; his M. A. degree in secondary education and math in 1951; and his Doctor's degree in education administration and political science in 1957.

In between, he taught math for

three years at High Point Senior STANLY NEWS AND PRESS, ALBEMARLE, N. C , FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 1962 1-C High School and served as principal of an elementary school there for anothet fiye ^Pl He also served for one year as a Kellogg Research Assistant in Chapel Hill during which time he traveled 5,000 miles interviewing 29 public school 'superintendents for the purpose df "Devising a Contemporary Pattern for Superintendents in the area of Instruction and Curriculum Development," upon which he wrote a dissertation.

He Is Versatile Versatile in fields other than education, Jack is an excellent chef. He bakes cakes and even goes in for such exotic gourmet specialties as pickled eggs. Once he saved a social event from disaster by repairing to the kitchen and whipping up a manytiered cake which proved to be the highlight of the occasion.

Jack is a hi-fi fan and his bachelor quarters in faculty row is filled with pottery which he collects avidly.

One special piece of his pottery (?) has a sensational history about which he will talk if pressed.

Along with his numerous other duties and interests, Jack has found time fbr the past three years to teach the Senior Women's Sunday School Class at Salem Methodist Church at Millingport. He is also chairrqan of the church's commission on education.

How Jack has remained a bachelor through all these years of close involvement with pretty young teachers and student teachers is another story.

WORKING OUT SCHEDULE WITH PFEIFFER STUDENT TEACHERS His only comment: Dr. Lloyd G. (Jack) Lowder, chairman of the Division of Education at Pfeiffer, discusses schedules with "It hasn't been easy." teachers-to-be Ann Edwards of Vass and Judy Andrews of Landrum, S. C. Dr. Lowder and his associates are credited with leading Pfeiffer's teacher training program which has gained much recognit;"n i« M -rth keit in U. S. Savings Bonds.

Carolina.

—Staff Photo.