Backward Glances: Dedication of Wedowee’s WWI memorial and crime spree in Roanoke

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120 years ago

Letter to the Editor:

Our observation has taught us that there are two classes of people that are a drawback to any community and are to be found, we suppose, in most communities. And these are the tattlers and busy-bodies. The tattlers are always talking about someone else’s business, and the busy-bodies are always trying to attend to other people’s affairs, and as a rule letting their own go neglected. These people can always tell you how to do, but never do anything themselves. The busy-bodies, the tattlers, and another class – the “object,” we might call them. People who never do anything for the upbuilding of their community, and are always objecting and finding fault when others attempt to do something are a scourge to any community and in the words of the literary, “From such, good Lord, deliver us.”

*****

From a private letter we learn that at a meeting of the stockholders of the Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic Railroad Company, held at Atlanta April 30^th, last, Col. W.A. Handley, of Roanoke, was elected one of the directors of this great enterprise. Col. Handley is an up-to-date business man, and the A,B, and A people have made no mistake in placing him among the directors. Co. Handley is not only an enterprising railroad man but is also an enthusiastic town builder. He is a man of means and opens wide his purse to churches of all denominations. The public school system has no better friend than he. The Colonel has been urged from every county in Alabama to become a candidate for governor, but he has steadfastly declined the honor. He is one of Roanoke’s most popular citizens and our people believe a better or more competent railroad director could not have been found in Alabama.

*****

There was a candidate for sheriff in Bibb County who received in the primary last week, out of a total of 1,308 votes, only 13 of the number. No doubt he thought before the returns came in that he was going to be nominated, and now thinks the county is infested with liars.

100 years ago

One of the most inspiring spectacles and dramatic moments in the history of Randolph County was witnessed in Wedowee at one o’clock last Saturday, when the pure white drapery that enveloped the monument in the center of town, erected to the memory of Randolph’s dead as a result of the late World War, was lowered to the pedestal by cords in the hands of little misses Irma Carlisle and Mary Jack Dobson, dressed as red cross nurses. While the folds of the covering were falling the American flag was being slowly raised to the top of the flagstaff in the enclosure of the hand of Mr. J. Floyd Wilson, gallant World War veteran. Then came the sweet, sad notes of the bugler sounding “taps.” The marble shaft is 18 feet high, being crowned with the statue of a soldier boy. On two sides of the second base is the inscription, “1917-1918.” On the other two sides of the shaft are inscribed the names of the soldiers from Randolph who died during the war – 24 white and five colored men.

80 years ago

Last Monday evening, April 29, brought to a close another successful school year in Wadley. At this time Mr. W. C. Edge made formal announcement of severing his connection with the school. Mr. Edge has been the efficient principal for 12 years and it is with much regret that he is leaving the school. His friends are happy that he and his family will continue to live in Wadley where they are a great help in every phase of life. The new principal and faculty will be announced later.

60 years ago

A fantastic series of break-ins and attempted break-ins in downtown Roanoke this Monday night resulted in the Tuesday arrest of one suspect, 17-year-old Bobby Miles of Stroud. It is considered likely that more than one person was involved. The order of the break-ins can only be conjectured. One place hit was the medical office of Dr. W.B. Short. His personal office and the outer office and waiting room were ransacked, and the drink box vandalized, but available money apparently was not taken. At Eucal’s Beauty Shop across the street, entrance was through a bathroom window. Less than $5 was taken, and some money was overlooked. Two Mello milk trucks near the Pure Oil Station were broken into and some of the contents removed and poured out. Front and back doors were damaged at Reuben Awbrey’s store, but they were not broken open. An unsuccessful attempt was made to enter Jerry’s Thrift Shop through front and back doors, and an attempt was also made to break into the pool room nearby. The prowlers, if there was more than one, climbed onto the roof of the Goodyear store, apparently en route to Baker’s Shoe Shop, where entry was through an upstairs window from the roof. A prowler tried on three or four pairs of shoes in the store before taking the least expensive pair he tried. He left his old shoes nearby. The stolen shoes were found in Miles’s possession, Sheriff Thompson said.

40 years ago

King David Turner relinquished his title as the undefeated woodchopper of Wedowee Fun Day Saturday to his son William (Little David) Turner. The senior Turner had remained unbeaten in the event for the past seven years until Saturday when Williams stepped up and took the crown by a slim four seconds. “It’s okay, as long as the record stays in the family,” King David said. “I’m satisfied with my son winning.” King David was surprised at first hearing the results of the event, but then a wide muscular smile burst on his face when he realized that his won had won the contest.

*****

A single-engine plane left the runway and came to rest with one wing on nearby Industrial Boulevard during a botched landing attempt late Sunday afternoon at Roanoke’s airport. Luckily the four occupants of the aircraft were not injured and were able to walk away from the wreckage. The plane topped several eight-foot pine trees and ended up in a gully next to the street, about 300 feet from where it left the runway. Its tank was ruptured and about 40 gallons of fuel were spilled into the gulley.

20 years ago

The Randolph County Historical Museum will celebrate its official grand opening Saturday, May 20, in concert with the bi-annual Animal Shelter Book Sale at the warehouse across from Cedarwood Cemetery on Main Street in Roanoke. The museum will not charge admission, but donations will be welcome. Some events have been held at the downtown museum that housed the post office for many years, but it has never had a grand opening.