A look back

By Staff
Researched by Dr. Bill Stewart
Feb. 2, 1956 -Hartselle's oldest resident, Mrs. Ed Ayers, who lives on West Main Street, celebrated her 97th birthday today. Her favorite foods are fried chicken and some "good kind of cake." Mrs. Ayers was born on February 2, 1859, at Flint. She ate with both Rebel and Yankee troops when they passed through the Old Morris Mill community where she lived with her parents.
Feb. 3, 1956 -The Morgan County Democratic Executive Committee convened in Decatur this morning and started taking the qualifying papers of men who will be running in the May primaries. All candidates will be required to affirm that they plan to support only Democrats in all races, including this year's presidential contest.
Feb. 4, 1956 -Sam Houston, a local API student, was home for the weekend for a visit with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Houston, on Milner Street. Young Houston, a journalism student, has been added to the staff of the Auburn Plainsman, student publication, and writes a regular column for the paper.
Feb. 5, 1956 -There was a lot of discussion among Auburn football followers in downtown Hartselle today. Spring football practice begins on the plains this afternoon. Fifty sophomores and 30 holdovers from the '55 squad will be watched closely during the next few weeks of drills. Coach Shug Jordan and his assistants will be looking especially for replacements for tackle Frank D'Agostino, fullback Joe Childress, and halfback Fob James. Auburn was ranked ninth nationally last year in the AP poll.
Feb. 6, 1956 -Operations of the Hartselle Manufacturing Company, which were due to have begun last week were postponed until today. The plant roof leaked and needed immediate repair. Eight workers are being trained at the outset to make ladies' lingerie.
Feb. 7, 1956 -Past presidents of the elementary school PTA were honored at this afternoon's founders' day program. Those saluted for their many contributions were Mrs. S. E. Stewart, Jr., Mrs. Euclid Johnson, Mrs. Opal C. Stewart, Mrs. J. E. Peck, Mrs. William Hartselle, Mrs. Guy Roberts, Mrs. Claude Lavender, Rev. Alex Adams, Mrs. E. L. Drinkard, Jr., and, lastly, Mrs. Merrill Doss, the current president.
Feb. 8, 1956-A one cent boost in the present three-cent cost of mailing a letter is being advocated by the Eisenhower Administration.