A look back

By Staff
Researched by Dr. Bill Stewart
May 17, 1957-The MCHS glee and dramatics clubs put on the comic operetta “The Wishing Well” tonight at Riddle Auditorium. Directors were Mrs. J. C. Pettey and Mrs. Earnest Greer. Cast members included Leland Lindsey, Jimmy Millwood, Carol Ann Creel, Patsy Lambert, Gene Robinson, Jerry Vinson, Jo Cordar, Sandra Bennett, Stewart Bennett, Suzanne Drinkard, Maxye Gibson, Gerry Rollins, Dennis Griffith, Douglas Turney, Cherie Ray, and Virginia Bodley.
May 18, 1957-A scientific study group has found that cigarette smoking “beyond a reasonable doubt” is a causative factor in the rapidly increasing incidence of lung cancer. The scientists found no convincing evidence that smoking increases the risk of heart disease, however.
May 19, 1957-The 1957 baccalaureate service for the MCHS graduating class was this afternoon at 3 in Riddle
auditorium. Decatur pastor Wallace Lovett preached the baccalaureate sermon and local minister Alex Adams gave the invocation. Graduates with leading parts in the service included Ann Hoffhaus, Marilyn Pettit, Martha Lynn Roberts, and Betty Wagnon.
May 20, 1957-Hartselle’s “citizen of the year” as chosen by the Civitan Club is “Uncle Jimmy” Cain. Martha Lynn Roberts is the high school student who club members feel best reflects the attributes of superior citizenship.
May 21, 1957-About 80 Morgan County Democrats paid $5 a plate tonight to hear Centerville Judge G. Harper Stacy, Sr., tell what their party has done for the South. Guy D. Roberts, vice president of the Young Democrats of District 8, hosted the dinner.
May 22, 1957-Two first grade classes at Hartselle Elementary School came to Decatur today for a train ride back to Hartselle. While at the county seat they gave a choral reading on WMSL-TV. Mothers who brought the children to Decatur included Mrs. Price Johnson, Mrs. W. C. Duncan, Mrs. Don Rollins, and Mrs. E. M. Barnes, Jr. The kids’ teachers are Mrs. John Horton and Mrs. Bill Huie.
May 23, 1957-The movie about the most shocking episode in Alabama’s political history is showing tonight at the Sunset Drive-in. It’s “The Phenix City Story,” primarily about Albert Patterson who was to become the state attorney general before he was gunned down on the streets of his hometown.