A look back
By Staff
Researched by Dr. Bill Stewart
Nov. 29, 1957-W. T. Thomas, who resides about 12 miles east of Hartselle, is making plans to rebuild after his home burned to the ground a couple of days ago. The Hammond family was able to get most of their furnishings safely outside.
Nov. 29, 1957-Production of the Jupiter Missile, designed to meet crucial requirements of national defense, will be at Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal. This will be a big economic boost to the entire region, including Hartselle, where many men and women commute to work each day at Redstone.
Nov. 29, 1957-Johnny Max Rowe, 10, was injured during a Thanksgiving hunting accident near the home of his grandfather, T. A. Gandy, east of Falkville. Johnny’s legs were peppered with pellets from a shotgun blast.
Nov. 30, 1957-Auburn beat Alabama 40-0 in their annual grid classic at Birmingham’s Legion Field this afternoon. The Tigers, currently ranked number one in the nation, scored five touchdowns in the first half. The win cemented the War Eagles’ first undefeated season since 1913.
This was Bama’s worst defeat in 50 years and was the last game for recently fired Coach J. B. “Ears” Whitworth.
Dec. 1, 1957-The home of Buddy Jones, who lives three miles north of Hartselle on U.S. 31, was destroyed by fire late yesterday afternoon. The HFD tried to put out the blaze but the truck’s water supply ran out before it could be brought under control.
Dec. 2, 1957-The students cheered the coach and the coach (Shug Jordan) praised the team as Auburn celebrated its first national football championship today. Five thousand students, including many from this area, were part of a downtown pep rally.
Dec. 2, 1957-Paul (Bear) Bryant signed a 10-year contract as football coach and athletic director at the University of Alabama today. His salary will be $17,500 yearly. Dr. Frank Rose, UA president-elect, said he believed the school had selected “the best football coach in the country.”
Dec. 3, 1957-John Weaver is Hartselle’s newest policeman. He was chosen from a field of a dozen applicants.
Dec. 4, 1957-In order to find numbers not reflected in the new phone books, telephone subscribers will need to dial 113. It won’t work to dial “0” any more. Dialing “0” will give the caller the long distance operator whose only duty will be to place LD calls.
Dec. 5, 1957-Bob Orr, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Orr, has been named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Bob is a student at UA where he is majoring in English and minoring in history.
