A look back

By Staff
Researched by Dr. Bill Stewart
Dec. 20, 1957-There are many happy children in Hartselle as a result of yesterday’s tenth annual “Kid’s Day.” Nearly 600 children enjoyed a movie, a hot meal, and Christmas carols and then were given fruit and a prized toy. The American Legion sponsors this big event.
Dec. 21, 1957-Downtown Hartselle was packed with Christmas shoppers today, probably the busiest of the holiday season thus far. Even so, the amount of buying has not been as much this year as last due to the depressed farm situation.
Dec. 21, 1957-The Morgan County Board of Education approved the site for the new Hartselle elementary school at their meeting this morning. It will be located on 18.65 acres at the site of the old airport. (This is the present Crestline Elementary School.)
Dec. 22, 1957-Taking note of the great increase in the number of traffic fatalities recently, the Alabama Medical Association says that the accident menace “affects more persons than do all the illnesses known today.” This ominous news comes just as holiday traveling is reaching its highest peak of the Christmas season.
Dec. 23, 1957-The home of Dr. Fred Sherrill at 624 High Street here in Hartselle has been selected as the best decorated for Christmas by local civic clubs. Second and third places went to the residences of Dr. W. C. Duncan and Raymond Pierce.
Dec. 24, 1957-Alabama welfare recipients are facing a bleak Christmas. Their average check is now $38.15 instead of the previously paid $42.67. The Legislature is the culprit “Scrooge” in this bad situation.
Dec. 25, 1957-Christmas ‘57 was celebrated quietly in Hartselle today except for the occasional firecracker. There were many visitors to the town, brought this way by numerous holiday get-togethers. Also many local residents were on the road visiting family and friends in places near and far.
Dec. 26, 1957-Long-time Hartselle Methodist minister Rev. T. H. Johnson died today at Block-Chandler Hospital. The current First Methodist pastor, Revs. Warren Hamby, along with Rev. E. M. Barnes, will preach Rev. Johnson’s funeral tomorrow at the church.
Dec. 26, 1957-Tommy James, outgoing manager of the ACSC office in Hartselle, died tonight at Lawrence County Hospital in Moulton as a result of injuries sustained earlier today. Mr. James’s vehicle was struck head-on by another car which had just had a blowout. His wife had given birth to their first child only four months ago.