A look back
By By Dr. Bill Stewart
Jan. 1, 1959-The year just ended saw area roads considerably improved. Work completed includes seven miles of the Iron Man-Neel road, six miles of the Hartselle-McKendree road, and five miles of the Hartselle-Priceville road.
Jan. 1, 1959-Nine people were killed in traffic accidents in Morgan County last year. More of the fatalities were attributed to excessive speed than to any other cause. Other major factors included running stop signs, not yielding the right of way, driving on the wrong side of the road, DUI, failing to signal, tailgating, and reckless driving.
Jan. 1, 1959-The Crestline Heights project has made excellent progress since its beginning back in October. This is the first phase of a million-dollar development. Its location is on the south side of the new west Hartselle elementary school.
Jan. 2, 1959-The leader of the newly successful Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro is, at age 25, too young to become the country’s president. Also he won’t seize properties such as sugar plantations from U.S. interests.
Jan. 2, 1959-Sixty-six marriage licenses were issued in Morgan County in December. Probate Judge T. C. Almon believes this is probably the
most in a single month since the end of World War II. Also on a happy note, only six divorces were granted.
Jan. 2, 1959-Funeral rites were conducted today for W. E. Sheets, the Massey merchant who was fatally shot Monday during a robbery at his place of business. Even though two men have been apprehended in connection with this case, they haven’t yet been charged with Mr. Sheets’ murder.
Jan. 2, 1959-A new women’s apparel store, the Jo-Lynn Shop, will open here next month on Main Street. This new enterprise is owned by Harold Michelson, who also operates Decatur’s Emporium.
Jan. 3, 1958-Mrs. Pierce Pattillo recently won an essay contest sponsored by the Birmingham Post-Herald dealing with memorable Christmases past. Mrs. Pattillo’s subject was “The Christmas of 1890.” She and a friend enjoyed a glamorous, all expense paid weekend at the Dinkler Tutwiler Hotel with meals, theatre tickets, etc., furnished free of charge.
Jan. 4, 1959-MCHS and every other high school football team in the nation will still not have the option of going for two points after a TD. This was the decision of the National Alliance Football Rules Committee in Chicago. All major college teams now are allowed to run or pass for two points after making the initial six.
Jan. 5, 1959-Local UA alumni were concerned today about President Frank Rose’s prediction that unless the Capstone got more state funding the engineering school was likely to lose its accreditation. One idea being floated to get additional money for education generally is to increase the state sales tax from 3 to 4 percent.
Jan. 6, 1959-The last surviving daughter of General Joe (“Fighting Joe”) Wheeler died this morning in Richmond. Julia Wheeler Harris, widow of the late Georgia Sen. William Harris, was born on the Wheeler plantation in 1870.
Jan. 7, 1959-Alabama educational (public) TV began its fourth year of operations today. The Alabama network features five channels and is still the nation’s only public network. Hartselle residents get the best reception from Channel 10.
