A look back

Dec. 23, 1960-Although the program was definitely not “Christmasy,” many TV sets in Hartselle were tuned tonight to a program broadcast for the first time, “The Twilight Zone,” hosted by a newcomer, Rod Serling. Dec. 23, 1960-President Eisenhower lit the National Community Christmas Tree at 5:23 this afternoon. The president called for an end to racial discrimination, which he said was “a blight on the brightness of America’s image.” Dec. 23, 1960-Henry Sherrill, former Hartselle city clerk, celebrated his 62nd birthday with family and friends today. Dec. 24, 1960-Most Hartselle residents celebrated Christmas Eve quietly at home tonight with their families and closest friends. People are thankful that the nation is at peace and are looking forward to the inauguration of a new president, Senator John F. Kennedy, a little less than a month from now. Dec. 24, 1960-O’Neal Penn is the new Crestline PTA president. Dec. 24, 1960-Ann Hoffhaus Crane has been named to College Who’s Who. Dec. 25, 1960-Dr. Charles O. Moore, superintendent of the Decatur district of the Methodist church, delivered the Christmas message at today’s First Methodist service. Tonight the pastor, the Rev. S. E. Paulk, spoke on “The Redeeming Love of Christ” and there was a candlelight communion service. At West Hartselle Baptist, Rev. John Ingouf, the pastor, had as his topic, “His Birthday in His House.” Dec. 26, 1960-Most Hartselle businesses were closed all day today, Christmas having come on Sunday this year. Dec. 26, 1960-For those who had today off and were in the mood for pro football, they were able to watch the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Green Bay Packers 17-13 for the 1960 NFL championship. Dec. 27, 1960-The amount of cotton federal bureaucrats will allow Morgan County farmers to grow has been increased by 10 percent for next year. Dec. 28, 1960-One of Hartselle’s most beloved senior residents, Absolum H. Masterson, passed away today at the age of 95. Mr. Masterson was born in Lawrence County in 1865, the last year of the Civil War. His family was very active in the politics of that county, most identifying with the Republican Party. Ab Masterson moved to Hartselle many years ago and was always notable on downtown streets by the impeccable way in which he was invariably dressed. He was a distant relative of famous western lawman Bat Masterson. Dec. 29, 1960-Charley Beene, one of Hartselle’s most enthusiastic boosters, is being transferred, it has been learned. He is moving to Anniston, there to accept management of that city’s branch of Liberty National Insurance, a position similar to the one he currently holds here.