A look back
Jan. 20, 1961-The inauguration of John F. Kennedy as President of the United States today was reported by the AP as “one of the largest, noisiest and most expensive inaugurations in history.” Three former presidents-Eisenhower, Truman, and Hoover—witnessed the swearing-in. Senator John Sparkman served as chairman of the joint congressional inauguration committee. Gov. John Patterson’s car headed the Alabama units in the parade.
Jan. 20, 1961-Mrs. W. P. Newman is now employed full-time at Fred M. Speake & Son, Realtors.
Jan. 21, 1961-Hartselle Police Chief M. L. Looney was the chief storyteller at this morning’s children’s story hour at the library.
Jan. 21, 1961-W. H. Hogan won the distinguished service award presented by the Hartselle Jaycees at their annual recognition banquet tonight.
Jan. 22, 1961-Bama Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant has named Gene Stallings as the new Tide defense secondary coach.
Jan. 23, 1961-Tommy Putman returned to regular classes at MCHS today for the first time since his heart surgery last summer at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore. He had previously been receiving at-home instruction from faculty member Mrs. Lucille Nicholson. Tommy is the son of Mr. and Mrs. U. H. Putman.
Jan. 23, 1961-Funeral services for Miss Nettie Venable were conducted at her residence, 302 E. Hickory Street, this afternoon with burial following in the Cullman Cemetery. Rev. W. L. Carden officiated. Pallbearers were W. B. Gatlin, Grady Long, M. H. Broom, Herman McKee, S. D. Boster, and B. G. Hall.
Jan. 23, 1961-MCHS juniors were ousted from the Morgan County basketball tournament tonight by Cotaco, 50-40. Parker was the leading scorer for Hartselle with 17 points.
Jan. 23, 1961-Hartselle’s needy elderly (along with those living in other parts of the state) are now collecting monthly pensions averaging $54.65. This is $7.56 more than they got at the beginning of last year. A total of 1,954 Morgan County residents currently receive old age pensions.
Jan. 24, 1961-The new Marshall Space Flight Center at Redstone in Huntsville is having a tremendous impact on the economy of this entire region. It now provides more than 5,400 jobs for North Alabama workers at the facility. Hundreds of others are contract personnel engaged in construction projects.
Jan. 25, 1961-The MCHS senior basketball team defeated Cotaco tonight in the Morgan County basketball tournament by the score of 57-42, the win moving them on to the semi-finals. Luter and Speegle were the leading Hartselle scorers, each racking up 12 points.
Jan. 25, 1961-Hartselle chairman of the new March of Dimes drive is Hal Hogan. He is being assisted by Mrs. Joe Hall (Mothers’ March); Mrs. Joe Roberts (coin collectors); Mrs. W. B. Harvel (teens); and Mrs. W. C. Duncan (special gifts).
Jan. 25, 1961-The Neel PTA has purchased record players for each classroom as well as a projector and two water coolers. Raymond Riggs is president of the group.
Jan. 26, 1961-State law enforcement officials have begun a vigorous crackdown on businesses that are flaunting state blue laws by staying open on Sunday. The most frequent targets are grocery stories,which according to state law, are not allowed to operate on Sundays.
