A look back to Sept. 29-Oct. 4, 1961
Sept. 29, 1961—President Kennedy today he will call on all Americans to pray for peace and for the Spirit to move against the “evil desires of evil men.”
Sept. 29, 1961—The Morgan County Fair is currently in progress at the Decatur Coliseum. It lasts for five days. George Wallace, a leading candidate for governor next year, was in attendance tonight.
Sept. 29, 1961—MCHS was defeated 33-0 tonight by Deshler in their homecoming game in Tuscumbia. MCHS’s record is now 1-3 and the Tigers are hoping to rebound when they play Hanceville here next. In the most lopsided north Alabama football game Ardmore beat Buckhorn 81-0.
Sept. 29, 1961—The home of Bill Wiley on Main Street was damaged moderately by fire today.
Sept. 30, 1961—Howard Roberts is currently building a new home. Billy Ferguson, Bob Miller, and W. A. Vest are adding carports to their homes.
Sept. 30, 1961—Dove hunting season opened today. Unfortunately, the birds may not be very numerous due to an outbreak of Trichomoniasis, a throat disease that has killed many of them.
Sept. 30, 1961—Gov. John Patterson is currently promoting Alabama among business leaders from around the nation. He tells them that Alabama has one of the lowest tax rates in the U.S., one that clearly favors industry.
Oct. 1, 1961—Roger Maris of the Yankees hit his 61st homer of the season, setting a new season record. Authorities have decided he didn’t actually break Babe Ruth’s record of 60 because more games are played in a season today. There will be an asterisk by Maris’s record.
Oct. 1, 1961—The Roberts, Sparkman, and Vest families held their annual reunion at Oak Ridge Methodist Church today. U.S. Sen. John Sparkman was in attendance and gave the main talk. Guy Roberts of Hartselle organized all the activities for the day.
Oct. 1, 1961—Porter Lee Hanes assumed the office of Morgan County tax assessor today. His predecessor, Dr. John Burch, did not run for another term.
Oct. 1, 1961—The family of Hartselle chiropractor Dr. Guy Colbert is in Watertown, Tenn., today for the funeral of Mrs. Colbert’s mother.
Oct. 1, 1961—Mrs. Howard (Sarah) Kesecker, former Hartselle city clerk, is currently serving on a temporary basis as head bookkeeper for the utilities board.
Oct. 2, 1961—The new car tags went on sale at the courthouse today. This is something that must be done in person and generally involves standing in a long line.
Oct. 2, 1961—A new business specializing in the sale of linen goods opened in Hartselle today. Joann’s is located in the Tanner Heights section on Highway 31 South.
Oct. 3, 1961—One of Hartselle’s oldest residents, Simon A. Johnson, 90, died today at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. C. Sims. His widow, Mrs. Alta Johnson, also survives him as do two sons, S. E. and Cecil E. Johnson, all of Hartselle.
Oct. 3, 1961—Bids were received today to remodel county schools at Eva. Board of education members said the low bid of $113,000 was still too high and they are asking for changes in plans that will lower the cost.
Oct. 3, 1961—Today marked the first anniversary of Grady J. Long as Hartselle’s chief executive. Mayor Long assumed the top city leadership position on Oct. 3, 1960. He is also Sunday school superintendent at First Baptist. In his official capacity he is the city attorney as well and judge of the recorder’s court. In the community he provides leadership as president of the Civitan Club.
Oct. 4, 1961—Today is the National Day of Prayer as proclaimed earlier by President Kennedy.
Oct. 4, 1961—Dianne and Jonathan Crow were hurt here today when a car struck them on Sparkman Street near the post office. Hartselle Hospital examined the children and found their injuries not to be serious.
