Jan. 1, 1886—Mr. and Mrs. W. V. Echols hosted a New Year’s night party tonight at their residence. All of the young ladies and young men of the town and a goodly number of visitors from a distance were in attendance.

Jan. 3, 1886—Strong drink will either be much more expensive or nonexistent (legally) in Hartselle during this New Year. The town council has levied a $1,000 tax on each local saloon.

Jan. 5, 1886—The health of the people of Morgan County is good as we enter the New Year of 1887; consequently, the physicians have nothing to do.

Dec. 31, 1895–The Methodist church bell began ringing at 11:58 and continued until the New Year of 1896 had been appropriately ushered in.

Jan. 1, 1899—New Year’s Eve could not have been more unhappy, so far as the weather was concerned. It was the dismalest, gloomiest, dirtiest day Hartselle has experienced in many months. Possibly in years. The rain came in just sufficient quantity to wet the clothes of pedestrians not covered by waterproofs. The rude, blustering northeasterly wind made umbrellas useless.

Jan. 9, 1908–The merchants here in Hartselle have settled down to the New Year’s business and are anticipating a big spring trade. There is more cotton in the country at this season of the year than ever before and much remains in the field to be picked. There are something over 600 bales in the Farmers’ Union Warehouse at this place, being held for 15 cents. Those who have stored seem determined to hold until they get their price.

Dec. 27, 1910— The New Year will bring several changes in the mercantile line-up of Hartselle. The drug stores of W. Boger & Son and R. B. Sherrill & Son will change hands, Messrs. Coxe and Marsh buying the latter, and Messrs. Puckett and Orr taking charge of the former on the first. Williams & Gilliland will move across the street from their present place of business to the large double stores that have been built for them. They will still retain their present place of business, using it for a warehouse.

Jan. 1, 1917—The new officials of Morgan County took office today and most of them have finalized their office forces. There will be a new clerical alignment at the Morgan County courthouse. Circuit Court Clerk J. L. Draper says that despite widespread criticisms of nepotism his office deputy will be his son, Euel Draper, of Hartselle, and that his clerks will be Misses Eva Fennel and Lucile Draper, the latter young lady being his daughter. Most of the old officials have passed out with the incoming of the New Year. Probate Judge W. E. Skeggs, after 20 years’ service, is being succeeded by Lovick P. Troup. Circuit Clerk Al Blackwell is, as previously indicated, being succeeded by J. L. Draper.

Jan. 5, 1926—The Bank of Hartselle is once again paying a 15 percent dividend to its stockholders. (The bank was robbed two months later.)

Dec. 26, 1928–The New Year may bring better luck to Morgan County resident W. H. Turner, at least he hopes so. Last January Mr. Turner underwent a serious operation at Benevolent hospital in Decatur. Recovered two months later, Mr. Turner resumed his work at the Louisville and Nashville shops. Several days ago, however, a chip of steel struck him in the eye, causing a hemorrhage, but, fortunately, not injuring the sight. Fri., while at work in the shops, his left hand became caught in a machine with which he was working, mangling the middle finger so badly that amputation, between the knuckle and second joint, was necessary.

Dec. 31, 1956—Folks planning to dine on traditional New Year’s fare tomorrow should expect to find hog jowl selling at two pounds for 19 cents and the same amount of black eye peas can be had for 29 cents.

Dec. 31, 2013—A watch night service was held at Hartselle Holy Church of Christ tonight. Special music was provided by the Gospel Enlighteners and Landersville Praise and Worship.