AMERICUS — Historic Tidbits  Jan. - June 1951

 

Jan. 4,1951: “Mrs. O.S. Bass Sr., has moved from 133 South Lee street to 216 South Jackson street.”

Jan. 5,1951: “R.D. McNeills Named Master Farm Family - One Of Six In Entire State - … with photograph of “John Ansley McNeill, Assistant County Agent R.F. Garner, R.D. McNeill Jr., and R.D. McNeill III (left to right) discuss grain planting on the McNeill farm in Sumter county … ”;  “Leslie News – Mr. H.L. Speer who has been ill for several days is reported some better.”

Jan. 9,1951: “TRYS OUT NEW DIAL SYSTEM - Mayor W.W. Webb of Leslie is shown above making the first telephone call with the use of the new dial system recently installed by the Leslie-DeSoto Telephone Company. Looking on is Tommy Davis, manager of the company.”

Jan. 16,1951: “Leslie News – Mrs. C.J. Cheves has returned to her home in Gainesville after spending several days here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Speer who have been very ill but are able to be up now.”

Jan. 17,1951: “Mrs. Ellinor T. Pruitt and Miss Lubel Speer spent yesterday and today in Atlanta on business. Mrs. Pruitt will leave … for New York on a buying trip, while Miss Speer will return home.”

Jan. 18,1951: “CITY HOSPITAL – Mrs. L.E. Giddings is a surgical patient.; Miss Carrie Speer is a medical patient.”

Jan. 27,1951: “Mr. and Mrs. Quention James have moved from 133 South Lee street to 604 Barlow street.”

Feb. 5,1951: “Mrs. O.S. Bass is visiting her daughter, Mrs. J.L. Snider and Mr. Snider in Atlanta.”; “Mr. and Mrs. Quention James have moved from 132 South Lee … to Brannon avenue.”

Feb. 8,1951: “Buddy Lister and A,A, Autry were displaying downtown this morning a large red fox which they killed while hunting yesterday. Lister said they ran across the fox on the J. Cook place about six miles southwest of Americus … ”

Feb. 14,1951: “Leslie News – Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Cheves, of Gainesville, Ga., visited Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Speer during the week.; Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Speer are able to be out after an illness of several days.”

Feb. 15,1951: “HOSPITAL NOTES – Miss Carrie Speer is undergoing medical treatment.”

Feb. 23,1951: “Jimmy Giddings will spend Sunday here with relatives, coming to sing with the Milledgeville A Capella choir.”; “Mrs. O.S. Bass has returned from a three weeks visit with her daughter, Mrs. Jimmy L. Snider and family in Atlanta.”

Mar. 2,1951: “W.F. Livingston, who resides on the Albany road, will celebrate his 90th birthday, Sunday, March 4 … ”

Mar. 5,1951: obituary of Miss Elizabeth Carolyn Giddings, died Mar. 4th, aged 33, in Asheville, N.C., daughter of Dr. J.I. Giddings

Mar. 6,1951: photograph of state and local officials of new Americus Moose Lodge, including Dr. Harold Clayton Jr. Governor; Ely Horne, Governor; L.G. Hudson, Past Governor; C.C. Holliday … Ad Abbett, Inner Guard; E.L. Poole, Outer Guard; E.A. Drew Jr., Sargeant-at-Arms; L.D. Kay, 3 year Trustee; F. Paul Hodges, 2 year Trustee; Hubert C. Christian; Ed McGowan, 1 year Trustee.”

Mar. 10,1951: “Mrs. Theo Bass and son, Theo, Jr., of Savannah, are spending the weekend with Mrs. O.S. Bass Sr., and other relatives here.”

Mar. 15,1951: “CITY HOSPITAL – Miss Carrie Speer continues to undergo treatment.”

Mar. 17,1951: “Mr. and Mrs. George Cobb of Miami, returned home today after a visit with his mother, Mrs. Callie M. Cobb. Enroute home they will stop at Tallahassee, where their daughter, Joy, is a student at Florida State College. She will accompany them to Miami, where she will practice teach for several months before completing her work at college.”

Mar. 23,1951: “Mr. and Mrs. Walter Daniel and family, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, are expected to arrive today for a visit to her mother, Mrs. O.S. Bass, Sr., on Jackson street.”; “Joy Lister is ill with measles at her home on East Hill street.”

Mar. 29,1951: “CITY HOSPITAL – Miss Carrie Speer is a medical patient.”

Mar. 30,1951: “BIRTHS – Mr. and Mrs. Olin Rushin announce the birth of a 5 pound, 14 ounce son, Thursday, March 29, at city hospital, who has been named Robert Olin, Jr.”

Apr. 5,1951: photograph of “EXCAVATION COMPLETED FOR NEW HOSPITAL - Pictured above is the huge excavation job necessary for the new Americus and Sumter County Hospital which is being erected here at a cost of more than a million dollars. Workers are now busy building forms and pouring the foundation and wall for the huge structure which will be located on Crawford street.”

Apr. 6,1951: “William Frankling Livingston, 90, died suddenly of heart attack at his home … this morning. He was the son of the late Joseph Livingston and was a native of Jefferson County … Survivors include his wife, the former Vallie Peel, one niece, Miss Marian Parsons of Americus … ”;  Americus Junior Chamber of Commerce organized, James White, president, Dr. Harold Clayton, vice-president, Herschel Smith, secretary, Walker Bowen, treasurer, Frank Myers and Charles Smith, directors

Apr. 7,1951: Coleman Speer, et. al., pallbearers at Funeral of W.F. Livingston

Apr. 9,1951: “Mr. and Mrs. Emory Salter, of Bartow, John Livingston, Joe and Virginia Livingston, of Wadley attended the funeral of W.F. Livingston, Saturday.”

Apr. 10,1951: “Mrs. W.F. Livingston is a medical patient at Prather Clinic.”

Apr. 18,1951: “Mrs. O.S. Bass Sr., has moved from 216 South Jackson … to 609 Barlow … in the home with her daughter, Mrs. Queintion James and Mr. James.”

Apr. 19,1951: “CITY HOSPITAL – Miss Carrie Speer continues to undergo treatment.”

Apr. 25,1951: “Negro Hospital Is Another Jr. Welfare League Project - … The hospital originally was first deeded to the city and was then turned over to the Americus and Sumter County Hospital Association. In 1939 it was given to the Junior Welfare League and since that date they have been sponsoring it as one of their major yearly projects. In 1941 the League employed Mrs. Will Dudley as Business Manager and since then she has been in charge of the business and of the hospital. When Mrs. Dudley took charge the only other person who was on the payroll was a colored graduate nurse. Since that time the number has been increased … and consists of Mrs. Dudley, a Superintendent of nurses, an auditor … an orderly, a janitor and eleven colored nurses … Last year under the guidance of Mrs. John Robinson, the Colored Hospital chairman of the League, members helped to improve the looks of the patients rooms; they also secured help for several child patients … ”, with photograph of nurses on porch of Americus Colored Hospital, from west of view from Cotton and Wild, the latter now JR Campbell

Apr. 27,1951: “HOSPITAL NOTES – Miss Carrie Speer continues to undergo treatment.”

Apr. 30,1951: Tommy Gunn, et. al., guests at Susan Cobb’s second birthday party Apr. 28th

May 2,1951: “Leslie News – Mrs. George Gullett of Fayette, Ala., is here visiting her aunt, Mrs. H.L. Speer and Mr. H.L. Speer.; Mrs. C.J. Cheves returned to her home in Gainesville, Ga., after a visit to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Speer.”

May 3,1951: “CITY HOSPITAL – Miss Carrie Speer continues to undergo treatment.”;  “BIRTHS – Sgt. And Mrs. Andy Anderson announce the birth of a 7 pound 3 ounce son, Wednesday, May 2, at the Fort Benning hospital, who has been named Edgar Alan. Mrs. Anderson is the former Miss Edna Purvis, of Americus.”;  “MR. AND MRS. SPEER CELEBRATE BIRTHDAYS – Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Speer celebrated their respective birthdays on Sunday, April 29 with a family reunion … Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Speer and Mrs. Johnny Baum Gardner, of Ochlochnee, Ga., Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Speer Jr. [sic] Pahohee, Fla., Miss Bettie Speer, Athens, Mr. J.S. Speer, Dahlonega, Ga., Mrs. C.J. Cheves, Gainesville, Ga., Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Harris and children, of Pelham. Others present: Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Robinson, Mrs. Troy Warren and son, Douglas, of Ellaville, Mrs. Charles Hale and Miss Lubel Speer, Americus, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Mills, Albany … ”

May 4,1951: “FORMER RESIDENT DIES IN ATLANTA – Mrs. Everett Schneider, formerly of Americus, died suddenly at her home in Atlanta yesterday afternoon … Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. James Davenport Jr., of Atlanta, and Mrs. Claude Johnson, of Mobile, and five grandchildren.”

May 5,1951: photograph of Susan Elizabeth, 2-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Cobb

May 6,1951: photograph OF “RECENTLY INSTALLED OFFICERS OF ORDER OF MOOSE” … Dr. Harold Clayton Jr. Governor; Ely Horne, Governor; L.G. Hudson, Past Governor; C.C. Holliday …back row: … Ad Abbett, Inner Guard; E.L. Poole, Outer Guard; E.A. Drew Jr., Sergeant-at-Arms; L.D. Kay, 3 year Trustee; E. Paul Hodges, 2 year Trustee; Hubert C. Christian; Ed McGowan, 1 year Trustee.”



May 10,1951: “CITY HOSPITAL – Miss Carrie Speer continues to undergo treatment.”

May 22,1951: photograph of “NEW ADDITION TO TELEPHONE PLANT IN USE - Above is shown a $75,000 addition to the local plant of the Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph Company, recently completed. The addition, erected at the rear of the main building, has been placed in use. It was made necessary by the rapid expansion of telephone service here and the new inter-toll dialing system which will be inaugurated in October.”

May 24,1951: “Leslie News – Mrs. J.C. Cheves, of Gainesville, Ga., spent Sunday here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Speer.”

May 26,1951: “Jaycees Get Charter; Hear Informative Talk - White Installed As President - The newly organized Junior Chamber of Commerce received its charter here last night at a banquet held at the Country Club. The charter was presented by Bill Miller, of Columbus, former state president of the Jaycees, who also installed Jesse White, local theatre manager, as president … ”

May 27,1951: ‘PURVIS HONORED AT BOSTON MEET – Gilbert Purvis, treasurer of Atlantic Steel Company, has been elected director of the National Association of Credit Men at the annual convention of the association held in Boston last week. Purvis is the son of Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Purvis, of Columbus, former residents of Americus.”

June 4,1951: “Mrs. Judson Strong and children, Martha Ruth and Johnny, of Albany, were guests of Miss Ella Cameron over the weekend.”

June 9,1951: obituary of Mrs. Louise Hamil Fain, daughter of Andrew Jackson Hamil and Martha Wheeler, died June 8th, aged 78 years

June 11,1951: obituary of James Espy Daniel, son of John W.L. and Lula Espy Daniel, died the previous week in Dallas, burial June 8th

June 13,1951: “Missing Americus Soldier Is Awarded Medal of Honor - Luther Storey Is Cited for Bravery - The parents of an American soldier who is missing in action in Korea, have been notified that their son has been awarded the 13th Congressional Medal of Honor for fighting in Korea. Mr. and Mrs. M.H. Story, of 530 Jackson Avenue, were notified last night that their son, Pfc. Luther F. Story, has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for saving his company from destruction by the enemy. When last seen in Korea, Pfc. Story, of the Ninth Regiment, 2nd Division, was wounded but still fighting ... Later, when an enemy truck approached the American company. Story met it with hand grenades and defeated the enemy single-handed … After telling the rest of the company to take cover, he stood in the middle of the road and threw hand grenades at the truck. Running out of grenades, he crawled back under enemy small arms fire to our troops to secure another supply of hand grenades. Then he crawled back to the truck and threw all of his grenades at the enemy. After doing this, he emptied his rifle at the truck until all of the enemy were killed … Still later Story assumed command of his company when his Senior Sergeant was badly wounded and when their position was overrun the Americus soldier told his comrades they could leave but he was staying. Cpl. Courtney said Story remained behind fighting off the onrushing Communists while all of his men who could still move were making their way to safety. “He was the bravest soldier I ever knew,” the Corporal declared … ”; Beth Bass, Bob Bass, et. al., guests at Stephen Yonges’ twelfth birthday party June 12th

June 15,1951: “Joy Lister underwent a tonsillectomy yesterday morning at city hospital.”

June 16,1951: Coleman Speer, et. al., attend State Legion Convention in Savannah

June 19,1951: “Miss Nan Gunn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Gunn, has enlisted in the Women’s Air Corps, and will leave tomorrow for Fort Lee, Va., where she will receive her basic training.”

June 20,1951: “Jim Littlefield and Spud Bass left yesterday for Atlanta, where they will receive several weeks training with the Naval Air Reserves.”

June 21,1951: “[General Omar] Bradley Pays Tribute To Pfc Luther Story - Medal Of Honor Given To Father - … ”; “Miss Pearl Walters of Plains, is visiting her sister, Mrs. O.S. Bass Sr., on Barlow street.”

June 22,1951: “Mayor [Fred P. Bowen] Proclaims June 29th Luther Story Day In Americus, Tribute Will Be Paid To Hero - … ”; “OFFICIAL ARMY CITATION … PRIVATE FIRST CLASS LUTHER H. STORY … [detailed account] … ”; photograph “IN MEMORY OF GEORGIA HERO - In ceremonies at Washington’s Pentagon Thursday, M.H. Story of Americus, Ga., receives the Congressional Medal of Honor awarded posthumous to his son, PFC. Luther Story. Gen. Omar Bradley (left) chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, makes the presentation. Young Story, just 19 years old, was reported missing in action in Korea last September 1. He saved his company from destruction and was last seen wounded but still fighting.”

June 23,1951: “Miss Barbara Hale and Miss Annette Griffin have accepted positions in the office of the Southern Bell Telephone Company in Atlanta and have already assumed their duties.”

June 26,1951: photograph “FORRESTER VIEWS MEDAL OF HONOR - Mrs. M.H. Story, mother of Pfc. Luther Story, Congressional Medal of Honor winner who is missing in Korea, is shown above showing the valor medal to Congressman E.L. Forrester in Washington. With Mrs. Story and the Congressman are Mr.Story, Gwendolyn and Wilmoth Story, brother and sister of the missing boy, and Lieut. Pat Colquitt of Cedartown, Ga., who was assigned to the Story family as their military escort while they were in Washington last week.”

June 27,1951: “The address of Miss Nan Gunn, who recently joined the Women’s Air Corps is: Pvt. Nan Gunn WA83D1060, Com. 3rd. Bn., W.A.C.T.C., Fort Lee, Va.”;  “The address of Spud Bass III, who is receiving training in the Naval Reserve for several weeks is: Omer S. Bass III, S.R.U.S.N.A.S., Box 29, Atlanta, Ga.”

June 28,1951: “Marvin Al Giddings Jr., 602 E. Church St., Americus, is among new students beginning college work at Emory University this summer … ”;  “George Cobb has returned to Miami after a visit of several days with his mother, Mrs. Callie M. Cobb.”

June 29,1951: Miss Pearl Walters’ history of Plains Methodist Church;  marriage of Miss Elizabeth Joyce “Joy” Cobb and John White Maurer, June 16th, in Miami