50 years ago: August 27, 1974

RENTZ, C&S BANK MERGER
Effective August 28 is the merger of the Rentz Banking Company and the Citizens and Southern Bank of Dublin, Rentz and C&S officials announced.
According to Mrs O.D. Barron, President of Rentz Banking Company, and Jim Park, President of C&S Dublin, the bank in Rentz will be operated as a branch of the C&S Dublin office.
The merger has been approved by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance. The staff of Rentz Banking Company will continue to operate the bank, under the leadership of Henry Cox, new branch manager. Cox has been with C&S Dublin for many years.
Existing Rentz accounts will be processed through the facilities of C&S Dublin. Present Rentz customers can continue to use Renntz Banking company checks until they receive new C&S checks by mail.
“Both Mr. Foster and I are nearing retirement, and we want to insure that the bank will have the proper management to continue providing the people of Rentz with the banking service they need,” explained Mrs. Barron in discussing the merger. “We have given the merger a great deal of consideration and are confident that the management of C&S Dublin will continue to provide this service.”
“C&S Dublin is happy to have the opportunity to serve the people of Rentz,” stated Mr. Park. “Foster Taylor will remain with the bank for several weeks to help customers get acquainted with Henry Cox. We invite everyone to come into the bank and say hello to their old friends and to meet Henry.”

BUSBEE FOR GOVERNOR HEADQUARTERS
Herschel Lovett, Bill Knight, and Wash Larsen, three Laurens Countians who have served with George Busbee in the Georgia House of Representatives, were on hand yesterday afternoon at Busbee for Governor headquarters in Dublin for the opening of the office.
Mr. Lovett, one of the area’s most prominent men, served with Busbee for eight years during the Griffin and Sanders’ administrations. Mr. Knight, Chairman of the Board of the Knight State Bank in Dexter, served with Busbee for six years, and Rep. Wash Larsen, Dublin attorney running unopposed for a third term in the legislature, has served with Busbee for four years. Miss Mari Edith Tanner cut the ribbon at Busbee headquarters, which are at 120 East Jackson Street.

LABOR DAY OBSERVED
Most businesses and industries in the Dublin area will be closed on Monday in observance of Labor Day. The Courier Herald will publish a Monday paper, but the business office will close early on Monday. Normal route delivery will be made, but mail deliveries will be slowed. Guy Wilson, manager of Southern Bell, said that the telephone company’s business office will be closed on Monday, but long distance and emergency repair service will not be affected. The business office will reopen on Tuesday morning. Georgia Power Co. will also be closed on Monday.
The City departments, except fire and police, will be closed on Monday, and all offices in the Courthouse will close except the Registrar’s Office, and entrance to it will be on the north side. Banks and schools in the area will also be closed on Monday.
The staff of the Courier Herald wishes everyone an enjoyable and safe Labor Day.

CITY SCHOOLS OPEN
It’s reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic for Dublin City School students today as the city’s eight schools opened their doors today for the first day of the 1974-75 school year.
Over all enrollment is up by 41 students over the first day of classes last year. Superintendent of Dublin schools Tom P. Stewart reported this morning that 3,549 students entered school today. Enrollment was 912 at Dublin High and 695 at Dublin Junior High.
Among the elementary schools, Central had the largest attendance with 552 students, followed by Moore Street, 485; Hillcrest, 350; Saxon Heights, 300; Johnson Street, 143; and Susie Dasher (kindergarten), 112.
Stewart said the transition from summer vacation to school was smooth with no major problems.
In conjunction with the opening of school, Dublin Police Chief Vernon Deloach reminded motorists to pay close to the students going to and coming from school. He asked drivers to respect the directions given by school crossing guards and to reduce speed when traveling in school zones.

IRISH MOVE BACK TO BOWL
The Dublin Irish will be back on familiar ground when they take the practice field at 4:30 p.m. at the Shamrock Bowl this week whereas last week they worked at the football camp at Berry College in Rome.
Coach Tom Simonton said today (Monday) that all two-a-day workouts were over as the squad will practice this afternoon, have their own physicals at the gym tomorrow at 6:00 p.m., and then work Wednesday and Thursday about 6:00 p.m. On Friday, as school starts, the workouts will be held immediately after school.
The Irish coach reported that only two players, senior Billy Adams, slated to be the opening quarterback for the East Laurens game on September 6th, and Pat Hodges are on the injury list as a result of the hard knocking at camp.
Adams suffered a shoulder injury on Friday night during a heavy scrimmage, but it is believed to be only a bad bruise or a slight separation. It is felt that the shoulder will come around in a few days and that Adams will be at full speed again soon.
Pat Hodges missed a couple of dills at camp last week because of a pulled muscle in his thigh, but he too is expected to round into shape early this week
Coach Simonton reiterated today that the highlight of the camp was the attitude of the players as a whole.
“Never have I had a squad so anxious to work and to work hard,” he said. “All of them are going all out to develop into a good team,” he added.
“First, the behavior of this group of boys is outstanding; the parents and families of all these boys have done a terrific job with them, for we have had absolutely no trouble from any of them, on or off the field.”
“Second, their attitude and enthusiasm for football is trememdous, he said. “We have worked them hard, but there hasn’t been a slacker in the bunch. They are a pleasure to coach.
“Third, the improvement of the younger boys on the squad has been a standout of camp,” Coach Simonton reported. “All of the boys who are on the varsity for the first time have shown marked improvement, and especially Matt Roberts, a 10th grade tackle, Pat Hodges, 10th grade, full back; and Victor Stuckey, a tackle. Stuckey will be a senior, but he hasn’t played much football before. If he comes through for us, he will be a lot of help,” Simonton stated.
As far as the kicking game, the coach said that Blan Trollinger will handle the punting duties this year.
Pat Hodges seems to have an edge at place kicking extra points, while David Brack, Bob Davis, and Dallas Allen are looking the best of kickoffs. James Brantley is expected to be the punter on snaps for punts and place kicks.
Three co-captans will lead the Irish this year. Seniors Stan Couey, Don Edwards, and Guy Cochran, and these three will play both ways, offense and defense
Couey, the offensive center and Cochran, the offensive fullback, will also start at defensive ends while Edwards will open as a corner back on defense.
Coach Simonton also revealed today his lineup of coaching assignments.
Coaches Davis and Johnson will continue to work with the Varsity, and Coach Wade with the “B” team, but Coaches Metts and Jim Richardson will switch positions in that Coach Metts will coach the “B” team this year and Coach Richardson will take over the 7th and 8th grade team.
The Richardson-Metts exchange was brought about by the fact that Richardson has also become assistant principal at the Junior High School this year.

W. LAURENS MAKES MISTAKES
Friday night in Hazlehurst was not the time or place for the West Laurens Raiders to be looking ahead to Dublin, but the Dublin Irish took advantage of their own open night to travel to Hazlehurst in the school’s green and gold bus to watch the Raiders in action.
What they saw was a team that made unwelcomed mistakes one right after the other.
But they also saw a team that could be the sleeping giant in the Laurens County area.
The Raiders lost to Jeff Davis 15-6, but in losing they passed the word that West Laurens has the potential to be a real contender in middle Georgia football.
That may not have soaked in with the Dublin Irish but if the Raiders iron out their mistakes in the next two weeks and develop to their capabilities, what already promises to be a genuine donnybrook on September 13 will be a tougher backyard brawl than expected.
The West Laurens defense allowed Jeff Dais 310 yards on the ground and 20 though the air, while the Raider offense picked up 110 yards running and
148 passing.
Donald Dupree, nursing a sprained ankle, saw limited action, and Ernest Pryor led the ground attack with 45 individual yards.
Steve Brown has honed his throwing arm and completed 8 of 17 passes against the Yellow Jackets for 148 yards. Mark Fountain managed six of those for 98 yards and Willie Turner brought in 2 for 98 yards.
Jeff Davis started the scoring with an 88 yards drive in 11 plays on their first possession of the game. The Yellow Jacket drive was helped along by a critical roughing, the kicker penalty against the Raiders at the Jeff Davis 26. The put went out of bounds on the Jackets 31, but the penalty gave Jeff Davis a first down at their own 36. Ronnie Stone, Jeff Davis halfback, carried the Yellow Jacket load in the dive with a 37-yard run. He had 197 yards on the ground during the night.
The Jeff Davis touchdowns came with 5:45 remaining in the first quarter by a two-yard plunge by Chet Conley and an extra point by Greg Hand.
Stone scored again in the second quarter on a 48-yard run and then picked up the two-point conversion on a run.
In the third quarter, the Jackets kicked to West Laurens, and the Raiders brought the ball downfield on a drive which was ended by mistakes.
In the drive, quarterback Steve Brown hit Mark Fountain on a 28 yard pass to the Jeff Davis 26, and a pass interference penalty against the Jackets moved the ball to the Jeff Davis 13.
A completed West Laurens pass in the end zone was then called back on an ineligible receiver penalty. Brown’s next pass was intercepted, and Brown himself made a cracking touchdown-saving tackle.
At the end of the third quarter, Carlton Godfrey recovered a Jeff Davis fumble at the West Laurens 34, where the West Laurens touchdown drive began.
A Steve Brown to Mark Fountain pass covered 27 yards for a critical first down in the drive, and an interference call against the Jackets moved the ball to the Jeff Davis 16. After a West Laurens infraction, a seven yard pass to Fountain moved the ball to the 14, and one play later Pryor gained 11 to the one. Danny Knight plunged over from two feet for the score.
A pass on the faked extra point kick failed – to end the scoring 15-6.

FALCONS PREPARE FOR ’74
A large and enthusiastic crowd of Booster Club members and East Laurens Falcon football players were told at the Booster club meeting last night, “We are looking for the best football record in East Laurens history this year.” This statement was made by Coaches Tryone Reynolds and Paul Miller at the annual kickoff football supper sponsored by the Booster Club.
Under the direction of interim coaches Tryone Reynolds and Paul Miller, the approximately 35 candidates for places on the Falcon roster were drilled three times daily at the three-day camp at Falcon Stadium and gym last week.
They reported that the boys came out of camp with only a few minor injuries and the normal amount of bumps an bruises. Their spirit was high, and it is felt that they will be ready by their first game against Dublin on September 6th.
Coach Miller said that this is one of the few camps he had seen where all of the players gave 100 percent at all times. He had lots of praise for some of the younger players.
Both coaches thanked the Booster Club for their efforts during the camp, especially those who prepared meals.
Don Baker, Booster Club President, commented, “Our Superintendent and Principal have been trying earnestly to find us a coach, and we have two fine coaches and a great group of athletes. Until such time when a new coach is named, we should work even harder and back this group with everything we have.”
A number of new members were present, and club officials expressed a feeling that this would not only be the best football season for East Laurens, but the best year for the Booster Club participation-wise.
Club officers other than Baker are Ossie Waters, Vice President; Bryant Chambers, Secretary; James Raffield, Treasurer; and Charles Avery, Program Chairman.
The Falcons face another tough schedule this year, opening by hosting the Dublin Irish on Friday night, September 6th. Then follow games with Telfair County, Montgomery County, Treutlen County, Cochran, Wilkinson County, Wilcox County, Hawkinsville, Johnson County, and West Laurens.
In the meantime, Laurens County education officials are continuing their search for a head coach to replace Cardon Dalley, who resigned recently to take over at Albany High School. Superintendent Billy Johnson, who was present at the Club meeting, reported that there was still no announcement of a head coach.
Coaches Reynolds and Miller are new additions to the East Laurens athletic staff. Reynolds comes from the Dodge County system and Miller from Monticello. He is to be the head boys basketball coach, replacing Woodrow Billups, who has become assistant principal at the high school.

HOMECOMING AT BREWTON
Homecoming day at Brewton Baptist Church will begin at the Morning Worship Hour with Reverend Leon Warren of Sylvania, a former pastor at Brewton, bringing the message.
Dinner will be served on the grounds after the service.
Sunday will also the the first service of a week-long revival. Speakers of the week will include Mr. Glenn Anderson, Rev. Gordon Taylor, Rev. Roy Cable, Rev. Dan King, Rev. R.C. Smith, Rev. Jim Herrin, Mr. Al O’Quinn, and Rev.Charles Johnson.
Special youth service is planned for Saturday night.
All services will be held at 8:00 p.m., Rev. Larry Glover, Pastor, invites all former members and guests to the Homecoming and the Revival.

VA CENTER CEREMONY
A.D. McAdam, Assistant Dublin VA Center Director, presented Certificates of Training to the employees who had completed the course, “Introduction to Supervision.” He was assisted by Charles C. Toole, Instructor.
Receiving the Certificates were Mae Brewer RN, Sarah Beers RN, Marjorie Bolton RN, Susan Hall RN, Lora Johnson RN; Ethel Plummer RN; and Joann Faulk RN.

THOMAS REUNION
The descendants of Mr.Zack and Victora (Fordham) Thomas, better known as Vick and Zaack, held their 13h reunion on Sunday at the old home place at Olaf Thomas Pond.
Those attending included Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Barry Church and Pam, Adelbert Ellington, Billy, Melba, and Kandy Thomas, Mrs. Lois C. Wood, Jack and Nettie Thomas, Kenny Tomlinson, Nancy, and Brandy, James and Mary Thomas,
Mr. and Mrs. Z.T. Thomas, Jimmy and Susie Ann, Preston, Penelope Thomas; Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe Fordham, Glenn, Ronald, and Travis Fordham; Keith, Barbara, and Daniel Fordham; Joseph Thomas Hartley, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Perry and Emily; Mr. and Mrs. O.T. Tarpley; Herbert and Lessie Fordham, Gail, Bill, and Hal Ford; Ruth and Michal Hartley, Helen and Alvin Perry,
Steve and Kathy Driggers;
Frank, Judy, Larry, and Julie Thomas, Mr and Mrs. Robert Rhodes and Rollie; Lorene and Edison Fordham, Mr. and Mrs. Zenus Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Thomas, J.Z. and Katherine Thomas, J. and Lizzie Holland, Ronnie, Patsy, Brad, and Laura Thomas; Oder Thomas, Jr., Myrtle Montford, June Williams, Gene and Minnie Thomas, W.P. Perry and Ellen; Eunice T. Rogers, Gloria, Shorty,and Terry Rogers; Mrs. FLoy Byron, Mr. and Mrs. Windell Thomas, Robyn, Bruce, Verlin; Danny Thomas, Jan Wells, Chattie, Lynette, Lori, and Lynn Renfroe; Olaf and Mattie Pearl Thomas; Bennie Thomas, and Mr. Derden.

ENGAGEMENTS
Powell – Fulford
Mr. and Mrs. Marvin A. Powell of Montrose announce the engagement of their daughter, Pamela Delores Powell, to George Mitchell Fulford, son of Mr. and Mrs. Delma D. Fulford of Dublin.
Miss Powell is a graduate of West Laurens High School and is employed by the Medical Center.
Mr. Fulford attended East Laurens High School and is employed by Hasty’s Standard Oil.
The wedding is planned for October 4th at 8 0’clock at Bay Springs Primitive Baptist Church in Montrose.
No formal invitations will be sent, but all friends and relatives are invited to attend.
Bell – Hamilton
Mr. and Mrs.James Fred Bell, Jr. announce the engagement of their daughter, Joyce, to Charles Patrick Hamilton, son of Mr and Mrs. Virgil Cecil Hamilton, Jr.
Miss Bell attended Dublin High School and Georgia Southern College and will continue her education at the University of South Carolina.
Mr. Hamilton is associated with the Hamilton Furniture Co., Inc.
The wedding will be November 2 at the First Baptist Church, Dublin Georgia.
Hayes – Batey
Mr. and Mrs. James Sims Hayes of Dublin announce the engagement of their daughter, Linda Ann Hayes, to Thomas Batey, Jr. son of Mr. and Mrs.Thomas Batey, Sr. of Dublin.
The wedding is planned for November 3, 1974, at the Pine Forest United Methodist Church.
The bride-elect is a graduate of Dublin High School and is presently employed at Dublin Panel Supply.
The groom-to-be is a graduate of Dublin High School and of Middle Georgia College and plans to continue his education at Berry College.
Green-Graham
Mr. and Mrs. Millard E. Green of East Dublin announce the engagement of their daughter, Brenda Lee, to Kent Lowell Graham, son of Mr. Ullis Graham of Dublin and Mrs. Geneva Taylor of Augusta.
Miss Green graduated from East Laurens High School in the class of 1974. She is now employed with McLellan’s 5 & 10 of Dublin. Mr. Graham attended East Laurens High School and is now employed with Carlton Company.
The wedding is planned for October 12th at the Pleasant Springs Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m.
A reception will be held at the home of her parents. No invitations will be sent out, but all friends and relatives are invited to attend.

CHURCH NEWS
Circle One
Circle one of the First United Methodist Church met on Tuesday with Mrs. Dale Thompson. The President, Mrs. W.C. Brown, will host the September meeting, and all members were urged to attend.
Plans were made for work on the bazaar items, and news of all of the circles was discussed.
Mrs. Pete Wicker reviewed the book, “Try Giving Yourself Away,” and Mrs. Leo Scarborough closed the meeting with prayer.
Refreshments were served by the hostess to Mrs. Palmer Hicks, Mrs. Fred
Lunsford, Mrs. C.M. Clark, Mrs. Billy Hobbs, Mrs. Alvina Smith, Mrs. Leo Scarborough, Mrs. Pete Wicker, and Mrs. W.C. Brown.
Circle Four
Circle four of the First United Methodist Church met on Monday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Sam Swinson on Stonewall Street with Mrs. E.G. Mcendon presiding, and Mrs S.M. Kellam giving the opening prayer. The lesson on
prayer was given by Mrs. Fred O’Kelley.
Cakes, cookies, and orange sherbet were served by the hostess to Mrs. L.B. Word, Mrs. E.B. Mackey, Mrs.Fred O’Kelley, Mrs. Laurie McCroan, Mrs. C.R. Swilley, Mrs. Homer S. Prescott, Mrs. Dawson Kea, Mrs. M.O Grinstead, Mrs. D.F.Sams, Mrs. T.T. Cheatham, Mrs. E.G. McLendon, and visitors, Mrs. Guy Johnson, and little Miss Susan Nelson.
Lula Phillips Circle
The Lula Phillips Circle of Henry Memorial Presbyterian Church met at the church for their monthly meeting on August 12 in the afternoon. The meeting was opened with prayer by Mrs. Edgar A. Woods, and Mrs. Leroy McCluskey served as hostess and presided at the business meeting.
Reports were made of the sick people in the church and on the White Cross supplies which the circle has made.
The Bible Study was “Conflict and Controversy, ” and the Scripture passages were Psalms 133 and 131 and First Corinthians 8. The meeting was closed with the the Mizpah Benediction.
Members present were Mrs Henry Vogel, Mrs. Mary Spicer, Mrs. M.L. Salyer, Mrs. Charles Stroberg, Mrs. Walter Sims, Mrs. M. Kay, Mrs. Ollie Kleckley, Mrs. Ovid H. Cheek, Mrs. Coke Brown, Mrs. McClusky, and Mrs. Woods.
Current Missions Group
The Current Missions Group of the Jefferson Street Baptist Church women met on Wednesday at the church with Mrs. E.S. Swinson presiding.
The program, “Returning to the Cities: San Francisco, ” was presented by Mrs. J.S. English, assisted by Mrs. Jimmy Smith and Mrs. Leo Underwood.
The Call to Prayer was given by Mrs. Paul Jones, Jr., and the Prayer Retreat was planned.
Mrs. Jones was hostess and served refreshments to Mrs. Gladys Walden, Mrs. Underwood, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Swinson, Mrs. English, and little Vonda Kay Smith.

DAR COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN NAMED
Committee Chairmen for the year 1974-75 have been named by Mrs. E.B. Claxton, Jr., Regent of John Laurens Chapter NSDAR, and are the following:
American Heritage – Mrs. E.B. Mackey
America History Month – Mrs. Carl Stanley
American Indians – Mrs. F. Roy Orr
Americanism – Mrs. Virginia J. Lawrence
Chapter Project – Mrs. Howard Cordell, Jr.
Children of the American Revolution – Mrs. James A. Kibler
DAR Magazine – Miss Leah Kittrell
DAR Museum – Miss Lucille Ryals
DAR Service for Veteran-Patients – Mrs. A.E. Daniel
Insignia – Mrs. O.B. Johnson
Junior American Citizens and Junior Membership – Mrs. L.L. Porter, Jr.
Meadow Garden – Mrs. Bryant Carroll
Marking Historic Spots – Mrs. John Gilmore
National Defense – Mrs. Carl Gillis, Jr.
Publicity – Mrs. Pete Wicker
Conservation – Mrs. Leon Green
Chapter Scrapbook – Mrs. E.S. Swinson
Genealogical Records – Miss Elizabeth Lanier
Transportation – Mrs. S.M. Kellam
U.S. Bicentennial – Mrs. John T. Gilmore
Radio-Television – Mrs. Edgar A. Woods
Constitution Week – Mrs. Don Vaughn
Good Citizens – Mrs. Virginia J. Lawrence
Program – Mrs. Leon Green
John Laurens Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution meets on the first Thursday, September – May.