50 years ago: December 10, 1974

CARL VINSON HONORED HERE

      By Doug Hall

Carl Vinson paid a visit to Dublin yesterday as he has done many times in his 91 years. But on this day the man who has been honored by presidents came to Dublin to be honored by the friends he represented in the United States Congress for so many years.

It was the tenth anniversary of the Laurens County Library, and to commemorate the day, the library’s auditorium was dedicated to him. More than a hundred persons gathered to  celebrate the anniversary and to show their respect for Carl Vinson, whose name has been a household word in Georgia and the nation for half a century.

In dedicating the auditorium, Thomas Kellam, former Chairman of the Library Board, called Mr. Vinson a heritage of true statesmanship.

He pointed to the library, the post office, and the VA Center as examples of Mr. Vinson’s interest in Laurens County.

The former congressman said that he was grateful and humble by the auditorium dedication and called the tribute  “an event which will be a cherished memory.”

Standing throughout his ten minute remarks, his resonant voice booming at times, Mr. Vinson said he plans to contribute many of his keepsakes – medals, plaques, flags, books, magazines, scrapbooks – to the Laurens Count Library.

After the program, he said his contributions will include letters and speeches from his fifty years in the House of Representatives.

During his remarks, Mr. Vinson, whose tough stands on military preparedness before World War II earned him the nickname “Swamp Fox” and cited Sir Francis Bacon on two occasions and observed, “I learned very early in life that what is past is prologue and that one must study the past to judge what will happen in the future.”

Concerned that Americans are becoming lazy in their reading habits, he remarked with a tinge of reproach. “I am afraid that there is a tendency on the part of some to acquire their daily knowledge from the spoken word rather than from the written word.”

The address was filled with praise for libraries.

 “I can truly say that libraries in the State of Georgia and in Washington played a vital role in my career as a student, lawyer, legislator, and farmer,” he observed.

Mr. Vinson noted that a library in Milledgeville bears the name of his late wife, Mary Vinson. His sister, Mrs. M.J. Guyton of Dublin, served on the Laurens County Library Board for many years.

The congressman’s remarks followed an address by Gil Barrett of Albany, past president of the National Association of County Commissioners, who also took a jab at Americans’ laziness and said that it is is time for a rededication as a nation to meet today’s problems.

Marshall Lord, Chairman of the Friends of the Library, served as Master of Ceremonies and called Mr. Vinson “living history.”He told the young people in the audience that they were in the presence of a man who made the history that they are now studying.

Special music for the occasion was presented by the Community Chorus under the direction of Nat Frazier.

Also on the program were Dr. John Bell, Jr., Vice Chairman of the State Board of Regents; Dr. Ted P. Griner, Pastor of First United Methodist Church; and Mrs. Eugene Heckle, Chairman of the Laurens County Library Board.

 Among the guests were city and county officials and Jim L. Gillis, Sr., former director of the State Highway Department.

 SANTA  CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN

Santa Claus is coming to town this Saturday fohe annual Dublin Christmas Parade which will begin a 4 p.m. 

The parade, sponsored each year by the Exchange Club, will be one of the biggest and best in years, according to club president Robert Brown.

Already more than 68 entries, including six bands, are scheduled. Many others are expected by Saturday.

Highlights of the parade will be the ABAC Gold Dusters, a female marching group, the Goble Golden Flake monster, and of course, Santa.

Bands from Dublin, East Laurens, West Laurens, WashingtonCounty, and Wilkinson County high schools will take part in the parade, which will line up along West Moore Street beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday,

The parade will travel the same route as it did last year. Forming on West Moore, it will travel south of Jefferson Street to the Courthouse and then down West Jackson Street towards the City Hall The parade will  disband between the Martin Theatre and the Moose Club.

Brown said that anyone who would like to participate in the parade can enter on Saturday afternoon when the line is formed along West Moore.

CITY MANAGER SITUATION UNRESOLVED 

No conclusive steps were taken toward replacing City Manager Jack Crane in an executive session last night, according to Mayor Robert E. Cochran, who admitted that the city manager situation is still unresolved.

“About the only thing that was agreed on by everyone is that we have plenty of time to make a decision,” the mayor said.

It had been rumored that the Council would discuss appointing Administrative Assistant Ron McLemore acting city manager while the search was on for a permanent city manager, but Mayor Cochran said no decision was made in that direction..

Discussion of a replacement for Crane, who resigned last week to become city manager of Marietta, Georgia, came during a closed meeting following Monday night’s regular Council meeting.

An alderman told the Courier Herald this morning that the possibility of a temporary promotion for McLemore is still alive and that McLemore may have as many as five votes in his behalf. The alderman would not guess when such a step would be taken.

Mayor Cochran said he doubted seriously that McLemore would be given the interim job at the next Council meeting, December 16, the only scheduled meeting before Crane’s resignation becomes effective December 17. Reiterating that the city is not in a hurry, Mayor Cochran pointed out that the city has good department heads and is not in a bind. “We can operate as is until we get a permanent manager,” the mayor noted in explaining that an acting executive is not necessary.

Mayor Cochran pointed out that the city charter says the city may appoint an interim city manager not that the city shall appoint one.

While biding its time in the hunt for Crane’s successor, the city will advertise the job opening in the bi-monthly publication of the International City Managers Association and in other trade journals.

Also the city is discussing ways to sift through the 60-80 applications for the job that are expected.

Three methods of limiting the field to three or four candidates are being discussed. A committee of the City Council can be appointed to go over the applications; full Council could weed through the applicants; or a consulting firm could be hired to narrow down the field.

At present, the Council favors acting as a body in reviewing the applicants, Mayor Cochran reported.

Whatever direction the Council takes in filling the city manager vacancy, it appears likely that the outcome will not be resolved for a number of weeks.

AIR SOUTH ENDS SERVICE

St. Simons Island – Air South announced today the termination of its daily scheduled air service from Atlanta to Dublin, effective December 29.

Air South has served Dublin with its 25-passenger Beechcraft 99 airlines but has been steadily losing money on the route, according to Bartlett M. Shaw, President.

“We sincerely regret  having to terminate service to Dublin,” Mr. Shaw said.

Until today’s termination,  Air South had served Dublin in combination with Beaufort, South Carolina.

Air South began service to Dublin several years ago under a demonstration contract – long since expired – with the Coastal  Plains Regional Commission. Today Shaw said that termination had been coordinated with that agency and that it had regretfully concurred.

“Air South could not continue to absorb the losses which had been steadily mounting,” he said. With the 15-passenger Beech 99 we need 8.7 passengers on each flight just to break even. We have been averaging 4.6 passengers on this route. With costs rising as they are these days, we simply cannot continue that way.”

Also today Shaw announced that Air South was terminating service to Thomasville, Georgia, and suspending service to Tifton, Georgia, and                                                                                                 Beaufort, South Carolina.

CITY TO BUY “TRASH GRABBER” 

A $16,500 “trash grabber” has been approved for purchase by Dublin City Council. The trash grabber has been in use by the city for over two months collecting debris along city streets, including whole tree trunks, according to City Manager Jack Crane.

Mounted on a Ford tuck, the grabber is a hydraulic boom similar to equipment used in pulpwood operations.

Originally the truck was rented from Edwards Truck and Tractor Co. of Washington, Georgia, with an option to buy at the end of three months.The dealer agreed to defer the rental payment if the city decided to purchase the grabber before the end of the year.

None of the $500 per month rental fee must be paid now that the city has bought the grabber at the original price of $16,700.

Had the city waited to buy, only 64 per cent of the three months fee of $1,500 would have been credited toward the purchase. 

CONTRIBUTIONS TO CHILDREN’S HOMES

Churches in the Laurens County Baptist Association annually make contributions to the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes during the annual Thanksgiving Drive.

Contributions consist of cash or produce. Produce is defined as food, clothing – new and used – fabrics, shoes, dental supplies, toys and other playthings. The cash is sent to the General Manager of the Homes, Dr. O.D. Pedigo, Flowers Road South, Atlanta. The produce is sent to the Children’s Home at Baxley by truck.

The grand totals for this year were produce valuation $22,315.63 and cash $4,088.71.The only expense was the truck rental of $52.52.

The Association Committee, Beeman C. Keen Sr., Chairman, Wilbur S. Jones, Grady Cullens, Rogers Powell, and Horace L.Stripling, wishes to express their appreciation to the churches and others for their splendid response to the drive, to the Laurens County Commissioners for the use of the Agricultural Center as the loading point, and to the press and radio stations for the very fine publicity given. “Also thanks to Mr. J.B. Tapley, who was caretaker and driver of the truck to Baxley, and to Mr. Herbert C. Holton who did a splendid job helping to load the truck.”

POSTMASTER  HOBBS URGES EARLY MAILING

Dublin Postmaster Hartley Hobbs today urged immediate mailing of all domestic Christmas cards and parcels. All customers are encouraged to help expedite delivery by using ZIP Codes.

“Although most of the suggested mailing dates for domestic holiday mail have passed” he said, “all cards, gifts, and other holiday mail deposited in accordance with our local standards and bearing Zip  Codes will be delivered by Christmas Eve.

“In view of the excellent cooperation received from early mailers so far this year, we are confident that holiday mail deposited immediately will be delivered in time for Christmas,” Postmaster Hobbs said.

Earlier this year the Postal Service reminded the public to mail as early as possible and announced a series of recommended mailing dates to ensure delivery in time for Christmas.

The last of the suggested mailing dates is Saturday, December 21, for mailing domestic airmail greeting cards within the 48 mainland states. The latest suggested date for airmail to Alaska and Hawaii is December 20.

DRAINAGE PROBLEMS AGAIN

Once again local officials went to talk to neighborhood residents and once again the main problem was the same: drainage.

But this time, rather than being the only problem receiving considerable discussion, drainage merely headed the list of problems facing residents of the 42-block area of southwest  Dublin.

Al Gilmore of 210 Roberts Street was one of the first to speak of the communities’ problems. He rose and pointed at a poster listing thirteen possible uses of the federal community development money. “We need them all,” he said, “streets, drainage, housing, all of them.”

Mrs. D.R. Robinson called the southwest area of Dublin the “neglected section of town.” She told of an outdoor toilet that was built several weeks ago within feet of a city sewer line at the corner of Cullen and Woodward streets. A city ordinance forbids outdoor toilets when sewer lines are available.  

“We want you all to do all that you see fit to do in the best interest of Dublin,” she told the Mayor and city officials present.

Mrs. Elizabeth Woodrum described the area as as “just like back in the days of Noah when the rains came.”

John Ingram said the area needs drainage first and then paving and other improvements.

Several other problems were discussed: 

Charles Sumblin appealed to the city officials to provide recreational facilities in the area for children. “Our kids are running fancy free,” he said. “Kids are wandering around the streets mad because they have nothing to do,” Sumblin noted.

Sandra Allen echoed his sentiments.

Several residents, including one who pointed at the officials with a flashlight, said that street lighting was needed in the area.

About 45 residents, one of the best turnouts yet, attended the meeting at Green Grove Church.

DUBLIN DEBATERS WIN

The Dublin High School Debate Team walked away with top honors in the Region 3-AA. Next step will be State in January.

Members on the Team are Fred Byers and Joey Uliano standing for the Negative and Steve Rogers and Patrick Roche for the Affirmative.

Mrs.Catherine Wooddy is the Team’s coach.

LAURENS COUNTY SHERIFFS

The Laurens County Sheriff Department gathered last week for an end-of-the-year picture with Sheriff W.R. Bussell. They are Jimmy Taylor, Mac Gregory, Porter Wood, Glayton Dean, Ed Tanner, Buddy Daniels, Bobby Padgett, Allen Gelderman, Ray Vickers, Warren McLendon, Phillip Pritchett, Ted Young, Otha Evans, Yates Ware, Jimmy Rogers, Philip Coney, and Steve Simmons.

“DARKNESS FALLS”

Thespian Troupe 669 of the Dublin High School will present “Darkness Falls on Laughter,” a Greek tragedy, at Middle Georgia College on Tuesday. The production will represent Dublin High School in the One-Act Play contest, which is the second segment of the Region 3AA Literary Meet, the Debate being the first.

Cast in the lead roles of the one-act play by Mary Warner Howard are Judy Griner as Cassandra and Chuck Hall as the Sun God, Apollo. In a pastoral setting, Cassandra, Princess of Troy, tells her handmaidens of her approaching rendezvous with Apollo, explaining that he is instructing her to prophesy and then become priestess at his shrine. It is apparent that she is unaware of his love for her, a mortal.

The subsequent meeting when Apollo tries in vain to woo Cassandra, cleverly depicts how tragic a future is awaiting the innocent princess as outlined by the disillusioned, revengeful god. His curse makes it possible for her to foretell the fall of Troy, but he invalidates her power of prophecy by smearing it and all other utterances with the poison of untruthfulness. Thus, her beloved country is not to be saved.

The handmaidens are portrayed by Claudia Bannister, Cathy Hess, Susan Smith, Dee Hammond, and Dorrie Joiner.

Production crew for he play is composed of Lisa Kisalus, Jon Taylor and Mark Keen. The director for the show is R. Lynn Wooddy, sponsor of Thespian  Troupe 669.

DUBLIN IRISHETTE “B” TEAM

Members of the Irishette “B” Team are Maxine Davison, manager, Gwen Harmen, Angie Hardy, Dree Weaver, Debra Jones, Brenda Davis, Suryor O’Neal, Debra Allen, Katie Cooper, Heather Spicer, Angela Smith, Linda Peacock, Manager, Traci Davis, Darlene Clayton, Cheryl Taylor, Betsy Frost, Susie Barrett, Debbie Bateman, Katrina Fambrough, Terry Jones, and Tammy Ellington.

The girls are coached by Joyce Brown.

The Dublin Irishette “B” Team opened their season against Telfair County and lost by one point.

NEW OFFICERS OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

Dublin Chapter 1060 of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees installed new officers for 1975 during their recent Christmas dinner at Brown’s Restaurant. They were presented by James F. Purvis of the Nominating Committee.

They are  the following:

George Snellgrove – President

Reverend W.L.Tipton, Jr. – Chaplain

Mrs. Alma Hutchins – First Vice President

Roy F. Elrod- Field Representative

Willis P. Denny – Legislative Chairman

Mrs. Edna McLendon – Secretary & Treasurer

George Stuckey – Second Vice President

John Owens – Executive Committee of the Georgia Federation of Chapters

AWAY SHE GOES…

A $50,000 back hoe owned by Sutton Construction of Dublin is bogged down in the rising waters of the Ocmulgee River in Dodge County, and hopes for recovery are diminishing rapidly.The dilemma began several weeks ago when the operator of the quarter ton tractor drove onto a two-foot thick crust near the river bank which he thought was firm and dry land.

The thin shell gave way under the weight, and the back hoe sank into the waters. Only the operator’s cab and top of the hydraulic hoe were visible earlier this week.

Sutton says he has now been told that the entire cab disappeared under the 11-foot waters Friday. Only the boom is visible now. All efforts to prevent the tractor from completely disappearing under the rising Ocmulgee waters have failed.

Robert Sutton, owner of the machine, said he is in hopes of saving it sometime this coming week. However, pessimistic observers feel the shifting muddy river bottom and the rising water make recovery vitrtualy impossible.

Already a huge D-9 Caterpillar tractor equipped with one and a half inch steel cables has failed to budge the mired piece of equipment.

Sutton hopes to try one of the largest tractors made by Allis-Chalmers, HD41. Also, he is asking the U.S. Army to loan a special tank retriever to aid the rescue efforts. 

The back hoe was dredging a canal near the river when misfortune struck.

While the efforts go on to rescue the tractor, Sutton says he is having to continue with his usual work. 

“I’ m not making any money trying to get it out,” he observed bemoaningly.”

He estimates the loss of the back hoe is costing $350 a day in down time.

DUBLIN FLAG CORPS

The newest addition to the “Pride of Dublin Marching Band” is the Dublin High Flag Corps, which has successfully completed its first year as half time performers.

The Corps consists of eight devoted and hard working members. Monique McCall is Captain, and Mary Shoptaw is Co-captain. Other members are Donna Hall, Susan Martin, Cathy Plummer, Belinda Brown,  Mollie Baldwin, and Lisa Cappelli.

Being a very creative group, the Corps choreographed all halftime shows and drills that were performed last year. Practices were required with the band on the field as well as extra practices to encourage perfection.

“We, the 1974-75 Dublin High Flag Corps, wish to express our thanks to our parents, the Band Boosters Club, bank members, and the public for the support and encouragement that you have given us.

” We especially thank Miss Sherree Campbell of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, who came here and worked with us during band camp, and to Mr. James Hall, our new Band Director, who initiated the Flag Corps of the Dublin High Marching Band. 

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