50 years ago: June 4, 1974

GREAT OCONEE RIVER RAFT RACE PLANNED
Last year the Great Oconee River Raft Race got off the ground but never got in the water. This year, however, race planners are confident that things will be different and Laurens County will have its first successful river raft race.
According to Randall Wilkes, President of the Laurens County Sportsmen Club, the 1974 Great Oconee River Raft Race will be held on Saturday, June 29, and persons are urged to make plans now for the event.
The starting point for the eleven-mile excursion down the Oconee is at Blackshear’s Ferry boat landing off Country Club Road. The race will end at the Sportsmen Club Recreation Area at Fishtrap Cut, south of Dublin on Georgia Highway 19.
Thee will be three main divisions of entries with prizes given in each category within the divisions. Craft, such as canoes, row boats, and kayaks, pontoon craft, which are classified according to size as tug boats; cruisers and battleships; and inflatable rafts which would include assorted rafts and tube trains.
Entries which do not fall under any of these categories will be allowed to race but will not be eligible for prizes.
All rafts in the race must be registered.
Entrants in the race must sign a waiver agreement releasing the Laurens County Sportsmen Club of any liability resulting from property loss or damage or personal injury.
Persons under 18 will need the signature of their parent or guardian before their application is accepted.
A complete list of rules and regulations will be mailed to applicants after their entry application and fee is received by the Sportsmen Club. Each participant in the race is required to pay a $2.00 entrance fee.
Applications can be picked up at the Courier Herald, Mr. Pipps, Lovett & Tharpe Hardware Company, Pump and Pantry, Jimmy Bracewell’s Service Station, Hugh Lord’s Jiffy Check, P.M. Watson”s, and WMLT.
The race will pass through Dublin and will be in full view of spectators who are expected to line the Oconee River Bridge.
Refreshments and musical entertainment will be provided at each end of the race.

COMMISSIONERS WAIT ON MACHINES
The Laurens County Commissioners agreed today to wait until a special committee of the April Term Laurens County Grand Jury offers its recommendations on voting machines before taking any action on purchasing the machines.
A Grand Jury committee chaired by J.M. Christian and made up of Charles W. Anderson, M.C. Seen, Homer Wilkes, and Foy E. Williamson was appointed to make an in depth study of the cost and feasibility of purchasing voting machines.
At the time the committee presents its recommendations, probably in the next session of Superior Court, the commissioners will decide whether to put the voting machine question up for voter approval by way of referendum, the commissioners explained this morning.
The commissioners heard a request by local lawyers to authorize space on the third floor of the Courthouse to be used as a law library. Later this afternoon the commissioners will look at the space and give the matter more consideration.

COUNCIL HEARS COMPLAINT ON DRAINAGE
A two and a half hour City Council meeting, which followed a forty minute pre-council meeting, which had dealt quickly with scheduled business – approving minutes, bills, and purchases, disposing of surplus property and hearing a report on Highland Avenue – then bogged down Monday night during time set aside for recognition of citizens and council comments.
Much of the meeting was devoted to discussing a request by P.M. Watson, Jr. for some alleviation of a severe drainage problem in the vicinity of his business on South Jefferson. After an hour of discussion, the City Council asked City Manager Jack Crane and City Engineer Ben Mercer to conduct a feasibility study of installing larger drainage pipes across South Washington, South Decatur, and South Franklin streets.
Drainage pipes which decrease in size, rather than increase as they near the river, have caused the problem, according to Watson.
Crane opposed the idea of installing new pipes without the advice of a professional engineer, but Council killed that idea 2-5 on a motion by Alderman Roy Banks for a cost estimate of a preliminary engineering study.
Crane reported to the Council of plans for work on Highland Avenue to be done this week by the street department. Stop bars with center stripes will be painted at all intersections, he said. Furthermore, the city will begin removing and trimming trees and shrubs which cause sight clearance problems at all intersections. The intersections of Highland with Elm, Duncan, Rosewood, North, and West will receive the most attention in clearing away trees and shrubs which hinder vision.

RECREATION DEPARTMENT GETS GOING
By Tony Johnson
As the school year end draws nearer, the ball parks are beginning to fill with laughing and hollering kids. It is time for the recreational departments of the county to swing into action and start organizing baseball and soft ball programs.
The East Dublin Recreation Department will hold its final registration on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at the East Dublin Recreation Field.
The cost this year is the same as last year. Boys will pay $5.00 for baseball and girls $3.00 for softball. Insurance is available for an additional $3.00. All parents are asked to please come and bring your kids because the parents must sign the forms.
All of the kids who register are asked to be at the field on Monday afternoon at 5:00, as practice will begin that day.
Any interested adults who would like to help in coaching are also asked to attend Monday’s session. The department is in great need of coaches, and if this is to be a successful program the department must have your help.

BASS’S FETED ON ANNIVERSARY
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Edward Bass were entertained on their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary with a reception given by their children, Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Wages, Miss Carol Bass, and Charles E. Bass, Jr., at the Bass home on the Glenwood Road on Saturday evening.
The Bass home was lovely throughout with arrangements of pink spring flowers. The serving table, overlaid with a white linen cloth with a pink border, held a silver epergne, filled with pink carnations and rosebuds, and a three-tier wedding cake, topped with silver wedding bells.
Mrs. Bass received in a floor length petal pink gown, which she had fashioned, and her corsage was pink rosebuds. Donnie and Dianne, Carol,and Chuck, with their parents, greeted guests, assisted by Mrs. J.Lewis Allen, mother of Mrs. Bass.
The guest book on a flower-decorated table was kept by Mrs. Gary Harden, Atlanta; Miss Sharon Allen, Bon Aire; and Mrs. Henry Manning.
Assisting in serving were Mrs. Billy Elkins, Cairo; Mrs. Leon Lennertz, Jacksonville, Florida; Miss Patsy Bass and Mrs. Vonice Becton, Atlanta; Mrs. Earl Allen, Tucker;
Mrs. J.B. Allen, Mrs. Edgar Tate, Mrs. Paul Taylor, Mrs. Albert Franks, Mrs. Ed Hilliard, Mrs. Ray Freeman, Mrs. Paul Kennedy, Mrs. Harold McMullan, Mrs. Gerald Anderson, Mrs. Sidney Bush, Mrs. Ray Allen, Mrs. Ben Harvill, Mrs. Thurman Shepard, and Miss Helen Allen, all of Dublin.
A portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Bass on their wedding day was presented to them by their children as an anniversary gift.

EAST LAURENS SPORTS WINNERS
East Laurens boys basketball players honored at the Awards Banquet were Kenny Franks, Sportsmanship; Larry Montford, Best Defensive Player; Joe Isaac, Best Offensive Player; and Larry Bonner, Most Valuable Player.
East Laurens Football players honored were David Brown, Best Defensive Back; Ricky Scott, Sportsmanship; James Horne, Best Offensive Back; Johnny Graham, Most Valuable Player; Virgil Moore, Best Defensive Lineman; Johnny Martin, Best Lineman, B-Team; and Michael Carter, best Offensive Back, B-Team.

RENTZ NEWS
The Friendship Club of Rentz met for the May meeting at the Rentz Baptist Church annex. Mrs. Zula Bracewell and Mrs. Odessa Grinstead served as hostesses with Mrs. Callie Alligood playing the piano. The meeting opened with singing. The Devotional was given by Mrs. George Bedingfield, who spoke on “God’s Garden.” Mrs. Mary Frances Goodrum had charge of the recreational part of the meeting, and at noon, lunch was served, and a plate sent to a sick person.
Attending the meeting were Mrs. Lillian Branscomb, who won the door prize; Mrs. C.J. Burch, Mrs. Callie Alligood, Mrs. Mary Grinstead, Mrs. Mae Taylor, Mrs. George Bedingfield, Mrs. Zula Bracewell, Mrs. Odessa Grinstead, and Mrs. Mary F. Goodrum.
Mr.and Mrs. Melton Watson and Mrs. Jimmy Smith and daughters were visitors in Atlanta last week end. While there they were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Newman and children.
Mr. and Mrs. John L. Dixon and Mrs. Ruth Grizzard were recent visitors to Macon where they were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Cornell.
Mr. and Mrs. Earnest Pridgen and Mrs. Bettye Bedingfield of Dudley have returned home after spending several days in Florida with relatives.
Mrs. Johnny Lindsey and Miss Gladys Coleman were visitors to Valdosta, Georgia, last week end where they were guests of relatives.
Mrs. Odessa Grinstead has returned home after spending sometime with her son and his family, Mr. and Mrs. Pete Grinstead of East Dublin.

AMVETS AUXILIARY INSTALLATION
In observance of Memorial Day, the Amvets Auxiliary Post 62 held installation services in the home of the outgoing president, Mrs. Douglas Williams.
Miss Juanita Tucker was the soloist, and Mrs. Mozell Slaymon made the remarks.
New officers are Miss Evelyn Thomas, President; Mrs. Lois Linder, Jr., Vice President; Mrs. Bonita Williams, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Lydia Ellingon, Liaison Officer, and Mrs. Winnie Hunter, VAVS Representative.

TRINITY SCHOOL PRESENTS PLAY
“Who Done It?” is the drama which was produced by the Trinity Christian School’s drama club and presented at the First United Methodist Church.
Th cast consisted of Angie Amis, Patti Smith, Bobby Clark, Lydia Wilkes, Rhonda Drake, Tom Green, Chris Campbell, Lynn Payne, Jim Moran, and Lee Ann Vaughn.

WABASH STREET CHURCH HONORS WORKERS
The Board of Christian Education of the Wabash Street Church of God observed Workers Appreciation Day recently with special recognitions for those who have rendered faithful service for ten to fourteen years.
Those receiving certificates were Katie Swinney, Dorothy Smith, Pauline Moss, Bishop Moss, Alberta Isaac, M.C. Holliman, and Jessie Holliman.
Those receiving plaques for service included Walter Joiner, Catherine Martin, Dollena Joiner, Catherine Locke, Laura Rollin, Geneva Southern, and Bessie Bailey.

EAST LAURENS ELEM. HONOR ROLL
The Honor Roll for the East Laurens Elementary School for the 4th nine weeks, and for the year’s grading period include:
7th grade:
4th Nine Weeks:
Bryant McAfee, Sabine Outlaw, Sandy Passmore, Deanne Peebles, Celia Screws, Michael Screws, Donna Tyson, Linda Wyatt, Pam Hudson, Tammy Graham, Jimmy Cox, Sharon Garrett, Wanda Giddens, Susan Graham, Cindi Hester, Terri Hodges, and Paula Lumley
Year:
Jimmy Cox, Susan Graham, Cindi Hester, Paula Lumley, Sandy Passmore, and Linda Wyatt
6th grade:
4th Nine Weeks:
Edie Brantley, Donna Faulkner, Belinda Glover, Becky Greenway. Bobby Bethel, Lisa Brantley, Jody Page, Alan Horne, Ted Pooler, Renee Robinson, Debbie Smith, Renee Thomas, Suzanne Thompson, Bill Smith, Wanda Williams, Selina Shell, Robin Hodges, Arnold Warnock, Steve Raffield, and Bennie Walker
Year:
Eddie Brantley, Belinda Glover, Bobby Bethel, Lisa Brantley, Debbie Smith, Renee Thomas, and Suzanne Thompson
5th grade:
4th Nine Weeks:
L.C. Smith, Tim Lake, Peggy Pope, Susan McAfee, Angela Edmond, and Anita Graham
Year:
Angela Edmond, Anita Graham, Tim Lake, Susan McAfee, and Peggy Pope
Special Studies:
4th Nine Weeks:
Miriam Lovett, Teresa Clover, Annie Coleman, Linda Foster, Charlene Holsey, Patricia Locke, and Anthony Wright

WEST LAURENS HIGH HONOR GRADS
The West Laurens High School 1974 Honor Graduates were Randy Dominy, Beth Jones, Debra Clark, Millie Branch, Juanita Ikner, Karen Baggett, Jerry Hatcher, Roy Sabine, Kirk Hogan, Nancy Lord, Kathy Holland, Martha Miller, Rhonda Roach, John Warren, Ann Lee, Susan Raffield, Diane Harden, Ora Clark, and Wilford Smith.

REGISTRATION ENDS FOR TOURNEY
Dublin area tennis players are reminded that registration for the First Annual Dublin Mall Tennis Tournament will close on June 5th. Any player wishing to participate in the tournament should register as soon as possible.
Entry fee for each event is only $2.00.
Entries are lagging at this time, as only 23 players have registered.
Already entered are Keith Faulkner, Adrian; Billy Sasser, Swainsboro; Lee Christian, Macon; Jim Mischo, Macon; Mitchell Haney, Eastman; Clark Nelson, Eastman; William Graham, William Coleman, Tommy Martin, Johnny McIntyre,
Joe Gorman, Don McLemore, Corbett O’Neal, W.L. Robert, N.S. Carswell, Ben Slade, Dublin; John W. Conner, Vidalia; Ralph L. Conner, Vidalia; Cheryl Pritchard, Mrs. W.L. Roberts, Dublin; Dan Hall, Danville; Johnny Payne, Dublin; Dave Little, Warner Robins.
Registration can be made at the Hobbs Sporting Goods Store, Dublin Mall.

MARIE CHURCH HONORS SENIORS
The Senior Citizens of he Marie Baptist Church and the Marie community were honored on Friday night with a banquet in the Fellowship Hall of he church. The theme of the occasion was “Clown Party” and it featured “Eddie the American Clown.”
Circus animal name tags were pinned on the banqueteers as they arrived and entered the dining hall, which was decorated with a profusion of balloons and crepe paper. The center wall was made to represent the entrance to a circus tent with a circus band on parade continuing around the room. The tables were covered with bright yellow and orange table cloths and festive circus and clown centerpieces. Favors of animal crackers, lollipops, and candy fruit men were at each place setting.
Rev. Roy Cable, Pastor, gave a short devotional on Christian fun and fellowship using Proverbs 15:13, “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.” and Proverbs 17:22,”A Merry heart doeth good like a medicine but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
Eddie, the American Clown, presented a program of magic tricks and stunts.
The banquet was given and sponsored by the WMU and Brotherhood of the church. The committees helping to make the success included these:
Invitations – Miss Helen Jones and Mrs. Emily Wyatt
Greeting – Mrs. Virginia Brooks
Program and decorations – Mrs. Reva Cable and Mrs. Shirley Rhiner
Food _ Mrs. Jane Wyatt, Mrs. Emily Wyatt, Betty Wyatt, and Mrs. Joyce Brantley
Serving – Beth and Sandy Wyatt (Acteens)
Cooking – Mr. and Mrs. Grady Perry, Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Lindsey, and Mr. Herbert Bowen
Senior citizens who were confined to their homes received meals delivered by Mrs. Martha Coleman and Juanita Blazer.

DUBLIN JR. HIGH HONOR ROLL
The Dublin Junior High School Honor Roll for he 4th nine weeks grading period this year includes the following students:
7th grade:
Craig Jones, Ellen Griffieth, Lisa Monds, Linda Shepard, Steve Franklin, David Williams, Andrea Curry, Kathy Stinson, David Stevenson, and Blake Brown; Karen Brown, Greg Thomas, Sandra Wyatt, Melissa Veal, Sara Anne Davis, Donnie Vinson, Mark Trollinger, Benny Alligood, Beverly Lowther, and Henry Thompson; Mollie Baldwin, Mary Howell, Cathy Jordan, Anita Smallwood, Peggy Copenny, Debra McTier, Richard Mathis, Beth Wyatt, Tayna Cranford, Jennifer Steven, Connie Phillips, John Hamilton, Greg Suggs, Marcus Jordan, Chris Turner, L.V. Lee, Jr., Cynthia Arp, Rosemary Killingsworth, and Angie Anderson
8th grade:
Lauren Hall, Charlene Jackson, Karla Hay, Betty Frost, Joey Lord, Beverly Jones, Taffy Porter, Kay Gettys, Kathy Horne, Katrina Hosea,and Connie Hudson; Charlene Martin, Mark Hobbs, Marty Shoptaw, Chuck Bass, Tommy Dunmon, Vince Perry, Monique McCall, Heather Spicer, Lynn McRae, Mark Williams, Shelia Curry, Richie Hester, Alesa Garner, Susie Barrett, Linda Duvall, Jeffery Cannon, Todd Collins, Doretha Williamson, Chuck Harvell,, Tony Webb, and Deborah Waldrep

WALKE SWORN IN
Ralph Meade Walke was sworn in yesterday by Judge W.H. White as Dublin’s newest attorney and member of the bar. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Walke, who attended the ceremony.
A graduate of Dublin High School and Sewanne, he attended the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University, where he received a Juris Doctor Degree.

VILLAGE THEATRE
Your Deluxe Showcase
Butch & the Kid Are Back – just for the fun of it.
Paul Newman Robert Redford Katharine Ross
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”
New Regular Admission Prices:
Adults $2.00 Children $1.00

AD
BELK
Your Happy Shopping Store
Continued by Popular Demand
TRADE-IN SALE
Your old clothing is worth cash when you purchase suits or sport coats from our regularly priced stock.
That’s right. We’ll pay you $25.00 for used suits and $15.00 for your old sport coats.
Bring in your old clothing; fill your wardrobe with new Spring and Summer styles.
Used clothing will be donated to the Salvation Army.