85 years ago: August 31, 1939

DUBLIN COURIER – HERALD, DISPATCH, AND PRESS

COUNTY TAX RATE 20 MILLS
With services of the county government pared to meet shrinking revenues, Laurens County’s Board of Commissioners of Roads and Revenues today set 20 mills – 15 mills for general purposes and 5 mills for bonded indebtedness – as the county’s tax rate for the current fiscal year.
Despite the fact that the tax digest dropped $121,410 during the current year below last year’s tax exemptions-decreased mark, the commissioners set the 1939 tax rate at the same figure as last year.
With this rate, the 1939 net digest of $5,616,885 – that was the figure reported several days ago by Tax Receiver A.E. Hadden – will raise $84,253.28 for general revenue purposes.
This amount of anticipated revenue shows a drop of $1,821.15 from the last year figure. Last year’s net digest of $5,738,295 raised $86,074.43. The net digest is all that can be taxed for general revenue purposes at 15 mills.
The gross digest, which is used in figuring revenue for bond retirement, will amount to $40,257.63 during the present year as compared with $40,504.33 during the past year. This year’s gross digest is $8,051.525 as compared with $8,100,865 during the past year.
Homestead and household furniture exemptions cut $36,519.60 off the county’s anticipated revenue for the current year as compared with $35,448.55 during the past year. Exemptions this year amounted to $2,434.640 as compared with $2,362,570 during last year.
Loss during the coming year from both general revenue and bond retirement revenue amounts to $2,067.85. Total revenue last year was $126,578.76 while this year it will be $124,510.91.

GRID MEETING ON SEPT. 1
Dublin’s first harbinger of approaching fall fell across an expected sports circle here today with the calling of all football candidates of Dublin High School to a meeting on Friday evening, September 1, at the high school auditorium at 8:00.
The call was issued by Fred Driver, Dean of Boys at the High School, for Bonnell C. Jarrard, newly appointed athletics director of the high school, who will arrive in Dublin on Monday morning to assume his new duties.
The first grid drill of the 1939 season has been set for Monday, September 4, with the time to be announced later.
Coach Jarrard, native of Soperton, comes to Dublin highly recommended as an athletic instructor, backed by actual experience in college football, basketball, and track encounters in which he won letters at Presbyterian College, where he graduated with honors during the past spring.
Before going to Presbyterian College to complete his college work, Coach Jarrard taught at Airline School in Hall County where he was in charge of an expansive athletic program. He went to Hall County after graduating from Young Harris College in north Georgia and taught for four years before finishing his work at Presbyterian College.
At Presbyterian College, he won letters in football as a tackle on the varsity, in basketball as a forward, and in tracks in the weight events.
At Young Harris, he won varsity letters in football and basketball.
Dublin is looking for a veteran team, beginning the season with at least 10 varsity members returning, together with a number of seasoned second string players, having lost only three men due to graduation last spring.

GUARDS FETED ON ANNIVERSARY
The oldest federally recognized national guard company in the state of Georgia, Company K, 121st Infantry, today went into its twenty-first year with praise of past accomplishments ringing in its ears and an ambitious goal for the future ahead.
Assembling at Sessions Lake last night, twenty years after the government of the United States extended to it federal recognition, officers and men of the company and their guests enjoyed a chicken supper, topped by congratulatory remarks from high national guard officers and citizens of Dublin.
Praise for the company’s past accomplishments and hopes for future outstanding achievements were expressed y Col. Whittaker, executive officer of the 121st Infantry; Major U.T. Winsleat, Commander of the Second Battalion, 121st Infantry; Captain Charles F. Stewart, Regimental Adjutant; Sergeant Fawcett, attached to the training section of the regiment; M.J. Guyton, Dublin Postmaster; E.G. Simmons, local real estate agent and former guardsman; O.R. Bennett, former guardsman; and Charles Ludwig, also a former member of the company.
Present and receiving congratulations from were Col. L.C Pope, Commanding Officer of the 121st Infantry and first commander of Company K, and Major C.F. Pope, in charge of plans and training of the 121st Infantry and former company Commander.
Other guests present were Lieutenant R.L. Webb, commanding officer of Headquarters Company of the Third Battalion.
Captain Clifford H. Prince, Company Commander, acted as toastmaster and gave interesting facts concerning the company. He told that the Dublin company dates back to 1916, before the World War, but that federal recognition was not granted until October 28, 1919.
The Dublin companies, which have poured approximately $200,000 into this city since 1919, are the only companies the United states which do not receive some assistance from city and county governments. Captain Prince sad that the annual pay of the two Dublin companies approximated $10,000 annually, and is distributed among 100 officers and men.
Short talks were also made by First Lieutenant Brooks Bryan, Second Lieutenant A.T Coleman, Jr., First Sergeant Walter Jackson, and Supply Sergeant Palmer Currell, who has the distinction of having the best supply room in the entire regiment.

PLEASANT SPRINGS
By Mrs. J.K. Beasley
Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Pullen and little son, J.C., Jr., of Winnsboro, South Carolina, have returned to their home after spending the past week here with relatives.
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Thomas of Clinton, South Carolina, spent the week end here with relatives.
Friends of Mrs Louise Wilkes regret her illness and wish for her an early recovery in Claxton’s Hospital.
Mrs. Julia Graham is spending a while with Mr. and Mrs. Claude Graham.
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Pullen of Winnsboro, South Carolina, visited relatives in this section recently.
Mr. and Mrs. Greely Graham and Miss Nola Moats are visiting relatives in Statesboro this week.
Friends of Walter Darley will regret to learn that he is suffering with a broken arm and hope he will soon be well.
Julia and Dorothy Johnson spent Sunday night with Mrs. John Beasley.
Mrs. W.A. Thomas is making her home in Minter for a while.

PINETUCKY NEWS
By M.L. Carey
Congratulations to Mr and Mrs. J.B. Kennedy who announce the birth of a daughter on July 27th.
Friends of Mrs. Isaac Carey and of Miss Ruby Kennedy regret that they are ill and wish for them a speedy recovery.
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Brantley and children were guests of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arch Kennedy, on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett Melton were the guests of her guest of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Howell, near Olivet on Sunday.
Noland Holliday has returned from a trip to Washington, D.C.
Mrs. Tullie Kennedy has returned from Florida where she visited her brother.
Mr. and Mrs. B.H. Williams entertained a large number of relatives and friends with a birthday dinner on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. A.D. Mullis of Dublin visited Mr. and Mrs. Howard Ellis on Saturday.
Billie Jackson was the Monday guest of Millard and H.L. Hall.
Millard wood of Kibbee is visiting his sister, Mrs. Louie Moore.
Congratulations to Fain Pressly on his 7th birthday anniversary on July 31.
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Harden were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Carey and family on Sunday.

COMMISSIONERS EXPLAIN DUTIES
Laurens County Commissioners today issued a joint statement explaining exact duties and functions of the new county agricultural agent, Harry A. Edge, who has just taken over his duties.
Pointing out that in some parts of the county there has been a misunderstanding concerning what his duties would be, the commissioners said that the county agent will have supervision over the AAA and Georgia Extension Service programs in Laurens County.
All detail work pertaining to the complicated AAA program, however, will be handled by Travis H. Taylor, Jr, administrative assistant, giving County Agent Edge an opportunity to spend more time in contacts with farmers and assisting them with the extension service program. This program includes the 4-H Club work in the county together with any other agricultural projects such as livestock production and other farm programs that might arise.
Mr. Taylor will be in active charge of the AAA program, tending to all detail work with Mr. Edge remaining as supervisory head of the entire organization.

THOMAS CROSS ROADS
By Mrs. J.C. Loyd
Mr. and Mrs. J.I. Fordham and children were recent visitors of Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Ussery.
Little Iris Loyd has returned to her home here after spending the past week with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bell.
Mr and Mrs. Ben Bryant and children and Rev. L.W. Lee were recent visitors near Dexter last Friday.
Mr. and Mrs. W.I. Renfroe, Charlie, Eloise, Flossie, Russell, and Iris Renfroe visited Mr. and Mrs. Urias Renfroe near Cochran recently.
Howard Whitfield of Brewton is visiting Harold Lloyd.
Mrs. J.A. Sumner, Misses Maggie and Dorothy Sumner and Joe Sumner visited relatives in this community last Sunday.
Charles Skipper of Cochran is visiting Charlie Renfroe.
Miss Ruby Loyd spent the past week end with Misses Maggie and Dorothy Sumner near Brewton.

POPLAR SPRNGS (S)
By Mary Frances Harden
Mrs. Guy Veal will have charge of prayer services on Saturday night. The public is cordially invited to come and worship with us.
Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Tucker of Lyons were visitors here the past week end.
Mr. and Mrs. I.W. McAfee were visitors here during the past week end.
Miss Martha Harden was the guest of Miss Dahlia Thaggard on Sunday.
Miss Alpha Rowe spent Saturday with Miss Christine Mallory.
Gresham Fordham has returned home after visiting friends and relatives.
Curtis and Samuel Hall were visitors in Atlanta last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Travis Bracewell spent last week end with her mother, Mrs. J.F. Fordham.
W.F.E.J. Harden has retuned home after visiting his daughter, Mrs. H.A Tucker.
Misses Mary Frances Harden and Marie Fordham visited Miss Mary Fordham on Saturday.

NYA PROGRAM TO CONTINUE
Plans for the National Youth Administration in this area and throughout the entire state during the coming fiscal year will center about increased aid to deserving students to enable them to attend high school and college and an expansion of resident and local work projects, it was announced today by State Administrator D.B. Lasseter.
Results of a tablulation just released show that during the last fiscal year approximately$7100 went to Laurens County youths in the form of wages on work projects, exclusive of those receiving student aid.
The average wage of young people working on local projects and those assigned to resident projects was $16.50. All those youth were between the ages of 18 and 24 inclusive, out of school and unemployed.
Their need had been certified by local authorities.
NYA projects in Georgia include construction of schools, community centers, canneries, vocational buildings, recreation facilities, repair of public buildings, clerical activities, and similar endeavors. These projects are sponsored in each locality by cities, counties, school districts, and other public bodies.
During the past fiscal year NYA spent more than $906,440.00 for work projects in Georgia, more than 75 per cent of which went to youths in the form of wages. The remainder was used for materials and supervision, which was greatly supplemented by contributions from project sponsors.
Related training, which the youth take on their own time, includes study of subjects related to their work experience, such as scientific agriculture, auto-mechanics, radio, carpentry, masonry, Home Economics, crafts, ceramics and sewing, and supplementary study of English, mathematics, history, and citizenship.
Recreation is likewise engaged in on the youths’ own time.

DRIVERS’ TEST SCHEDULE
A new schedule of examinations for drivers’ licenses in Dublin was released today by the Georgia Highway patrol. The schedule, brought to Dublin by Examiners C.E. Tucker and W.L. Clyatt, reveals that examinations for drivers’ licenses will be held at the courthouse here on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, beginning in September.
The examiners will be at the courthouse on those dates from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

COTERIE CLUB MEETS
The Coterie Club met on Friday afternoon with Mrs. James Simmons. After a brief business period, the club members enjoyed several games of Chinese Checkers. A most wholesome, delicious repast was served by the hostess, assisted by Mrs. C. Simmons.
Mrs. Annie Moffett, sister of Mrs. Minnie Stinson, was guest of the club.
Plans for the next meeting were made with Mrs. Frank Smith as hostess.

NEW PROBATION OFFICER
Judge William H. Barrett, United States District Court, Augusta, today signed an order appointing Arvin M. Usher, United States probation Officer with duties to begin on September 1st, 1939, as an additional member of the probation staff in the Southern District of Georgia.
Edwin C. Hardison, Chief U.S. Probation Officer of Brunswick, who was also in Augusta today, stated that Mr. Usher is well equipped by training and experience for the position of Federal Probation Officer.
He is a graduate with a B.Ph. Degree from Emory University, studied law at Emory and at the University of Georgia. He was a science teacher in the high schools at Homerville and Columbus and obtained experience in the Federal Probation Office at Atlanta for a short period to prepare him for the position of Adult Probation Officer, Muscogee County, Columbus, which position he has held since October 1, 1936.
Mr. Usher is married. His parents are residents in Effingham County, Springfield, Georgia.
Mr. Hardison said that Mr. Usher will be located in Brunswick during the month of August to familiarize himself with the records, after which he will be located in Augusta, being assigned to service in the Augusta and Dublin Divisions.
The number of persons under supervision in the probation department of the Southern District of Georgia has steadily increased, and there are now approximately 630 persons under supervision.
Mr Hardison said that Judge Barrett is deeply interested in the work of probation and has been a great inspiration in its progress. He also said that the Department of Justice has recognized his progressiveness in the use of probation as a method of treatment by authorizing appointment of additional personnel and the establishment of field officers in the district.

ROTARY WIVES ENTERTAINED
A program of delightful social affairs was given for he pleasure of wives of Georgia Rotarians attending the Assembly here last month by wives of the Dublin Rotarians and Dublin clubwomen who assisted the committees, which were headed by Mrs. Walter A Hobbs, General Chairman.
Automobile rides over the city, a swimming party at Coleman Lake, and an afternoon tea in the home of Mr. and Mrs A.T. Stevens, Sr. were featured on the social program.
Ladies of the city assisted in making the auto rides enjoyable, and at the swimming party, Misses Betty Page, Clyde Chivers, and Betty Ann Smith assisted the local Rotary-annes in entertaining.
A lovely afternoon tea in the Stevens home was the outstanding entertainment for the ladies. The spacious rooms of the home were beautiful with yellow gladioli, yellow marigolds, and blue asters, expressing the Rotary colors.
Receiving with Mrs. Stevens and Mrs. M.H. Blackshear, Sr., was Mrs. Maynard Ashworth of Columbus. Entertaining were Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Harry Taylor, and Mrs. Wesley Brinson.
The refreshment table in the dining room was covered with a lace cloth and was centered with a crystal bowl of yellow roses and blue delphinium. Unshaded yellow tapers in silver candlesticks formed a circle about the central piece. Gold punch with wafers and cakes were served from a crystal punch bowl. Favors for the guests were nosegays of yellow sweet peas and blue tuberoses tied with blue ribbons.
Serving punch were Mrs Ernest Oatts and Mrs. J.A. Middleton, assisted by Mrs. M.H. Blackshear, Jr., Mrs. Robert Wilson and Misses Pearl and Frances Simmons, Marjorie Parkerson, Barbara Fay Bedingfield, and Ethel Orr Pierce.
Guests invited to meet the visitors included officers of the Dublin womens’ clubs, wives of local pastors of the city, and the wife of the city school superintendent.
Wives of local Rotarians who were a part in the entertaining were Mrs. James E. Allen, Mrs. J.B. Bedingfield, Mrs. A.T. Coleman, Mrs. J.M. Couric, Mrs. W.T. Holmes, Mrs. W.D. Parkerson, Mrs. Otis Rawls, Mrs. W.H. Shuman;
Mrs. E.G. Simmons, Mrs. E.W. Vaughn, Mrs. Felton Pierce, Mrs. W.A. Kelley, Mrs. L.K. Smith, Mrs. A.T. Coleman, Jr., Mrs. W.J. Grantham, Mrs. Duren Parker, and Mrs. H.C. Tharpe.

DUDLEY NEWS
By J.E. Buchanan
Comer page, who for some time has been located in Savannah, is now at home.
Miss Helen Buchanan is spending this week with friends and relatives at Omega.
Mr. and Mrs. Pope Stanley spent Sunday at Indian Springs.
T.C. Bobbitt was in Dublin on business on Monday.
Mrs R.L. Hogan, Mrs. T.C. Bobbitt, and Mrs George Hodges were in Macon last Monday on a shopping trip.
Mrs. Tom Floyd is still on our sick list, but her many friends are glad indeed that she is showing some signs of improvement.
Miss Helen Buchanan spent last with with Miss Fleta Fitzpatrick at Fitzpatrick Station.
J.D. Smith spent last week end in Dublin with relatives and friends.
Mrs. Lena Stribling, Miss Irene Aiken, and Mrs. J.C. Aiken are spending this week Macon with J.C. Aiken.
Miss Vesta Webb is spending a while in Cocoa, Florida, with her sister, Mrs. Wilson.
Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Brown have moved to Wrightsville. Their many friends wish for them much success in their new location.
Mrs. Jessie Webb and daughter, Julia, spent last week in Macon with friends and relatives.

SECOND POLIO CASE REPORTED
Dr. O. H Cheek, County Health Commissioner, today reported to the Georgia Health Department a non-resident case of infantile paralysis. Dr. J.A. Bell, Jr. reported the case to the Health Commissioner as a tentative diagnosis with symptoms of polio in the case of little Grady Coleman, 2, son of Mr and Mrs. H.G. Coleman, of Alamo.
Attaches of Claxton Hospital today reported that the child was resting well and doing as well as could be expected.
Dr. Cheek said that the Coleman child had been isolated and that treatment was being given here. He said that there was no reason for alarm as the case originated outside the county and as yet there was no epidemic in the state of Georgia.
“July and August are the worst months for infantile paralysis,” Dr. Cheek said. “If we can escape until its September without an epidemic, we will be safe.”
This was the second infantile paralysis case reported in Dublin, the other being reported by Dr. A.T. Coleman, who said Macon specialists had diagnosed the case of little Joy Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Smith, as polio. The Smith child, who has returned home from a Macon hospital, was reported today as improving by Dr. Cheek.

DUBLIN ROUTE 6
By Etta Mae Johnson
Mrs. J.E. Graham spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Leland Graham and family.
Misses Johnny Mae Wood and Mary Darley spent Saturday with Etta Mae and Roberta Johnson.
Friends regret the illness of Mrs. E.L. Tolar and wish her an early recovery.
Mr. and Mrs. Euris Wood and family visited friends and relatives here the past week end.
Mrs. Tom Wynn, Eubia Wynn, and Mr. and Mrs. Foster Clements and family motored to Dublin last Saturday.
Miss Johnnie Darley spent Saturday with Miss Delma Lee Graham.

DUBLIN ROUTE 4
By Mrs. H.J. Cauley
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Starley were Friday guests of Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Daniels and Mrs. Green Daniels.
Mr. and Mrs. Loyd NeSmith spent the week end in this community.
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Shivers were recen.t guests of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Payne.
Friends of Miss Myrtis Watson regret her illness and wish her an early recovery.
Everybody is invited to prayer meeting on Saturday night at Centerville.
E.F. Watson and daughter, Mrs. Tom Watson, and Elton Watson visited in Macon last Saturday.

DUBLIN ROUTE 2
By Miss Irene Brown
Friends of Miss Martha Linder regret that she continues ill at Coleman Hospital.
Mrs. Herbert Simmons visited relatives in Dublin last Saturday.
Mrs. H.L. Dominy, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Kelley visited Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Hattfield on Saturday.
Miss Ruth Payne visited Mrs. Saxon Wells on Monday.
Friends of Mrs. Saxon Wells regret her illness and wish for her an early recovery.
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Dominy and Waddell Dominy were guests of Mr. and Mrs. L.H. Fisher and Miss Hattie Fisher on Tuesday.
Mr. and Mrs. Buster Taylor and baby of Macon visited Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Payne recently.

FARM MEETING ON SATURDAY
Attention of farmer of this section was called again today to a scheduled meeting at the Courthouse on Saturday afternoon at 3:30. This gathering was planned some time ago mainly by a group who wished a thorough discussion of the AAA cotton program.
In connection with this, Dr. C.H. Kittrell said that he had secured some information directly from Washington AAA headquarters relative to the administration of the cotton acreage reduction program and he will be glad to place this before the meeting Saturday.
All farmers are invited to attend this meeting on Saturday afternoon.