50 Years Ago: July 16,1974

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Dublin Courier Herald

EAST LAURENS YOUTH DROWNING VICTIM

Ronnie Lee Crooms, 16 year-old letterman in three sports at East Laurens High School, drowned Monday noon while swimming in a lake near Dublin. His death has been ruled accidental by Laurens County Coroner Jimmy Allen.

Crooms drowned shortly after arriving at Lake Tanya, a recreational area on the Old Savannah Road. He was was accompanied by his girl friend and her brother.

Coroner Allen speculated that the youth suffered a cramp while swimming in 15 feet of water about 15 feet from shore.

Persons at the drowning site say the dead youth was able to yell for help, but no one was close enough to give him aid.

There were no lifeguards at Lake Tanya, but signs warn swimmers that they are swimming at their own risk.

The football, baseball, and track star was under water for more than 45 minutes before his body was found and taken from the lake.

Crooms played on last year’s East Laurens Falcon football team as a defensive halfback and offensive fullback. The rising junior was a standout at shortstop and pitcher on the East Laurens baseball team which won its region championship this spring and advanced to the quarterfinals in state competition. He also lettered in track.

An only child, he is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Lee Crooms of Route 6, Dublin, and his grandparents, Mrs. Nora B. Crooms of Dublin and Mr. Hubert Maddox of Dublin. He is also survived by a large number of aunts, uncles, and other near relatives.

He was a native of Muscogee County and had lived in Dublin most of his life. He was a member of East Dublin Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held at the East Dublin Baptist Church at 2:00 on Wednesday afternoon.

His East Laurens classmates will serve as pallbearers.

Rev. Gordon Taylor will officiate at the church services and at the interment at Dublin Memorial Gardens.

LAURENS BOARD OF EDUCATION PASSES BUDGET

A $3,942,906 budget for the next twelve months has been approved by the Laurens County Board of Education.

The balanced budget anticipates revenue of $1,075,000 from taxes; $2,300 from other local sources; $2,665,646 from state sources; $62,460 from non-reveneue; and $137,500 from fiscal year balance.

In expenditures, the largest outlay goes toward instruction, $2,362,225, with other large costs being pupil transportation,$399,300; maintenance and operation of plant, $254,726; fixed charges, $216,925; and food service, $309,725.

In other action, the Board approved bills of $76,992 of which $49,307 was for bus chassis which are to be used on new buses next year.

Bus drivers with double routes were given an increase in salary because of the time and responsibility involved in double routes.

A salary schedule for janitors was approved, and Mrs. Evelyn Jackson was named Special Education Coordinator for the school system.

CITY GARBAGE TO BE IMPROVED

Garbage pickup in the city, drawing criticism from all sides, will be improved shortly with the delivery of new sanitation trucks, but things may get worse before better.

That is the assessment of City Manager Jack Crane speaking Wednesday afternoon.

A rebuilding program is underway in the sanitation department which includes doing away with the buggy-train system and using rear end packer units for pick up, mostly residential, where large containers are not involved.

Two rear end packer trucks have been on order since October, but the city has received no notification of delivery date yet. These new trucks will replace the buggy system.

A front end loader to pick up large containers is in transit and should arrive in Dublin in the next two weeks. It will replace two older trucks which collect trash from the buggy containers. The two trucks now used are in constant disrepair, Crane said.

In areas served by buggies, Crane continued, trash trucks are assisting and collection is being done largely by hand, which is a slow process.

The city manager added that July is one of the two heaviest periods of the year for trash collection. Persons cleaning yards while on vacation and fresh vegetables being shelled etc are two reasons for the heavy July load, according to Crane.

Meanwhile, complaints about garbage collection keep pouring in at City Hall.

VA EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

Service Pins and Special Awards were recently presented to employees of the Dublin VA Center by Mr. Harold O. Duncan, Center Director.

Recipients were the following:

Gwendolyn Stuckey, Medical Administration Service, Superior Performance Award (based on Outstanding Rating)

Helen T. Loftis, Medical Administration Service, Quality Increase

Eleanor P. Holmes, Domiciliary Operations, Superior Performance

Henry Mason, Building Management Service, Superior Performance

T.J. O’Neal, Building Management, Service, Superior Performance

Melvin G.Lowery, Supply Service, 30-Year Service Pin and Award

Jane Bullard, Medical Administrative Service, Superior Performance (Group Award)

Bettie B.Bidgood, Medical Administrative Service, Superior Performance

Alver L.Snipes, Medical Administration Service, Quality Increase

Richard Rozier, Building Management Service, Superior Performance

Elijah Montford, Building Management Service. Superior Performance

James O. West, Engineering Service. 25-Year Service Pin and Award

Juanita H. Carter, Medical Administration Service, Superior Performance (Group Award)

Julia B. Harrell, Canteen Service, 10-Year Service Pin

Katherine H. Selph, Medical Administration Service, Quality Increase

Esley G. Morris, Medical Administration Service, Quality Increase

Emory Anderson, Dietetic Service, Superior Performance

Marcus K. Kearns, Dietetic Service, Superior Performance

James H. Lowery, Nursing Service, Quality Increase

Clemon Gibson, Building Management Service, 25-Year Service Pin and Award

Alton L. Graham, Nursing Service, 10-Year Service Pin

Robert A. Willis, Social Work Service, 10-Year Service Pin

Bertie M. Floyd, Medical Administration Service, 15-Year Service Pin

Charles W. Gieger Engineering Service, 15-Year Service Pin

James D. Fountain, Nursing Service, 20-Year Service Pn

Teria K. Howard, Dietetic Service, 25-Year Service Pin and Award

Emily Holland, Medical Administration Service, Quality Increase

Lee Pierce, Nursing Service, Quality Increase

Travis Wood, Nursing Service, Quality Increase

Bernard Wynn, Nursing Service, Quality Increase

Virnestine Beard, Dietetic Service, Superior Performance

Queen S. Hollman, Dietetic Service, Superior Performance

Willie P. Fountain, Medical Administration Service, Superior Performance (Group Award)

EXCHANGE CLUB LUNCHEONS

The Dublin Exchange Club held two luncheons this week and invited business people throughout Laurens County, according to Al Scarborough, Exchange Club President.

The two luncheons, both identical, were motivation clinics dealing with ideas and techniques to increase business and management efficiency. The luncheons were held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Holiday Inn here in Dublin.

Mr. Scarborough explained that the luncheon programs were presented in conjunction with the Exchange Club’s sponsorship of the Dale Carnegie Course in Dublin.

The motivation clinics were conducted by Don Johnston and Jimmy Grubbs, Area Supervisors of the Carnegie Organization.

Luncheon participants were guests of the Dublin Exchange Club, and an invitation had been mailed to all business owners and managers in the Dublin area. President Scarborough announced that if for some reason a business owner or manager had not received the invitation and would like more information about the up-coming Carnegie Program, he should contact any Exchange Club member to have the Carnegie representatives discuss the program with him.

The actual Dale Carnegie Class which is now forming under the auspices of the Exchange Club will begin in a few weeks.

Some of the Exchange Club members that interested persons can contact are Mr. Al Scarborough, 272-4933; Mr. David Dunn, 272-1644; Mr. Larry Spooner,272-0115; and Mr. Wilbur Jones, 272-2618.

SUDDEN DEATH PLAYOFF IN TOURNEY

A funny thing happened at the Member-Guest golf tourney at the Dublin Country Club Sunday. Member-Member Melvin Hester and Bob Maffett broke out of a three-way tie to win the event on the fourth playoff hole. Hester-Maffett, Joe Durant-Billy Livingston, and Maurice Byers-Delacey Lord all finished the 36-hole, two-day meet with exact scores of 140.

Byers-Lord fell out on the second playoff hole, but “sudden death” play went to No 4 before a par by Hester-Maffett was the clincher.

The winner, both members of the Dublin Club, who with several other member-member teams were allowed to enter to bring the number of duos to full complement of 36 teams, shot 68-71, as did Byers-Lord. Durant-Livingson posted two 70 rounds to reach 140.

Other flight winners included:

First Flight – Jimmy Hilburn-Bobby Hilburn, 73-74-147

Second Flight – Tom Rhea-Jimmy Holton, 77-79-156

Third Flight – Hoyt Peppers-Raymond Brown, 84-77-161

Tournament Notes:

The 36 teams playing No 12 twice each, accomplished but one birdie on the par 5 hole. Michael Tindol-Jimmy Allgood formed the team that turned the trick.

Only one team, nameless here, played No. 12 in nine, four over, while three teams posted three-over scores; nine had double bogeys; 29 had bogeys, and 29 had pars.

Just how much harder to score on No. 12 than other par 5 holes is pointed out by these figures. Whereas only one birdie was scored on No. 12, there were six on No. 16, nine on No. 7 and 10 on No. 3.

Brother Claxton again gave a summit performance as Master of Ceremonies for the prize-awarding festivities.

Introduced wee several folks who had a hand in promoting and working the tournament. These were W.L. Wilkes, Club President; Clarence “Hollywood” Carroll, club pro; Fred Lloyd, clubhouse manager; and Ray Prosperi, Tunk Carswell, Henry Cantera, Phillip Baker, Al Lamb, Dot Peppers, Edith Allgood, and Roy McClusky.

This has nothing to do with the weekend tournament, but in a recent outing Henry Cantera recorded one of golf’s oddities. Cantera parred the No. 1 par 4 hole by using but one club, his driver.

EAST DUBLIN SEEKS RECREATION GRANT

East Dublin has been approved for submittal of a formal application to the Department of Natural Resources for the purpose of acquiring and developing outdoor recreation facilities, according to information from Eighth District Congressman W.S. Bill” Stuckey.

The congressman said that the application is for $10,000 and is to be used for recreation purposes on an existing 13 plus acre park used in the city’s recreation program.

East Dublin Mayor Hugh Wood said that the grant, if approved, would be used for constructing tennis courts and acquiring other playground equipment for the recreation areas.

The city appropriates $5000 annually to the recreation program, while the county contributed $3,500 this year to the program.

CHURCH WOMEN MEETINGS

Circle Four

Circle Four of the First United Methodist Church met in the home of Mrs. Chris Schaufele, 718 Stonewall Street, with Mrs. M.O. Grinstead as co-hostess.

Mrs. E.G. McLendon, circle chairman, presided over the meeting and welcomed two visitors. The opening prayer was led by Mrs Fred O’Kelley, and Mrs. Dawson Kea brought the lesson on prayer. The meeting was closed with prayer by Mrs. D.F. Sams.

Delicious cookies, sherbert, sandwiches, and ginger ale were served at the close of the program to members, Mrs. Homer S. Prescott, Mrs. C.R.Swilley, Mrs. Clifford Feather, Mrs. Sam Swinson, Mrs. W.H. Burton, Mrs. E.B. Mackey, Mrs. S.M. Kellam, Mrs. E.G. McLendon ,Mrs. Fred O’Kelley, Mrs. Dawson Kea, and Mrs. D.F. Sams, and the two visitors, Mrs. James F. Flanders and Mrs. W.A. Stanley.

Evelyn Stone Group

The Evelyn Stone Prayer Group of Jefferson Street Baptist Church women met on Monday afternoon at the church with Mrs E.B. Martin opening the meeting with prayer and presiding.

The group voted to place a book in the Church Library in memory of the late Mrs. C.L. (Nancy) Thompson.

The program was in charge of Mrs. Dwight Daniels, and others participating were Mrs. Mattie Mae Giles, Mrs. Coy Joiner, and Mrs. Martin. The study was on Alaska.

After Mrs. Martin gave the Call to Prayer, she closed the meeting with prayer.

Others present were Mrs. T.J. Trammell, Mrs. J.C. Waites, and Mrs. Jesse Gibson.

Current Mission Group

The Current Mission Group of the First Baptist Church W.M.S. met on Monday afternoon in the home of Mrs. Susie Palmer.

Mrs. O.T. Tarpley had charge of the business session. A report from the treasurer, Mrs. Cecil Walters, was read, and activities for the month were assigned to the members.

Mrs. E.B. Claxton, Sr. gave the Call to Prayer and the devotional thoughts. Special prayer was given by Mrs. W.C. Cofield.

“Turning to the City – Washington, D.C.” was the program, led by Mrs. Milo Smith, Sr., assisted by Mrs. Ethel Garrett and Mrs. Walters.

Refreshments were served by the hostess at the close of the program. Members present were Mrs. Guy Scarborough, Mrs. Ivy Duggan, Mrs. Ethel Garrett, Mrs. W.C. Cofield, Mrs. E.B. Claxton, Sr., Mrs. Cecil Walters, Mrs. Tarpley and a visitor, Mrs. Mamie Harrell.

Women of the Valdosta Church

The finalized plans for the annual meeting of the Women of the Valdosta Baptist Church have been announced. Mrs. Betty Smith Holt, formerly of Dublin, but now residing in Cairo, Georgia, will be the featured speaker of the program.

Mrs. Holt’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Smith, reside in Dublin. She is married to Rev. Winfred Holt, Pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Cairo. She is a graduate of Fort Valley State College, Fort Valley, Georgia ,and Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.

The meeting will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, 1974, at Valdosta Baptist Church, and everyone is invited to attend.

OUR MEN IN SERVICE

Biloxi, Mississippi – Airman Joyce J.Duffie, 415 Jordon Street, East Dublin, Georgia, has graduated at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, from the U.S Air Force administrative specialist course conducted by the Air Training Command.

Airman Duffie, now proficient in the preparation of Air Force correspondence and reports, is being assigned to Luke AFB, Arizona, for duty.

The airman is a 1972 graduate of East Laurens High School.

Ft. Benning, Georgia – Army Staff Sergeant Terry C. Bell, son of Mrs. Eunice Coley, Route 2, Dublin, Georgia, is assigned to the 7th Infantry at Ft. Benning, Georgia.

Sgt. Bell is a Motor Sergeant in Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion of the Infantry.

ENGAGEMENTS

Everett – Stevenot

Rev. and Mrs. Charles Kendall Everett, Sr. of Dublin, Georgia, announce the engagement of their daughter, Charlotte Anelle Everett, to James Herbert Stevenot, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Stevenot of North Charleston, South Carolina.

Miss Everett attended Dublin High School and Massey, Jr.College of Modeling. She is now a student at Brewton-Parker Junior College.

The future bridegroom graduated from North Charleston High School and attended the College of Charleston and the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

The wedding is planned for September 21, 1974, at Olivet Baptist Church, Dublin, Georgia, at 3:00 p.m.

No local invitations are being sent, but all friends and relatives are invited to attend.

The couple plan to reside in Charleston and continue their studies together.

Kuntz – Evans

Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Kuntz of Montrose, Georgia, announce the engagement of their daughter, Myrtle Glynn,to Mr. Linton Evans, son of Mrs. Doretha Evans of Dublin.

The groom-to-be is presently employed by Barwick Furniture, Ltd. in Dublin.

The date set for the wedding is August 17. After the wedding, a reception will follow at the home of the bride’s parents.

OCONEE GARDEN CLUB MEETS

Miss Harriet Mackey of 626 Rowe Street was hostess to the Oconee Garden Club for the July monthly meeting with the president, Mrs. Frank Tucker, presiding.

The club theme for the summer was “Summer Spirit.” The arrangements for exhibit were Moribana, Water Reflecting Style featuring summer flowers. The blue ribbon winner for the exhibits was Mrs. Tucker.

August being the Club’s vacation month, it is the time to concentrate on the City Beautification Project. City Manager Mr. Jack Crane has consented for the club to use a plot on South Jefferson Street at the intersection of Smith Street as the site for our work. A call meeting will be held soon to formulate final plans for immediate action on beginning work on the project.

Pearl J. Burton, Reporting

DAWKINS FAMILY REUNION

The 50th anniversary gathering of descendants of the late Mr.and Mrs. Samuel Ashley Dawkins was held on Sunday at West Laurens Junior High School.

Several members of the fifth generation were present, making a total of 135 persons in attendance.

Davis Dawkins presided over the brief business session. Mrs. W.P Findley and Mrs. O.A. McLendon led the group in singing.

Mrs. R.C. Dawkins, Warner Robins, brought a cake with the inscription, “50th Anniversary Dawkins Family Reunion.”

A huge Victorian arrangement of large yellow mums, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Rowe and Chris, was used on the dessert table.

Featured on the Registration Table were portraits of the late Mr. and Mrs.S.A. Dawkins along with the Dawkins’ coat-of-arams, property of Mrs. O.A. McLendon (Bessie).

Numerous photo albums belonging to various members of the family along with genealogical records compiled by Mrs. James H Perry (Eudora) were also on display.

Those in attendance from out of state were Mrs. Maurice Pfeifer and Maurice, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Delmar Dawkins, Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Dawkins, Keith Dawkins, Mr. and Mrs. W. Lester Dawkins, Lester,Jr., Misses Vickie and Donna Dawkins, Miss Mae Dawkins, Mr. and Mrs. Cyril B. Dawkins, Miss Charlene Dawkins, Mr. and Mrs. Luke Sweat, little Miss Kim Sweat; Mrs. Elizabeth D. Brown; Mrs. Tiny S. Porter, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Daniels; Mr. and Mrs. Felix A. Dawkins, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Dawkins.

Those who came from Atlanta were Mr. and Mrs. J.Tom Adair; Mrs. J.J. Brooks; Miss Faye Perry, Mr. Roy Frazier, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Lindholm, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Shropshire; Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Shropshire; Mrs. Jean Shropshire, Charles, Mark, Tommy, and Miss Teresa Shropshire, Mrs. Deanne S. Huey, and Mrs. Pamela S. Holdosh.

Present from other areas within the state were Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Dawkins, David, Billy, Sammy, Misses Marty, Janice, Kathy, and Judy Dawkins, Little Allison Brown, Carl Cross, Jr, Lin Butler, Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Findley, Robert, and Miss Anita Findley, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Shropshire, Miss Joy Shropshire, Mr. and Mrs. Dallas (Buddy) Porter, Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Dawkins, and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Turner; Mrs. R.C. Dawkins, and Mrs. R.L. Dawkins; Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Dawkins, Mike Dawkins, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Dyson, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Pritchett, Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Dawkins;

Jeannie Dawkins, W. Lenton Dawkins, Mr. and Mrs. Ferrell Andrews, Ferrell, Jr. and Miss Cheryl Andrews; Mr. and Mrs. George Dawkins, James Dawkins, Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Braswell, Mr. and Mrs. Guyton Rhodes, Phil Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Daniels, Eddie and Bert Arnold, Mr. and Mrs. Davis Dawkins, Miss Inez Waites, Samuel Ashley Dawkins, Mrs. G.Z. Witherington, Miss Shirley Witherington, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Jolley, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Payne, John and Miss Rebecca Payne, Mrs. Oscar Rowe, Miss Kathy Hogan, Miss Robin Howard,

Dublinites attending wee Mr. and Mrs. James H. Perry, Edgar, Wesley, Curtis, and Miss Nancy Perry; Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Perry; Mrs. L. Alton Waites; Mr. and Mrs. O.A. McLendon, Chris Rowe; Mrs. A.W Dominy,Sr., Mrs. Evelyn D. Baker; Mrs. Guy Scarborough; and Mrs. Ellison D. Lindsey. Miss Milly Perry.

STARTING MONDAY

Bus Schedule

Lv. Horton Cabs, S. Jefferson, 9 & 11 a.m.; 1,3,5,7, p.m.

Arr. Dublin Mall 9:50, 11:50 a.m.; 1:50, 3:50, 5:50, 7:50 p.m.

Lv. Dublin Mall, 10:a.m., 12 Noon, 2,4,6,8 p.m.

Arr. Horton Cabs, S. Jefferson, 1:50 a.m.; 2:50, 4:50, 6:50, 8:50 p.m.

NOW ON SALE

Musical Supplies

Guitars

Guitar Strings

Guitar Cases

Reeds

Flip Holders

Batons

Instrument Oils

Tambourines

Harmonicas

Miscellaneous Items

Ed Powel TV Electronics

DALE CARNEGIE

Class Now Forming in Dublin

Develop Self Confidence

Improve Your Memory

Speak with Ease Before Groups

Control Fear and Worry

Increase Your Ability to Motivate People

For More Information,

Phone Larry Spooner, 272-0115

Al Scarborough 272-4933

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