Dublin prepares for early Thanksgiving celebration

Dublin Courier Herald, Dispatch and Press

Oliver Goldsmith’s “Deserted Village” will be seen in Dublin and Laurens County next Thursday, the date observed a la Roosevelt.

Writer’s Note: In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt set Thanksgiving a week earlier than the 75 previous years of observance in an effort to help businesses by lengthening the shopping period before Christmas.

For the first time in this generation,Thanksgiving will be celebrated on the third Thursday in November in this  city and county, and Mayor C.A. Hodges has proclaimed November 23 as Thanksgiving Day. Employees, employers, county and city workers alike will take the day off to eat a fattened turkey, dressing, and all affiliated food with the family gathered around and give thanks to the All Mighty for the many blessings of the year, whether they like the change of the Thanksgiving date or not.

Hunting and fishing and other outdoor sports can be enjoyed by business men as all businesses of the city will be closed in line with the proclamation issued by Mayor Hodges late last week.

Although there will probably be enough homegrown turkeys to grace Thanksgiving dinner tables, it was believed possible that a fattened hen might have to be substituted in some instances for the coming Christmas feast. Turkey is the proverbial piece de resistance for Thanksgiving, and a shortage of the crop around these parts will call for some substitutions later on, if the usual dinner menu is served.

 All drug stores of the city will remain open during the morning but will close at 1 o’clock for the remainder of the day.

Since Judge J.L. Kent has postponed Motion Day in Laurens Superior Court until December Motion Day – December 28 – Laurens Superior Court will shut down and all county employees will be off; city workers will also take a holiday.

Stores of the city will be closed as well as offices. No edition of the Dublin Courier-Herald will be published since a Thanksgiving Holiday has been a long established custom with the paper. The newspaper will open for business as usual early Friday morning.

Schools of the city and county close down on Wednesday afternoon for the Thanksgiving observance, giving some 10,000 students a two-day vacation, re-convening on Monday morning, November 27th, going into the weeks before Christmas vacation.  Laurens County School Superintendent Elbert Mullis stated that the holidays would affect some 8,000 students – 4,500 white and 3,500 colored – in the county system while Superintendent A.J. Hargrove estimated that 2,000 Dublin school students would get holidays.

Cafes, restaurants, and filling stations will remain open, some of them perhaps closing for part of the day, but otherwise the hatches will be battened down, and fun, feasts, fetes, and festivals will hold sway.

A city-wide Thanksgiving Service will be enjoyed on Thursday night in the First Baptist Church, with all of the churches uniting. Col. M.H. Blackshear, President of the Dublin Rotary Club and lay leader of theFirst Methodist Church, will make the address.The service begins at 7:30 p.m., and the public is cordially invited to attend.

To begin the Thanksgiving fetes, the Exchange Club is sponsoring a dance at the Dublin Country Club on Wednesday night, proceeds from which will go to help make Christmas a day of happiness and plenty for the needy in this section. The funds will be the club’s part of the empty stocking fund raised annually by the Lions and Exchangeittes of Dublin who try to see that no child fails to enjoy Christmas.

SCHOOL SYSTEM GETS SOME MONEY

Only a portion of funds needed by the City School System for administration costs has been raised by the City Council, Mayor C.A. Hodges stated today, in revealing that this was borrowed at the last meeting of the “city fathers” for school purposes.

Mayor Hodges said that the $1,000 asked for was not borrowed due to the fact that there was some question as to the amount of money the city could legally borrow. Figures on the amount are being prepared by Clerk Millard Rogers and will be presented to Council when it meets again.

Mayor Hodges pointed out that the city can only legally borrow two mills of the taxable property in the city, and since this has been variously estimated as around $4,000,000, it makes the city’s borrowing power limited to around $8000 annually. Already some $7,500 has been borrowed, he said, to aid in operating the schools last spring, when council advanced the full year’s appropriation to keep the system from closing when all state funds were stopped.

Usually the city borrows around $7000 in the fall to tide it over for the remainder of the year, since tax collections during the last quarter of the year are practically nil, he said. This money was borrowed as usual this year, but was not paid back, as has been the practice in the past, due to the fact that the entire year’s appropriation was advanced to the schools.

Although the mayor made no prediction as to future council action, it was believed that the “city fathers” would secure the remaining $400 needed by the schools when the city borrowing limit has been figured exactly. Only the $600 was borrowed, it was explained because the Council was sure this amount kept the debt within the legal limitations set by law.

Two months’ salaries have been paid local teachers this year by the state, and the city system is up with its salaries to date, despite the fact that the state furnished only four and one-half months’ salaries during the past school term  Salaries for the last half of the 1938-39 term were paid with funds provided the city board of education by the city. The state owes approximately$12,500 to the local school system.

GRAND FINALE FOR IRISHMEN

     By Billy Keith

Dublin High’s Irishmen, some twenty strong, invaded Douglas around noon today for their grand finale of the road session against the strong Pirates of Douglas. The kick-off was set for 3:30 with an overflow crowd expected to attend the classic, which, after some six or seven years brings the two teams together again on the gridiron battlefield, and a bitter struggle is expected to take place, getting off to an early start.

Comparing the season’s records of Dublin and Douglas gives each about the same number of games won and lost or maybe the Irishmen hold a slight edge in games won and lost and also enter the encounter slightly favored over the Pirates.

Coach Jarrard, Team Manager Chandler Beasley, and twenty players left for Douglas shortly after classes began today in order to be there and rest after the long ride before game time.

Facing the two days of workout, Coach Jarrard sent the squad through their final drills yesterday afternoon, which was light exercises, signal drills , punting, passing, and short wind sprints. 

The entire squad is in the best of physical condition, including Clarke and Morrison, who received injuries in the Statesboro encounter, and the full first string lineup will take the field for the opening kickoff. Making the trip are Morrison, Parrott, Baker ends; Walters, Smith, centers; Hughes, Pearson, Rowland, tackles; Gay, Bradshaw, Shepherd, Henderson, guards; Scarboro, Brunson, Brown, Smalley, Clarke, Harpe, Snider, backs.

The starting line-up:

Morrison – end

Hughes – tackle

Shepherd – guard

Gay – tackle 

Scarboro – quarterback 

Brown – halfback

Clarke – halfback

Smalley – fullback

Even though the Douglas game is the last regularly scheduled tilt of the season for the Irishmen, there comes a post-season encounter that has already taken the spotlight as far as local fans are concerned: on Friday, December 1st, the Dublin team plays host to its arch rival, Wrightsville, in a post-season battle which is slated to outdraw any game of the season.

Wrightsville was not scheduled at the first of the season, due to being on the blacklist. After a difficulty was straightened out, the post-season game was scheduled for the Dublin battlefield.

GRAND JURY ADJOURNED

Laurens County’s Grand Jury for the October Term of Superior Court, held over for several investigations during the week of civil trials, was in adjournment today after a two-day session. 

Eight true bills were returned by the jurors, and several investigations made into the affairs of county office operations before adjourning yesterday afternoon.

Following an investigation of the County Superintendent’s Office, the Grand Jury passed a resolution commending the County Board of Education and Superintendent Elbert Mullis for handling of county school affairs. All members of the Board and Superintendent Mullis appeared before the Grand Jury.

The jurors commended Sheriff I.F. Coleman for following recommendations made at the last meeting of the body pertaining to removing slot machines from the county and recommended that such devices be kept out of the county in the future.

They recommended that County Commssioners build a new jail and to have the Courthouse repaired. They added that the Courthouse should be cleaned up by county labor and that two janitors be employed to keep it “in a sanitary condition.”

Realizing that a law was passed by the last legislature to provide for consolidating the present three convict camps, the jury said that “we think it would be wise to build the camp on a permanent basis” and not a “make shift” affair as at present. The jury “strongly urged” that running water be provided at the new permanent camp to provide sanitary closets and baths for guards and prisoners.

T.C. Bobbitt of Dudley was foreman of the jury, and James L. Keen, Jr. was clerk.

Solicitor J. Roy Rowland, aided by Assistant Solicitor W.H. White, prepared information on criminal indictments returned by the Grand Jurors.

POST OFFICE TO CLOSE

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, being a National Holiday, will be observed by the Post Office.

All city and rural deliveries will be suspended for the day and no window service at the post office except the stamp window from 9 to 11 a.m. Patrons are requested to make note of the closing in order that as little inconvenience as possible may be caused.

This statement was issued by Postmaster M.J. Guyton.

FORMAL CITY ELECTION

Formal and official election of a mayor and four aldermen who were nominated in the Dublin City Democratic Primary of last August will be held on December fourth, according to an official notice by Mayor Charles A. Hodges.

In the August Primary, present Alderman Dee Sessions was nominated Mayor , and Aldermen P.C. Hutchinson, M.Z. Claxton, Milo Smith, and MartinWillis, all incumbents, were renominated to serve again.

December 4th balloting is the official confirmation of nominations which were made in August.

METHODISTS TO COMPLETE UNITY

The final step in cementing the three branches of Methodism in South Georgia will be taken in Macon at the 73rd annual conference opening Wednesday.

There is expected to be little formality as the three church groups carry out the unification process adopted at a uniting conference in Kansas City last spring.

The United Conference will be formed after the South Georgia Conference of the Methodist Church, South meets and transacts business remaining for it. Without any gap in the continuity, this group will be joined by members of the Methodist Episcopal and the Methodist Protestant churches in South Georgia.

Several matters are to come before the meeting, including reading of the assignment of ministers for the next year. Bishop J.L. Decell will preside.

Whether the open cabinet method of making ministerial appointments will be adopted has created pre-conference interest. By this method preachers have an opportunity to discuss their prospective assignments with the Presiding Bishop and his cabinet before the appointments are read.

Eight District Superintendents form the Bishop’s Cabinets: 

J.S. Sharp – Americus;

G.N. Rainey – Columbus

W.A. Kelly – Dublin

Silas Johnson – Macon

J.R. Webb – Savannah

C.G. Harber, -Thomasville

H.T. Freeman -Valdosta

F.M. Gaines – Waycross

COUNTY JOBLESS PAID

Unemployed workers in Laurens County were paid $117.15 in benefits by the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation during the week ending November 11, 1939, it was announced today. Number of payments is 21.

CADWELL TAKES DOUBLE HEADER

The Cadwell basketball teams scored a double victory over the strong Montrose basketeers in the Cadwell Gym last Friday night, the girls winning 32 to 24 and the Cadwell boys winning handily, 34-15.

Coach Wilkins Smith’s girls showed marked improvement over their last game. The Montrose girls were never in the lead but threatened in the last quarter when they came within one point of tying the score. However, the Cadwell “Bulldoggettes” came back strong to run up a comfortable margin. The Montrose team offered a strong offense which taxed the Cadwell guards to keep up with them.

The boys game was not so close and exciting as the girls as the Cadwell boys jumped to an early lead and were never headed.

Line-ups:

Girls:

Cadwell (32)

Smith, Bedingfield, Burch, Bracewell, Dixon, Evans

Montrose (24)

Thompson, Nobles, Hodges, Hodges,Payne, Thomas

Boys:

Cadwell (32)

Wynne, C.J.,Mullis, W., Beddingfield, Stevens,Wynne

Montrose (13)

Simmons, Heath, Towson, Williams, Cannon

ROCK THROWING CHARGES

Separate accusations charging malicious mischief were being drawn today by Solicitor Stanley Reese of the City Court of Dublin against a group of young Laurens County boys ranging in age from 13 to 18 years old.

Accusations were drawn on charges filed by members of the Georgia Highway Patrol’s sub-station here, it was reported.

Those listed in the accusations were Perry Garner, 18; John Evans, 18; Prentice Adkinson, 16; Trendle Hatfield, 17; George Hatfield, 13; and Hugh Holland, 17.

Corporal H.L. Beatty and Trooper Hooper said that they were called last night to the Bethsaida School on the Macon Highway on complaint of motorists that a group of youths were throwing rocks at passing automobiles. Troopers reported that upon investigation they had found these young men, listed in the accusations, and filed charges against them.

Sheriff I.F. Coleman said that he had received reports of the alleged rock throwing from several motorists.

HAMPTON MILLS BONDS

Hampton Mills Consolidated school bonds have been sold at the nice premium of 1.30 per hundred, D.W. Knight, secretary-treasurer of the newly created school district, said today. The bonds only bear 4 per cent interest, so the premium is regarded as a good one.

The bonds, $30, 390 of worth of them, were sold at $101.30.

Meanwhile, it was announced that contractors are busy figuring on plans for the buildings preparatory to bidding on the construction job. 

T.J.Lord is chairman of the new district board.

BIG REAL ESTATE DEAL

One of the largest real estate deals here in some time was announced today by Morton G. Mason, agent for the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, who said that Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Gettys have purchased the magnificent home and 60 acres of the land of the T.J. Pritchett Estate.

The home is located a short distance fromDublin on the Irwinton Highway. When built, the home alone cost $22,000, and it is a handsome brick building in first-class condition.

There was no official statement, but it is understood that approximately $25,000 is involved in the sale.

CHURCH NEWS

BUCKEYE CHRISTIAN CHURCH HOMECOMING

A Homecoming Service will be held at Buckeye Christian Church on Wednesday, November 22, bringing to a close a four-day series of services in the church with Rev. E.G. Orahood, pastor, in charge.

The services will begin on Sunday, November 18th, at 3:30 pm. On Monday and Tuesday evenings the services will be at 7:30 in the church.

The Homecoming Service will be at 11:00 a.m. and be followed by an old fashioned “dinner on the ground.” In the afternoon, the service will be at 3 o’clock.

FIRST NAZARENE SERVICE

Rev. Raleigh Johnson will preach onWednesday evening at 7:30 at the First Nazarene Church.

The public is cordially invited to come out and hear this strong preacher. The church is well heated and will be comfortable. The good, old-fashioned singing will be enjoyed.

You will always find a warm welcome here.

FIRST METHODIST WMS

On Monday afternoon the five circles of the First Methodist Church W.M.S. met in the church with an attendance of forty-two and  Mrs. E.L .Stephens in charge. 

The meeting opened with quiet music being played by the pianist. After the song, “We’ve A Story to Tell to the Nations,” the assembly was led in prayer by Mrs. R.F. Deese, after which Rev. Peacock gave the devotional.

Mrs. Claud Brantley reported on “The Functions of the Church Today,” taken from “World Outlook,” the missionary paper.

After the song, “Lead On, O, King Eternal,” Mrs. D.F. Sams gave an interesting talk on “Enlarging Horizons for the Protestant Church.” Then a special prayer was led by Mrs. W.A. Kelly for universal church unity.

Announcements were made of the meetings of the circles next Monday in the following homes:

Academy Avenue – Mrs. M.H. Blackshear

Bellevue Avenue – Mrs. George Morris

Calhoun Street – Mrs. Frank Pinkerton

Church Street – Mrs. Marvin Smith

Jefferson Street – Mrs. J.A. Attaway

DUDLEY NEWS

Miss Mary Lee Clark spent the week end in Cadwell as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Greenway. She will be most pleasantly remembered as Miss Marian Baker, head of the Home Economics Department here last year.

Classmates of J.P., Ouida, and Bobby Ussery extend to them sympathy over the loss of their brother, Dennis Ussery.

W.S. Williams, grandfather of Lewis, Alfred, and Louise Williams, is spending a while in their home.

The faculty of Dudley High School has chosen the play, “The Merry Matchmakers,” to be given at an early date. 

Misses Leila Allen and Julia Floyd visited Miss Allen’s parents in Macon on Friday afternoon.

Miss Sallie Raffield of Toomsboro is spending several days at the home of Buford Raffield.

Miss Nell Lister, secretary of Superintendent R.O. Powell, was the guest of relatives in Dublin during last week end.

Mrs. C.M. Page and Miss Nell Bales were the guests of Mrs. E.A. Dominy of Dublin on Saturday.

Friends of Joseph, Syibil and Janice Taylor sympathize with them over the loss of their mother, Mrs. Oscar Taylor.

Paul Coley of the tenth grade spent Thursday in Macon.

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Thompson of Thomaston visited Mr. and Mrs. D.O. Lord last Sunday.

E.C. Curry, father of Edna Earl and Luther, has been with his father, W.C. Curry of Excelsior, who is ill.

School will close for a two-day Thanksgiving holiday. The following faculty members will leave here to spend the holidays with friends and relatives:

Miss Margaret Rawls – Wrightsville

Miss Lena Allen – Macon

Miss Thelma Simpson – Richland

Miss Julia Floyd – Fizgerald

Miss Rassie Spiers – Dublin

Miss Nell Bales – Wrightsville

Miss Nann Moseley – Wrightsville

Miss Edith Chambless – Rentz

Miss Mary Lee Clark – White Oak

Mrs. W.C. Resseau – Milledgeville

J.L. Bridges – Statesboro

Charles King – Covington

HEAVY FINES

Augmented by four license case fines, collections at the regular post-week end session of Recorders Court today ran to the highest in several months.

Judge Dawson Kea revealed that total fines imposed amounted to $313 .25. Of this amount fines in four license cases totaled $195.75, including a 10 per cent penalty for failure to pay up before cases were made. Fines in other cases – the usual drunken, reckless driving and disorderly conduct – ran to $117.50, Judge Kea said.

In all, 15 cases were disposed of today.