KEOWEE COURIER NEWSPAPER COLUMN: LOOKING BACK! BY: JOHN "ASHTON" HESTER 2007-08.TXT Newspaper Issue: 08-01-07 100 YEARS AGO--July 31, 1907 Editor's note: On the front page of this issue of the Keowee Courier was a large chart with the headline "Apportionment of School Money for 1906-07." It listed all of Oconee County's 77 school districts, their enrollments, and their total income and from what sources. The districts were numbered from 1 to 76, except High Falls was 36 (A) and Midway was 36 (B). School districts with the highest enrollments were Seneca 520, Westminster 434, Walhalla 353, Newry 232 and South Union 206. Three school districts were tied for the lowest enrollment with 14 each. They were Cherry Hill, Rich Mountain and Smeltzer. The county's total enrollment was 6,399.Following are the 77 school districts, listed in order of their number--the numbers only going to 76, since High Falls was 36 (A) and Midway was 36 (B): Townville, Tokeena, Providence, Return, Bethel, Fair Play, South Union, Retreat, Block, Mount Tabor, Hopewell, Cleveland, Tugaloo, Unity, Toxaway, Holly Springs, Westminster, Clearmont, Richland, Bounty Land, Conneross, Oak Grove, Chauga, Zion, Neville, Walhalla, West Union, Speed's Creek, Friendship, Shiloh, Corinth, Stone Church, Cherry, Fairview, Wolf Stake, High Falls, Midway, Norton, Warsaw, Fall Branch, McKinney's Creek, Jocassee, Salem, Little River, Cheohee, Tamassee, Flat Shoals, Picket Post, Bear Pen, Cherry Hill, Village Creek, Bethlehem, Mill Creek, Whetstone, Double Springs, Belmont, Mountain Grove, Rich Mountain, Poplar Springs, Long Creek, Brasstown, Damascus, Pulaski, Seneca, Brewer, Fort George, Union, Reedy Fork, Ebenezer, Newry, Earles', Bear Swamp, Red Hill, Crawford, Fort Madison and Smeltzer. Items from "News from Westminster." by A.L. "Gus" Gossett: Melons are plentiful. . .Furman Poore has gone to South Union to be enrolled as a pupil in Prof. John Durham's singing school. . .Rev. Coke D. Mann, member of the Legislature from this county, was here last Saturday and preached in the Methodist church. Rev. Mr. Mann organized this church thirty years ago and assisted in clearing off timber and erecting the building. The Old Westminster Baptist church is also a sacred place in his memory, and he preached there Sunday night. . .Henry P. Boggs, editor of the Seneca Journal, was here yesterday. . .On Thursday Westminster's base ball nine went to Toccoa and played a match game of ball, resulting in a victory for Westminster by a score of 4 to This is the fourth game our boys have won from Toccoa this season. . .In a paragraph last week, under the heading "Tidings from Tugaloo" the statement was made that Miss Lula Boatwright, of Westminster, was married, which was incorrect. No doubt the correspondent, "B.E.," was misinformed. Miss Boatwright still enjoys single blessedness and is "heart full and fancy free.". . .W.E. Mason is building a barber shop for Ab Houston between the post office and the store room of Haley & Breazeale. It will be built of brick, with a plate glass front. Items from "What's Doing at Seneca." by Mattie (Mattye) Verner Stribling: Prof. H.P. Boggs paid a business visit to Westminster yesterday. . .And now it's the telephone again! "The combat thickens--on, ye brave!" (2007 editor's note: Mrs. Stribling gave no explanation for the previous remark.). . .Seneca base ball nine played a "double-header" on last Friday at this place with Townville and Central, resulting in a score of 8 to 4 and 15 to 7, respectively, in favor of Seneca. . .The presentation of "David Garrick" at the opera house on Friday night last was a big success. There was a fairly good house, the number being cut off, no doubt, by the storm and the intense heat. A good sum was realized for the Civic Association. . .C.H. Ellison opened formally his handsome hotel here on Thursday last. The house is a handsome brick structure, and is built on colonial lines. Items from "News Letter from Talley." by A.G.: Crops in this section are looking fine just now and the farmers are almost through with their laying-by. . .J.F. Fendley, of this section, has opened his school at Fort George. . .Miss Addie Grogan opened her school at McKinney's Chapel, in Pickens county, on July 15. Items from "Jottings from Jocassee.": The new church pews that have been recently placed in Mount Carmel church add much to the appearance and comfort of the church. . .The schools at this place opened the 15th and 22nd instant, the McKinney's Creek school under the management of Miss Earlie Kelley, of New Hope, and the Jocassee school under the management of Miss Annie Freeman, of Greenville. This is the third year that we have had Miss Kelley's service as teacher. Miss Freeman will be remembered as a teacher here five years ago. On last Wednesday C.H. Ellison, of Seneca, opened his new hotel, The Oconee Inn, and is now entertaining a large number of guests. This excellent hotel was destroyed by fire last year, and the public has greatly missed it. The new hotel, however, is superior in every respect to the old. "Hot Off the Bat!" Just in, a big line of Spalding's and Reach's Base Ball Goods, Bicycles and Bicycle Sundries.--Matheson Hardware Co., Westminster, S.C.T.J. Todd now has two catamount kittens caged in the City Market. A casual glance shows them to be quite pretty and as meek as the domestic kitten, but when disturbed they are as bad-tempered as little lions. They were captured recently on Poor Mountain, about three miles from Walhalla. J.R. Grubb has resigned his position as superintendent of the Walhalla Cotton Mills, and has accepted a similar position with the Williamston Mills. The Neville school opened July 22, with Miss Hattie Rutledge as teacher .The Blue Ridge Hotel, West Union, will be opened up on next Monday under the management of Mrs. Julia A. Rose. This property is now owned by J.J. Fretwell, of Anderson, he having recently purchased it from J.C. Shockley. There will be an all-day picnic at the Lawrence Ford on August 3d. There will be a big dance, and all dancers are cordially invited to be present. EIGHTY YEARS AGO--August 3, 1927 Item from "The News from the Coneross Section": The Sunbeam Society of Coneross Baptist Church will hold services at the county home with the inmates on next Saturday afternoon. All mothers who have children members of the Sunbeam Band are urged to encourage and send the children to Miss Lethie Barker's home. Miss Barker is the leader of the society. Mothers are invited to come with the children if they like. Mrs. W.F. Haynes will accompany Miss Barker to chaperon the children to and from the poor farm. SEVENTY YEARS AGO--August 12, 1937 Twelve dancers, well versed in the art of doing the new South Carolina novelty dance, "The Big Apple," are coming up from Anderson and will be at the WPA Hall, over Schumacher's Store, in Walhalla, to demonstrate to all who attend the dance at the hall on Friday evening of this week, beginning at 8 o'clock. Miss Katie White, director of the local recreation hall, invites those interested to come and join the fun of strutting, trucking and swinging. SIXTY YEARS AGO--August 1, 1947 A resident of the Midway section, C.A. Woodall, began action by petition to void the registration certificates of three voters in the recent election which brought Midway into the Walhalla city limits. The vote was 23-22 in favor. Excerpt from a Keowee Courier editorial (Roy F. Powell was editor and J.A. Gallimore was publisher): On the front page of last Friday's Anderson Independent appeared a by-lined story with the heading: Walhalla Mayor Denies that Speed Trap is Operated. In the story Mayor Arthur Brown denied the rumor put forth by the Independent reporter that the city of Walhalla "has inaugurated a speed trap to increase revenue." No doubt this made a good story for the Independent, which apparently likes to play up the sensational side of the news whenever possible, but it was in many respects an unfortunate thing for the city of Walhalla. Privilege records of the Walhalla police department plainly show that within the last seven months only 14 out-of-town motorists have been fined for speeding by the city of Walhalla. At two dollars a clip, just how fast would that increase Walhalla's revenue? FIFTY YEARS AGO--July 31, 1957 George Barnett was elected to serve as president of the Walhalla Merchants' Association for the 1957-58 term. He succeeds Harrison Orr who served during the past year. FORTY YEARS AGO--August 2, 1967 Walhalla police shook their heads and looked again Monday night when a two-foot- long young alligator turned up in the lost-and-found department. It was meandering gaily along South Broad street when a local resident spotted it, fashioned a rope leash around its head, and took it to the police station. Chief Buck Crenshaw said investigation revealed the critter was brought from Florida by a local family recently and escaped from its box. THIRTY YEARS AGO--August 3, 1977 Two Walhalla Winn-Dixie employees received awards for their years of service with the company. Johnie Nix received a 30-year pin and Leonard Wald received a 20-year pin. About 80 percent of the trunk line right-of-ways for the new county-wide sewer system have been secured, according to a report at the Oconee County Sewer Commission meeting. The highest July temperature in 25 years, 102 degrees, was recorded on July 8 by Walhalla weather observer Henrietta Brandt. The July temperature had not been so high since 1952 when 105 degrees was recorded. TWENTY YEARS AGO--July 29, 1987 Walhalla Town Councilman Bill Frady submitted his tentative resignation to Mayor Wayne Smalley, claiming the council has failed to take action to investigate some purchases he feels may be improper. TEN YEARS AGO--July 30, 1997 The new James M. Brown Elementary School has been completed and is awaiting the opening day of school. Approximately 750 students will be enrolled, making it by far Oconee County's largest elementary school. Dario Arenas, who compiled an outstanding record in middle-distance running while a member of the Walhalla High School cross-country and track teams, will be a member of a USA team of high school runners who will travel to Australia for a week of training, competition and sight-seeing. He was invited on the trip by the World Sports Exchange organization. Newspaper Issue: 08-08-07 100 YEARS AGO--August 7, 1907 Items from "Ebenezer News Notes." by E.S.G.: (2007 editor's note: Could "E.S.G." stand for "Ebenezer School Girl"?): The school at this place is in a flourishing condition under the management of F.J. Crider. . .The singing at Mr. and Mrs. S.H. Snead's Sunday afternoon was enjoyed by all. . .Crops are looking fine in this section, especially cotton. Items from "The News from Little River." by C.: J.L. Talley had the misfortune to lose a fine mare a few days ago. He had owned her for thirteen years, and it was highly prized by the family. Its death was caused from a snake bite. . . Miss Ruby Grant has charge of the Smeltzer school. She is one of our best teachers. . .Wm. Craig is teaching the school at this place. . .The crops in Jocassee are looking very promising. Baylus and James Burgess have especially fine corn. . .A severe wind passed over a part of this section last Thursday night, and did considerable damage to the crops on upper Little River. Items from "Local Notes from Richland." by C.S.: The lumber is being laid down at this place for the Farmers' Union warehouse. . .R.T. Jaynes is having a lot of work done on the old Rutha Stribling place, which he recently bought. We think the people of this section should take a lesson from such work- -cleaning off creek banks and clearing bottom land that has not been cultivated for many years, etc. Items from "From Bounteous Bounty Land." by E.M.D.: This section is suffering very much from the drought. The early corn crop is seriously injured. . .Some of the ladies of this vicinity have received a cordial invitation to can peaches on the halves at the home of John Davis, near Seneca. Those who accept this kind invitation are requested to take their fruit with them. . .Elijah Gillison, of Richland, was over to-day looking after his farming interests. His many Bounty Land friends are glad to learn he contemplates moving his family back to this vicinity in the near future. Items from "What's Doing at Seneca.": Seneca gardens and lawns are suffering from the long drought. . .In connection with the local in the Journal last week relative to the reason for the resignation of the late librarian, we are reminded of the following: Long ago, while studying the old Quackenbos Rhetoric, the lesson on punctuation gave the following: One man called another a liar. He was forced to make a public apology, which he did in this manner: "I said he lied it is true, and I am sorry for it." Imagine the surprise of the parties to see in the next morning's paper the following: "I said he lied, it is true and I am sorry for it." The good editor should watch how he places his commas! Items from "News from Westminster." by A.L. "Gus" Gossett: The ordinance of baptism was administered to sixteen converts at the Old Westminster Baptist church last Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Rev. S.A. McDaniel was assisted in the meeting by Rev. Langston. . .L.A. Tannery, proprietor of the Cash Bargain Store, is having a 30-foot addition built to his store room. . .Miss Ada Marett, who is teaching school at High Falls, was at home Saturday and Sunday. . .The Peden & Anderson Banking Company are having the old Masonic Hall fitted up for an office to be occupied by Dr. W.A. Strickland, who lately came here from Pelzer. . .A pleasant party consisting of T.N. Hall and family, L.G. Gaston, Mr. and Mrs. O.K. Breazeale and Miss Henrietta Gaston, leave Wednesday for a two weeks' camp on top of Poor Mountain, where Mr. Hall has a nice, comfortable house, which will accommodate the entire crowd. Mr. Hall has placed an ox cart at the disposal of the party, and they expect to make daily excursions to points of interest. . .Watermelon rogues are numerous this season. They always succeed in getting away with the biggest and best melons, but they are bound to leave their tracks. We will greatly appreciate information leading to the guilt of the four thieves who made a raid on our melons on the night of July 30. . .Westminster defeated Richland in a match game of ball on the afternoon of August 2 by a score of nine to three. In the first game, played at Richland on July 18, Richland won by a score of eleven to four. . .Jule J. Davis, of Bounty Land, passed through this section Monday, going to Long Creek. Mr. Davis was combining business with pleasure. He said he was going to the mountains to look after school matters, and was on a courting trip, too. Items from "The News in Brief from Whetstone." by P.M.: Our schools are progressing nicely under the control of Prof. Washington, of Ware Shoals, at Double Springs, and Miss Gussie DuPre, of Walhalla, at Whetstone. Both schools have a full attendance, despite the hot weather. . .Prof. J.R. Lyles, who is teaching at Oak Grove, visited relatives here Saturday and Sunday. Items from "Items from Ramsey's Creek." by W.I.D.: Dog-days have come and bear ticks are ripe in our section. . .We have enjoyed a good blackberry crop this year. . .The summer term of school begins at Cross Roads August 5th, with Miss Lou White as teacher. . .Laying-by is comparative over, and since we have had good rains, crops look very promising throughout the country. . .W.W. Burnside, of the Holly Spring section, has the best assortment of rare coins we have ever seen. In this collection may be seen the pocket- pieces representing nearly every nation in the world, also the American two-and- a-half-cent piece and a copper coin which is larger than our silver dollar. This coin bears no date or anything to represent its face value. It is supposed it was in circulation here during colonial days. . .W.H. Lee has the best tomato crop we have seen. He expects to engage in the canning business soon. The Farmers' Union Rally at Oakway will be held on August 21st.Frank Hamilton, of Laurens, has accepted the position of superintendent of the Walhalla Cotton Mills. Sidney Adams is the happy possessor of quite a handsome run-about automobile. He purchased it from an agency at Greenwood and "drove the beast" home in three hours and fifty-nine minutes actual running time. Watch out for Sid! The annual mountain excursion from Charleston will reach Walhalla on the afternoon of August 14th--next Wednesday. EIGHTY YEARS AGO--August 10, 1927 On Aug. 1st The Enterprise Bank of Walhalla, through its receivers, Geo. Seaborn and Broadus Thompson, paid the second dividend since the bank was forced to suspend business last December. The dividend was out of the stockholders' liability fund and was for 8 per cent on the original indebtedness, making a total payment so far of 18 per cent. The first dividend (10 per cent) was paid in April, and was paid from funds in hand and collected since the closing. Excerpt from a letter to the editor: I see in The Courier as how the boys in five trips cut down 3,800 gallons of beer--some 76 fifty-gallon barrels--down- stream, besides one 20-gallon barrel of the real stuff itself, and one 10-gallon barrel full. Now, Mr. Editor, it seems to me that if there are many more trips like that, the boys living below would need a regular Noah's Ark to keep their heads above the beer. SEVENTY YEARS AGO--August 12, 1937 The American Legion Hut is nearing completion. John Deal, who lays claim to being a real farmer as well as a sales auctioneer of wide repute, is declared the winner in the contest of showing the first open boll of cotton in Oconee county from this year's crop. Mr. Deal brought several open bolls to The Courier office on Thursday of last week, August 5. He is farming on Mr. Dick Biemann's place near Blue Ridge school, some three miles south of town. Cotton is looking good all over the county. The first melon in The Courier's big melon contest came in last Friday. It was grown by a fine young farmer who resides on Route One, Salem--Gairdy Hutto, and weighs 35 pounds. Superintendent of Education W.C. Hutchison this week announces that all contracts for bus routes in Oconee county have been let. Each driver underwent a rigid physical examination and driving test. (2007 editor's note: All of the drivers are listed in the Courier. Interestingly, they are all men.)A posse of officers captured and destroyed a large fifty-gallon still and complete outfit Tuesday afternoon about a quarter of a mile from Zimmerman school house. Deputy Sheriffs Seab Moss and Thad Wood and Rural Policeman L.F. Carter made the raid and destroyed about 800 gallons of mash. No operatives were caught. James O. Armstrong, 96 years old, one of the oldest residents of Oconee county and one of the two surviving Confederate veterans, died Sunday evening at 7:30 o'clock at the home of his son, J.P. Armstrong, of Ridgeland. The annual Lawn Party of the Lutheran Church will be held Thursday, August 12, on the lawn of the Parish House. If it is raining, the lawn party will be held in the basement of the Parish House. SIXTY YEARS AGO--August 8, 1947 Washday worries are a thing of the past with dozens of Chicopee mill employees since the installation of an automatic laundry system for their use. Now a twenty-five cent piece turns what had previously been an all-day job into a few pleasant minutes of waiting while the machines do the dirty work. The four machines were installed in a building on Lucas street a few weeks ago. Mrs. Ansel Knecht is attendant in charge of the laundry during the morning hours. A weather report from Miss Henrietta Brandt, official recorder for this area, reveals that during the month of July only .44 inches of rain fell. (2007 editor's note: The Courier tried to help alleviate the drought by printing the rain-inducing poem "Angel of the Rain" at the top of page one.)The first report on the progress of the drive for the Oconee county library came this week with the return of 41 signed petitions favoring the library from the Isaqueena school district. Petitions have been distributed to the schools throughout the county. FIFTY YEARS AGO--August 7, 1957 The annual Lutheran lawn party, for numerous years one of the area's most anxiously awaited events, will be staged Thursday starting at 7:30 p.m. on the parish house grounds. James Bell, a member of the Bounty Land 4-H Club, has been selected to perform his magic act at the State 4-H Talent Show at Clemson. Young Bell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Bell of Seneca, was Oconee county's 1957 4-H talent show winner. (He was pictured on page one of this issue of the Courier, performing his magic act.)FORTY YEARS AGO--August 8, 1967When football fans go to Memorial Field this season, a spectacular sight is waiting to greet them on the slope behind the south goal posts. Jewell Harper, one of the school's most avid boosters, conceived of the idea of placing huge letters to spell out RAZORBACKS across the bank. With the help of many volunteers, the letters were outlined with rocks, and purple and white petunias were planted inside of them. The North All-Stars lost 20-7 to the South All-Stars in the annual Coaches' Clinic football game Thursday night, but Walhalla High halfback Bill Darby won high praise for his performance as he scored all of the North's points. He caught a 51-yard touchdown pass and then kicked the extra point. THIRTY YEARS AGO--August 10, 1977 One observer said it was one of the prettiest gardens he had ever seen. Estimates are that the value of the "garden" was around $250,000. At any rate, the Oconee County Sheriff's Department found the large marijuana field in the Boones Creek section and made the biggest marijuana haul in the county's history. The raid was conducted by Sheriff Myron Green, Investigator Al Youngblood, and Deputies Jimmy Roach, Bill Jones and Raymond Pearson. TWENTY YEARS AGO--August 5, 1987 In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Walhalla National Fish Hatchery, an open house will be held at the facility on Sunday. Walhalla Town Councilman Bill Frady has withdrawn his resignation that he submitted at the conclusion of the July council meeting. TEN YEARS AGO--August 6, 1997 The fate of Walhalla's three old railroad cars will be considered by the City Council at their Aug. 19 meeting. Newspaper Issue: 08-15-07 100 YEARS AGO--August 14, 1907 Items from "Whetstone Items." by H.I.S.: The Three-State Lumber Co. is building a dam on Warwoman creek. . .P. Woodall, manager of the shingle mill, received a very painful wound on the hand from a shingle saw and is at home till he fully recuperates. . .Crops are looking fine after the much-needed shower yesterday. . .Peddling seems to be the leading business at present. Items from "News from Jocassee.": The Whitewater Inn is one of the most pleasant summer resorts in this section, and those who wish to spend a short vacation in rest and recreation will not find a better place to go. The fresh mountain breezes are not better in any other section in the world. . .The corn crops here in this fertile valley are fine and surpass any we have had for years. Items from "News from Westminster." by A.L. "Gus" Gossett: There is talk of Westminster being the most desirable place for a terminal station of the Southern Railway. According to some new laws and regulations which go into effect next March, compelling the railroads not to keep their employees on duty beyond a limited time, a terminal must be built at or between Seneca and Toccoa, as the distance is too great to Greenville. . .The Westminster Oil and Fertilizer Company are erecting a large metal tank. We understand it will hold 30,000 gallons of water. . .The Westminster Oil and Fertilizer Company are having the sprinkler system installed throughout their warehouse and buildings. . .Born unto Mr. and Mrs. W.L. England, on August 12, a son. . .C.H. Stonecypher returned from Atlanta Saturday, having purchased a full line of stationery, perfumery, etc. . . .The Stonecypher Drug Company have bought the corner lot where the meat market stands from the Peden & Anderson Banking Company, and will erect an elegant two-story brick building on it. . .The Westminster base ball boys went to Oakway Saturday and were victorious in a match game by a score of 20 to 1. . .Sumter Sprouse and Miss Katie Hood, both of Westminster, were married on July 21st. . .Our young friend, W.H. Cole, of near Oakway, remembered us with a melon one day last week while disposing of a lot on the market. . .The Westminster Graded Schools will open on Monday, September 2. The faculty is composed of Myron E. Brockman, superintendent; Misses Gussie Harper, Anna B. Rushton, Maude Stribling, Katie Harris and Mrs. M.E. Brockman. . .The health record in Westminster has been fairly good this summer, and let us all endeavor to keep it good by keeping everything clean about our premises. Items from "What's Doing at Seneca." by Mattie (Mattye) Verner Stribling: John L. McWhorter left Seneca on Monday for Anderson, where he assumes editorship of the Semi-Weekly Intelligencer. . .Now that the versatile, erstwhile editor of the Farm and Factory has left, we guess some of the rest of us will have a chance (at the news). . .Edward Mowry is visiting his brother at Norfolk, and taking in the great exposition. . .Miss Carol Herndon's party, on last Tuesday evening, was a charming affair in honor of her bright young guests, Miss Mary Sullivan and Maude Hammond. The young society set were out in full numbers. . .On Thursday evening a surprise party was held at Mrs. Luke W. Verner's, in which the older set took part. . .Unless Society set No. 1 bestirs itself, it may expect to be side-tracked by set No. 2, and that in short order. The latter has sacrificed everything (but their energies) in giving the visiting girls a good time, and they have succeeded beyond our wildest fancies. There have been picnics, parties (surprise and otherwise), rides, walks, etcetera, with tennis sandwiching the whole. Meanwhile the candy and cold drink man flourished as a green bay tree (not forgetting the jewelry man). . .And it's honk, honk, honk! We can't tell whether it's Willie Austin's or St. John Courtenay's beast, we suppose on account of ultra cultivation. . .John M. Barron and Frank Patterson have bought the stock of goods, etc., of C.P. Mills and will take charge to-day. Mr. Barron has been with "The Poor Man's Friend" several years as head clerk. Mr. Patterson has just returned from Alabama, where he conducted a successful business. Success to the new firm. The energy a small boy expends in a ball game would cultivate an acre of potatoes if attached to the end of a hoe handle. There will be an all-day picnic at Robinson's Shoals, on Little River, on August 23d. Public cordially invited to attend. Service on Rural Route No. 2, from Salem, began on August 1st. Jas. A. Robertson has been appointed carrier. EIGHTY YEARS AGO--August 17, 1927 The closing exercises of the Oconee County Lay-By Schools will be held at the High School Auditorium in Walhalla on Friday morning of this week, beginning at 10.15.2007 editor's note: Keowee Courier editor J.A. "Dick" Steck and Tugaloo Tribune editor A.L. "Gus" Gossett attended a banquet at Camp Jocassee (a girls camp), that was given by the camp authorities to promote the need for an adequate road system to Jocassee from Oconee and Pickens counties. Mr. Steck was so favorably impressed by the camp that he wrote a report that nearly filled a full page. However, he began his report by saying, "It is with a considerable degree of regret--we might say abject shame--that we admit that, having lived in this great portion of 'God's Country' for many years, we had never, until Wednesday of last week, visited Jocassee." He said approximately 100 girls from 11 states were attending the camp. The camp director was Miss Sarah Godbold of Columbia, and her sister, Miss Lucille Godbold of Columbia, was the athletic director. Items from "The Local News of Interest from Fair Play": The new high school building, which will be comprised of six class rooms, was started Monday, Aug. 15th. This building will be of brick, and it is hoped that it will be completed in 60 days. The patrons of our district are showing their loyalty to their school by hauling the brick, about two hundred thousand, from Westminster, a distance of 16 miles, free of charge. . .A complete list of teachers for our high school and the different grades of the Fair Play school was announced by Dr. W.C. Mays, chairman of the board of trustees. (The report goes on to list the teachers.)The ladies of the Lutheran Church will hold their annual garden party on Thursday evening of this week, beginning at 7.30, on the lawn of G.A. Norman's residence, corner of College and Mauldin Streets. SEVENTY YEARS AGO--August 19, 1937 Walhalla will get a new $75,000 post-office federal building. Not only is there a great need for a post office building in Walhalla, but other agencies who maintain county and district headquarters here are in need of office space: the Chattooga District of the Sumter National Forest, county farm office, public welfare department, etc. Defying all superstitions pertaining to the famous Friday the Thirteenth Jinx, the Walhalla Last Man Club met Friday, August 13, on Stumphouse Mountain. After refreshments were served a short business meeting was called and it was voted that we build a chimney to the American Legion hut. Then the fun began. The one single member was caused to stand under a ladder and hold a black cat in his arm while thirteen mirrors were broken over his head. The last I saw of Comrade Todd--the bachelor--he was singing "I Can Hear Those Wedding Bells Ringing Now. "The Courier's contest to learn the grower of the largest watermelon in Oconee county has really gained momentum. The first entry, as reported last week, was a 35-pound melon brought in by Gairdy Hutto, of near Salem. Then on Saturday T.L. Newell, of Walhalla, Route 2, brought in a Stone Mountain melon which tipped the scales at fifty-one and a half pounds. But the contest wasn't over--no sir! On Monday, T.L. Carpenter, of Seneca Route 4, in the Many Forks section, brought in a long green melon which weighed fifty-seven pounds. Redfern Pelfrey, clerk in the Sheriff's office, is fond of boating and fishing, and several months ago constructed a nice rowboat. But he decided there was a little too much labor in rowing, so he invented an easier method by which to propel his craft. He took an old bicycle, built the frame on the rear of his boat, using the chain drive to pull a propeller, and the handle bars to guide the boat by a rudder--and there you are! (The boat was pictured on page one of the Courier, with Albert Duke, nephew of Sheriff Sam Hunnicutt, operating it.) SIXTY YEARS AGO--August 15, 1947 Walhalla's historic Confederate and Wagener monuments were declared traffic hazards by the city council and ordered moved from their present locations on Main street (in the middle of the downtown area). They will be moved to safer locations. The Chicopee baseball club defeated Glenwood at Easley Wednesday afternoon 6-5 in the first game of a five-game final series play-off. The score was tied 5-5 after nine innings. In the top of the tenth, Spec Jamison, who got three hits during the game, knocked a home run for the winning score. One of the largest moonshine stills ever cut in this section of the state was brought in Monday morning by State Constable Waddy P. Grant and Rural Policeman Eddie Weathers, along with the two men operating the illegal outfit at the time of the raid. The 150-gallon capacity all-copper outfit was captured on the old Simms place in the Mountain Rest section. (2007 editor's note: A photo on the front page of the Courier showed the captured still outside the county jail, and the two men who were caught operating it were standing behind it, along with the arresting officers and the magistrate. Everyone--including the prisoners--was smiling!)The official opening of Dixie Home Stores' complete super market in Walhalla is planned for Thursday or Friday of next week. The "lower" Dixie in Walhalla is now being completely remodeled in preparation for the opening of a self-service market containing the most modern equipment available. FIFTY YEARS AGO--August 14, 1957 The Walhalla School cannery has closed for the season according to R.D. Poore. If anyone has anything to can, the Westminster or Keowee cannery should be contacted. FORTY YEARS AGO--August 16, 1967 The new four-lane highway between Walhalla and Seneca should be under contract by April 1 next year, according to Senator Snead Schumacher. Eleven towns in North Carolina, seeking to interfere with construction of Duke Power's nuclear generating station in Oconee county, questioned the Atomic Energy Commission's jurisdiction over a license application for the huge facility. THIRTY YEARS AGO--August 17, 1977 Although County Councilman Buddy Herring said at the last council meeting his study committee would have a recommendation for the location of a new county library or libraries at the next meeting, the matter was not mentioned at the meeting. TWENTY YEARS AGO--August 12, 1987 The highly successful Walhalla Farmers Market is now open on Saturday mornings in addition to Wednesday and Friday mornings. TEN YEARS AGO--August 13, 1997 A reception will be held at the Walhalla City Hall on Friday, Aug. 29 for Linda Kelley, who is retiring with 30 years of employment with the city. Walhalla's gift to the professional rodeo world, Brian Massey, is now the number-one bareback bronco rider in the International Professional Rodeo Association. Through July 9, the 25-year-old Massey had won $18,353.35. He was pictured on the cover of the August "Pro Rodeo World" magazine. Newspaper Issue: 08-22-09 100 YEARS AGO--August 21, 1907 Items from "From Bounteous Bounty Land." by E.M.D.: Several of our young people attended the dance at West Union at the Blue Ridge Hotel Friday night. . .Joe McDonald took a crowd of young men to the mountains last week. . .B.E. Bagwell was severely shocked by lightning Saturday afternoon. A tree in front of his veranda, where he was sitting, was struck. Mr. Bagwell was unconscious for a few minutes. Items from "News from Jocassee.": The Whitewater Inn is being filled with boarders. Quite a number have registered this week. . .There will be a box supper given at the Jocassee post office on the fourth Saturday night. This occasion will be indulged in for the benefit of Mount Carmel church, the proceeds going towards the purchase of an organ. . .There will be all-day services at Mount Carmel church the fourth Sunday in this month. Rev. W.J. Spearman, of Tugaloo, will preach at 11 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. Items from "What's Doing at Seneca." by Mattie (Mattye) Verner Stribling: The headquarters of the Postal Telegraph Company are being moved this week from the Doyle building to the Oconee Inn. The work is under the supervision of Joseph Sherrard. . .Seneca's water and light commission have finished their work, the former being left to the copious hand of the elements, the latter a compromise on kerosene street lamps at each corner. We are happy in the conclusion that, as we can't "get a puddin' we will take a pie". . .The continual passing to and fro of our capitalists and land agents proves the unrest occasioned by Seneca's continued boom. . .We have received repeated requests to urge the establishment of a family laundry in Seneca. So let some of our business men who are awake to Seneca's real needs furnish the proper spirit. . .Clarence Miller is at his post with W.J. Lunney, druggist, after a vacation of two weeks. . .We (Der Captain and I) had the nicest time yesterday when we repaired, with horse and buggy, to the country in search of a cow. (Der Captain is hard to please in a cow, the handsome specimens he has owned going to prove this fact.) We drove through the Fairview section, enjoying every foot of the road through this prosperous part of the county. We saw splendid crops and signs of comfort everywhere. We passed the homes of the Alexanders, the McMahans and Hubbards, et cetera, and with no disaster the fall harvest will be bounteous. Our mouths watered over the melon patches and the loads of frying-size chickens. From Fairview we drove to Walhalla, selecting the quietest, lonesomest route we could find. Items from "News from Westminster." by A.L. "Gus" Gossett: The Board of Directors of the Peden and Anderson Banking Company, at their last meeting, declared their usual ten per cent dividend, which will be paid on September 1. This bank has been in operation thirteen years, and has a capital stock of $20,000. W.P. Anderson is president. . .State Superintendent of Education O.B. Martin will address the citizens of Westminster at the school house on Tuesday, August 27, at 8.30 p.m., on the matter of establishing a high school here. As is generally known, the State has made an appropriation for high schools, and Prof. Martin is stimulating an interest in the work. Oconee county is entitled to two. There is one at Oakway, and Westminster is eligible for the other one. . .The colored Baptists have purchased a new bell for their church. It sounds very much like the tones of a "city" bell. . .We don't get much rain. . .A big crowd will attend the picnic at Oakway tomorrow. . .Work commenced last week on the Farmers' Union warehouse. Gallivan Building Company, of Greenville, are the contractors. The capacity of the warehouse will be 750 bales. The farmers intend enlarging the building later on. . .J.P. Keese and family are now residents of Westminster. They are occupying the beautiful home of J.S. Carter, "The Maples." We gladly welcome this esteemed family to our town. Items from "Items from Ramsay's Creek." by W.D.: The school at Cross Roads is progressing nicely with Miss Lou White as teacher. . .W.D. Barnett is teaching school at Mount Zion this summer. Items from "Notes from Red Hill." by H.C.: Little Misses Marie and Etta Bellotte, of Clemson, are visiting their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J.L.O. Fricks. . .Born, unto Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Owens, on August 15, a son. Hon. O.B. Martin, State Superintendent of Education, will meet the trustees and people interested in the proposed high school for Center township at Oakway on Wednesday, August 28, at 10.30 A.M., for instructing, inspecting and advising in regard to said proposed school. The County Commissioners are offering for sale the mules belonging to the county. The necessity for keeping these animals for work being ended for the present, it was deemed a matter of economy to sell them rather than feed them during a long rest period. The sale will be held at the Court House on Saturday, September 7.The ladies of the Walhalla Episcopal church will give a garden party at "The Cedars," on Main street, tomorrow night. Ice cream, cake and other refreshments will be served. The proceeds are to be used for the purpose of making improvements on the Episcopal church. EIGHTY YEARS AGO--August 24, 1927 The first open boll of cotton for this year's crop to come to The Courier office was brought on Monday morning by D.A. Smith. He took the boll from a two and a half acres plot of his above town. He expects to make two and a half bales on the two and a half acres. Item from "Scouting" by Grady Graham of Seneca: Dudley J. Kell reported the best Daily Good Turn for the week ending Aug. 13. His was "Swept yards and picked chicken for mother." See--a Scout is helpful. Item from "Bounty Land and Richland": James and Fay Moody, of the Rising Fawn Vegetable Company, shipped by express from Richland during their first four days of picking last week 15,000 pounds of tomatoes to Florida and other Southern markets. Item from "The News from the Coneross Section": Miss Bewley Hunsinger left last Thursday for Long Creek Academy, where she takes up her work as dean of the girls' dormitory and religious instructor. SEVENTY YEARS AGO--August 19, 1937 Redfern Pelfrey, clerk in the Sheriff's office, is fond of boating and fishing, and several months ago constructed a nice rowboat. But he decided there was a little too much labor in rowing, so he got busy and invented an easier method by which to propel his craft. He took an old bicycle, built the frame on the rear of his boat, using the chain drive to pull a propeller and the handle bars to guide the boat by a rudder--and there you are. Those who viewed the ingenious arrangement were skeptical, but in a trial voyage on Seneca River it proved to be successful. (Albert Duke, nephew of Sheriff Sam Hunnicutt, was pictured on page one of the Courier, pedaling the bicycle-propelled boat.)Item from "Our Schools" by Louise Brandt, Attendance Officer: There are several boys still who need a pair of overalls before they can attend school. Who has a pair which has been laid aside and will give it to put some ambitious boy into school? Item from "Fair Play": A school paper has just been issued by the students of the local school. Much credit is due to the editor-in-chief, Joe Glenn, and his corps of able assistants. It is to be issued monthly. The title of the paper is "The Fair Player. "Items from "Personal/Social" by Mrs. Harry Norman: Rev. R.R. Doyle, of Orangeburg, visited The Courier office, where he used to set type by hand thirty-five years ago. (2007 editor's note: The Courier's type was hand set until 1907 when they acquired a Line-o-type machine.). . .A number of Walhalla parties have been enjoying picnics and outings at the new Yellow Branch playground park on Stumphouse Mountain. . .One of the loveliest parties of the summer was given Friday evening by Miss Kitty Mann at the Manns' lovely summer home, "Liberty Lodge.". . .Miss Ursula Puckhaber was hostess to a number of friends on last Friday evening at a prom party. . .Mr. and Mrs. John Thode entertained the high school set with a delightful dance on Thursday evening at the Municipal pavilion in honor of their sisters, Miss Elaine Ulmer and Miss Betty Thode. SIXTY YEARS AGO--August 22, 1947 Six Walhalla area men last Friday completed a 24-day vacation trip to the West which took them over 7,000 miles. They constructed a "house" on the bed of a new truck, and equipped their room with bunks for six, comfortable seats, cook stove, and icebox. Making the trip were Dennis Hamby, Bruce, Boyd and Hoyt Nicholson, Fred Chastain and Sam Fowler. (The men and their truck were pictured on page one of the Courier.)Qualified voters of the city of Walhalla and the West End area outside the city limits will go to the polls Tuesday, October 7, to determine whether or not the new area will be incorporated into the town limits. The voting precincts will be at the city hall for those living in the city, and at J.J. Fincher's store for those living in the area of proposed incorporation. Mayor Arthur Brown and the Walhalla City Council agreed that traffic lights should be installed on the corners of College and Main, Catherine and Main, and Spring and Main streets. Plans call for the official opening of Dixie Home Stores' complete super market in Walhalla Thursday or Friday of next week. The "lower" Dixie in Walhalla is now being completely remodeled in preparation for the opening of a self-service market with the most modern equipment available. FIFTY YEARS AGO--August 21, 1957 Oconee's newest mountain recreational development, Chattooga Lake, is in the process of filling up. It is located off Highway 28 above Mountain Rest. The developers are J.T. Fowler, S.M. Fowler and C.L. Walling. Leaping flames struck early Monday morning at the Linley Lumber Company plant in West Union, destroying the "shavings house" for the second time in the past two years. FORTY YEARS AGO--August 23, 1967 One of the oldest residential landmarks that still stood in Walhalla disappeared from the scene this week with the dismantling of the Pike house, formerly the Smith house, located at the corner of East Main Street and Bullwinkel Drive. The earliest recorded mention of the house in the clerk of court's records is Jan. 10, 1866. How long it had been there then, no one knows. The World War I Club, 30th Division, will meet in Westminster on Friday, Aug. 25 at the Martin Restaurant. THIRTY YEARS AGO--August 24, 1977The latest engineering study of the new Walhalla Middle school indicates there are two structural problems that would "cause concern for the safety of the occupants," and eight more that "pose no immediate danger but require correction to ensure the proper function of the structure over its expected life. "Jimmy Dean Strickland won the club championship at Oconee Country Club for the second consecutive year. His father, Roy Strickland, won the first flight. Roy is also a two-time club champion. The champions in the Pee Wee Division were Marc Gaillard, 7-8-year old; James McCoy, 9-10-year old; and Tim Voyles, 11-12-year-old. TWENTY YEARS AGO--August 19, 1987 Preliminary plans for renovating the old Walhalla Depot have been completed, and a meeting of civic club representatives will be held to discuss the project. "We've got some very good proposals and it looks like a good project," Mayor Wayne Smalley told the Town Council. Michael Terry Martin, who teaches Resource students at Walhalla Middle School, has been named Oconee County Teacher of the Year. After an eight-month vacancy a new Walhalla Downtown Manager has been named. Vickie Satterfield assumed her duties as of Aug. 4. TEN YEARS AGO--August 20, 1997 Governor David Beasley presented a South Carolina state flag to James M. Brown Elementary School. The County Council unanimously passed the controversial land use plan on first reading "in title only," but also passed a resolution "in support of private property rights" to alleviate concerns of land use plan opponents who fear the plan might "open the door" to county zoning. The Walhalla City Council sold the city's three old railroad cars for $1,001 to Brent Mauro of Central, who said he plans to put them on the grounds of a restaurant. Newspaper Issue: 08-29-07 100 YEARS AGO--AUGUST 28, 1907 Items from "From Bounteous Bounty Land." by E.M.D.: Farmers are having ideal weather for gathering fodder, cotton, etc. . . .Wade C. Hughs, a promising young barrister of Greenville, and brother, Harry Hughs, also of Greenville, were in our midst yesterday. . .The number of people who were at the baptizing at Poplar Springs yesterday was estimated at between 800 and 1,000. . .Miss Annie McMahan stood a most creditable examination for entrance into Winthrop College, and will matriculate at its opening in September. Items from "News from Westminster." by A.L. "Gus" Gossett: The best home-made brick ever seen in Westminster are manufactured on Ramsay's Creek by C.E. Anderson. He has sold a great many here since spring, and all who use them are highly pleased. . .Late one evening early in the summer two travelers called at the Presbyterian manse and inquired of Rev. J.J. Harrell the way to Mrs. Jenkins'. It was getting dark and they borrowed Mr. Harrell's lantern for fear of taking the wrong road. They have not returned the lantern yet. Mr. Harrell later learned that no one called at Mrs. Jenkins' home at that time. . .The Farmers' Union picnic at Oakway on the 21st instant was a big success. W.M. Brown presided over the meeting. Probably 1,500 to 2,000 were present. Everybody had watermelons. The Hon. Wyatt Aiken, of Abbeville, was there. . .Westminster and Oakway played a match game of ball on the latter's diamond on August 21, resulting as follows: Westminster 29, Oakway 7. . .M.N. Mitchell killed a rattlesnake in his yard on August 20th which had 13 rattles. Mr. Mitchell lives on the Fair Play road, five miles below here. . .Furman Poore is attending Prof. Baker's singing school at Conneross. . .The largest melons seen in this section this summer were grown by J. Wade Dickson. He grew several weighing 76 pounds. He planted half an acre and has already realized over thirty dollars from the ones he put on the market. . .Cotton has commenced opening very rapidly. J.W. Vissage reported open bolls last week. He farms on the Lawrence place, one mile from town. . .G.W. McConnell speaks of going out of the hotel business soon. He is offering for sale his hotel fixtures and his automobile. Items from "News from Seneca." by Mattie (Mattye) Verner Stribling: J.T. Simpson (the Katzenjammers' Mr. Fat Simpson) is the first Seneca citizen to buy an automobile. Mr. Simpson drives his machine with perfect skill. It is true he committed a few depredations at first, such as running over his cow, tearing down his fence, etc. . . .A number of Seneca society people attended the dance in West Union last week. . .A large number of Senecaites attended the big picnic at Oakway last week. Long Creek School Honor Roll. - The following is the honor roll for our school for the month ending August 16th: Minnie Barker 95, Icie Cannon 97, Elsie Holmes 97, Grover C. Lee 97, Ida Phillips 97, Glen H. Reynolds 97.--J.W. Reynolds, Teacher. The music school now being taught at Conneross Baptist church by McD. Baker will give its closing exercise on next Saturday, August 31, from 2 till 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Will J. Rogers, one of the old Courier boys, now of Evansville, Ind., paid us a brief, but pleasant, call last Friday. He, with his family, were in Oconee for a short visit to his parents, Capt. and Mrs. Leonard Rogers, who live near Salem. He is now, and has been for years, foreman of the Evansville Standard, one of the largest dailies of the Hoosier State. Will is one of the many Courier boys in whom we take an unceasing interest and feel a pardonable pride. From the tall, straight and handsome lad, he has grown into a tall, straight and handsome man. J.L. Lone, colored, was the first this year to hand to The Courier office an open cotton boll. He is working lands of R.T. Jaynes, and is proving himself quite a successful farmer. J.R. Earle has begun the erection of a concrete building on Short street, adjoining the property of J.W. Shelor. We understand the first floor of the building will be occupied by the Oconee News and the second floor will be arranged for office rooms. John L. Hamby has the contract for erecting the building. (2007 editor's note: This building was immediately to the east of the Keowee Courier building. It was taken down in 1959 and the building which presently occupies the site was constructed.)Fahnstock's Dental Rooms, over Craig & Verner's store, Wednesdays and Saturdays. E.M. Gunning, of the Hemphill Manufacturing Company, Pawtuckett, R.I., is in Walhalla this week installing "The Banner," a new knitting machine, in the Oconee Knitting Mill. It is adapted especially for the manufacture of plated and double-sole hosiery for men. A lot of these machines have been bought by the Oconee Knitting Mill, which intends soon to place on the market a high grade of half hose as well as children and misses' hose. Item from "The News from Fair Play.": The trustees and patrons of the Reeder's Ford School have secured the services of Cadet Clinton Harris to supply the vacancy caused by the illness of their teacher, Miss Dora Glymph. EIGHTY YEARS AGO--August 24, 1927 Editor's note: In this issue of the Keowee Courier, notes from seven students in the "Lay-By School" in Tamassee were printed, thanking editor J.A. "Dick" Steck for sending them copies of the newspaper. The students were J.D. Jones, Lawrence Sims, Arthur Sims, Holleman Burrell, Albert Grant, Ruby White and Pauline Grant. The teacher, Emmie G. Wright, wrote a longer letter. Mr. Steck wrote a reply, praising the work being done by the Lay-By Schools. Following is an excerpt from his reply: "These schools are sometimes called 'Opportunity Schools' as well as 'Lay-By Schools.' The 'lay-by' comes, of course, as a result of the fact that the sessions are held at a time when crops are being 'laid by,' this being probably the only time some of the pupils could possibly attend. "August 31, 19272007 editor's note: An article in this issue of the Keowee Courier, with the headline "Awards to the Pupils of the Lay-By Schools," began, "The following students received perfect attendance buttons for attending every session of the Lay-By Schools during the summer of 1927:" It then listed the names of those students in the following schools: Walhalla, West Union, Keowee, Tamassee, Oconee Creek, Providence and Fair Play. Another school, Corinth, was still in session. Most of the females had "Mrs." before their names. The article further stated, "The prize offered this summer by Miss Wil Lou Gray for the best note book submitted by a student of the Lay-By Schools of Oconee County was won by Mrs. Myrtle Morgan, Oconee Creek school. She is 33 years of age and a perfect attendance pupil." Three students received honorable mention. They were Essie Cheek of Fair Play, Mrs. Beatrice Sheppard of Tamassee, and Evelyn McCall of Oconee Creek. SEVENTY YEARS AGO--August 26, 1937 The Luther League of St. John's Lutheran Church attended its annual camp, July 26-30, at Tamassee. The tents were pitched in a grassy pasture at the foot of a hill near a spring. There were twenty-nine campers, with Rev. and Mrs. Ben M. Clark, Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Brandt as chaperones. The West Union school will begin its 1937-38 session on Monday, Aug. 30 at 9 a.m. The school will again operate under the rental textbook system. Teachers for the session are Mrs. G.H. Dunlap, Mrs. Ernest Rowe, Miss Clara Smith, Miss Evelyn Ritter, and E.B. Morse, principal. The Lone Pine Service Station, handling Texaco products, has been reopened under new management. Mr. V.C. Boylston is now in charge. The employees of the Walhalla post office and their families enjoyed a fish fry at Yellow Branch Park on Thursday evening, August 19. Village Carrier Henry C. Brandt lived up to his reputation as "one who knows how to fry fish." Substitute Charles E. Barker gained the reputation, we believe, of Walhalla's best lemonade maker. The new Oconee State Park, in its first season, has already proven itself to be a popular spot with the summer vacationist and tourist. The paved road all the way to the park has given impetus to the number of visitors. Miss Emma Rankin, of Tamassee, is probably one of the oldest, if not the oldest postmistresses in the United States. "Miss Em," as she is affectionately known, was born December 31, 1854, making her eighty-two years old. She was appointed postmistress at Tamassee on December 12, 1912 and has served ever since that time. Prior to that she taught in the Oconee county schools for twenty-seven years. She lives with her sister, Miss Jane Rankin, who is four years younger than her, at a beautiful country home directly across the highway from the post office at Tamassee. They have spent their entire lives in this home. SIXTY YEARS AGO--August 29, 1947 In 1870 two Abbott brothers, Eabrum and Ben, left their native Oconee county in mule-drawn covered wagons to settle in Dallas, Texas, and during that trip something happened that has become a local legend. They carried a dog with them, but when they reached the Mississippi river it ran away. Eabrum and Ben later learned that the dog had returned to the old Abbott home place in Oconee county, which is now (in 1947) known as the Fennell place. Last week that legend was confirmed by Eabrum Abbott's son, George W. Abbott, who resides in Dallas and was making his first visit to Oconee county. He said he had heard his father tell that story many times. George and his wife were visiting Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Abbott and family. The Chicopee Chix baseball team defeated Glenwood three straight games in the finals of the Shaughnessy playoffs to win the championship of the Blue Ridge Textile League. For the past several years Chicopee had not had a team, due to the war, so they had to build their team this season from the ground up. FIFTY YEARS AGO--August 28, 1957 West Union elementary school opened for the 1957-58 session with the following faculty: Miss Clara Smith, principal; Mrs. Wilma Murphree, Mrs. Connie C. Hunter, Mrs. Thode Elliott, and Mrs. Mena B. Addis. One of Walhalla's oldest landmarks, the old Gurney home at the corner of East Main and Ann streets, is in the process of being taken down. It is believed to have been built by one of the early settlers in the 1850s, but has been added onto through the years--with some parts put together with wooden pegs and other parts containing nails. The property is now owned by the Gulf Oil Company. FORTY YEARS AGO--August 30, 1967Paul Sullivan, a 73-year-old retired farmer who lives on route one, Westminster, is capable of writing with both hands at the same time. Moreover, he can write backwards as well and as rapidly as forwards. THIRTY YEARS AGO--August 31, 1977 Mayor Bob Gaillard is proposing that the Town of Walhalla donate a vacant lot on South Broad Street, between Chestnut and Pine streets, to the county for a new county library. A County Council study committee headed by Buddy Herring is expected to present its recommendation for a library site at the next meeting. The congregation of Southside Baptist Church of Walhalla broke ground for a new sanctuary on Highway 11 just out of Walhalla. (2007 editor's note: The name was later changed to Scenic Heights.) TWENTY YEARS AGO--August 26, 1987 The renovation of the old Walhalla depot and development of the surrounding property took a step toward becoming a reality, as the Town Council voted to proceed with detailed architectural drawings and then advertise the project for bids. After serving as the Seneca pay station for Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative since February of 1947, Seneca Hardware ceased being used for that purpose at the end of July, as Blue Ridge opened its new complex just three miles west of Seneca. During those 40-plus years, the store collected hundreds of thousands of electric bills. In appreciation, Blue Ridge presented the owner, J.F. "Cookie" Dean, a commemorative plaque. TEN YEARS AGO--August 27, 1997The County Council and School Board reached an agreement for transferring the old South Pine Street Elementary School to the county for use as an office building. Although the Oconee School District's $46,277,651 county-wide building program is complete, there is still more to be done. Topping the list is Tamassee Elementary School, where the School Board seems to be leaning toward constructing a new school but has not ruled out extensively renovating the present building.