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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Dec 31, 1957
Page
2
The 1957 year saw record rainfall and deadly tornadoes across Morgan and Cullman counties. Flooding began January with rivers running high, winds and rain devastated crops, and three deaths were linked to floods. A disaster area was declared in Morgan County after the April twister path.
Morgan County plans a second drive on Feb 3 to immunize school children and those not in school at the health office. Cash prizes will go to classes with full 100 percent student vaccination. Parents must give written permission. buses may be used with authorization.
AP briefs: Clyde McReynolds retires after 59 years with Colorado Springs city government but remains on duty as snow limits travel while serving as caretaker for two city reservoirs on Pikes Peak.
A note of concern describes the rough period for area commerce as owners face tight budgets and wary customers. No definitive closures are confirmed, but the mood is cautious as shops negotiate slower sales and rising costs.
Sonny Kyle Livingston Jr., 20, was sentenced to 60 days in jail and fined $10 plus costs after pleading guilty to carrying a concealed loaded pistol. He had been acquitted earlier in the church bombing case and appealed the ruling. Livingston said threats to his life prompted the defense. City Judge Eugene Lee ruled the weapon charge required a permit.
A former University of Arkansas president and other officials voiced disappointment in a foreign students exchange program, calling it modest. They urged bolder action, with estimates for needs far above current funding. Sen Mansfield said the plan marks progress and acknowledges U S lag in science and education.
The article recalls a brutal year of fires across the area. A man died after a blaze that killed his daughter-in-law and grandchild. A cottonseed storage house at Decatur Cotton Oil Co burned on Oct. 29, with losses estimated up to 250000 dollars. Fire damaged Why Not Cafe on Oct. 1, closing for weeks, with about 5000 dollars in losses. Major blazes hit South Limestone Co-op near Belle Mina and P. J. Woodard department store in Cullman, causing 75000 and 85000 dollars in damages respectively. A February 21 fire hit Payne's Fruit Stand on Highway 31 South, injuring owner Don Payne executive described.
Local 118 197 construction permits issued and totals over six million dollars with major projects at Decatur General Hospital and multiple schools. Despite a rising unemployment figure, overall business remained buoyant through Christmas while farm losses and wet weather trimmed certain months.
Walter Penney has long been in business with his son Walter M. Penney at Penney Realty Co. He and Miss Lytle Rankin married in June 1907 and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their home 506 8th Ave SE, with many old and young friends in attendance.
A blaze on March 9 at W. G. Peebles's flame barn in Mooresville killed about a hundred dogs. On March 13, a barking alert woke Mr and Mrs Sam Plant as flames engulfed their Trinity area home. Earlier, on November 9, the Greystone Cafe building’s upper floor on Sixth Ave was damaged by fire.
Community notes provide brief snapshots from local groups including upcoming events and reported projects. The item highlights residents, venues, and activities in the area with a focus on civic engagement and neighborhood life.
First Christian Church at Moulton Street and Fourth Avenue holds Watch Night services from 11 30 p.m. to midnight led by minister Robert E Shaw with public invited. Sheriff's reports one arrest last night for violating prohibition law. City recorder docket includes three cases for disregard of stop sign disorderly conduct and intoxicated on a public street. Firefighters answered a grass fire on Chenault Drive with no loss. A car driven by Billy Joe Shirley wrecked on Washington Street. front end and top damaged. driver not present.
The council approved water rate increases across multiple classifications with a 10 percent hike on the three lowest. Minimums for a 5-8 inch meter rise to 2.20 dollars, while sewer charges adjust to 60 percent of water use with a 1.35 to 2.75 dollar range. The plan includes four new one million gallon daily filters, new pumps, extended mains, and two elevated tanks, plus a dual service transmission line. The expanded system targets 48,000 residents and may be adequate until 1980, with potential outgrowing by 1970 to 1975.
Health Department figures show for January to November 1957 Morgan County recorded 1 409 births and 461 deaths in contrast to 1 378 births and 475 deaths in all of 1956 indicating births outpaced deaths by more than three to one month by month. Final 1957 totals were expected to rise with December figures.
Mr Penney longtime Westminster Presbyterian Church elder and Clerk of the Session for over 15 years. He helped found the Decatur Kiwanis Club and belonged to the Knights of Pythias Lodge. His generous civic work and faith were noted in the tribute.
Cotton inch middling at 34.50. Decatur foan 32.79. Cottonseed 25.00 ton. Milk grade A 6.33 per hundred. Manufactured milk 3.20 per hundred for four percent. Poultry and grains prices listed for corn, oats, soybeans, and wheat. Cattle and hogs shown with weight ranges and price bands. Sows 14.00-14.50.
New York stocks rose in heavy year end trading led by gains in aircrafts steel rails chemicals oils and motors. Analysts call the move a technical reversal from oversold conditions with money ease improving as U S Treasury bill rates fall to the lowest since August 1956.
AP dispatch notes Alabama broiler prices steady with moderate trade and limited plant operation. North Georgia live poultry markets show balanced offerings, fair to good demand, prices for broilers 17 to 18 cents at farm, 18 fob plants, hens around 20 to 22, turkeys few to report.
Wholesale egg prices in Birmingham for 24 hours to 10:30 am Tuesday show large eggs down as much as 6 percent while mediums and smalls hold firm. Demand ranges from slow to good with ample local and northern supplies, delivered prices for whites and mixes vary by size and quality.
Mixed livestock bids from Georgia to Florida show hogs at 18 to 19.50 and cattle varied by grade with 600 lb yearlings around 23, bulls 18.50 to 19, calves 18.50 to 24, and sows around 14. Cattle and hogs in Nashville posted steady to weak trade while fruitful bids appeared for No 1 2 and 3 weights in regional markets.
The text notes that both birth and death statistics in 1957 will be well over those reported for 1956, indicating a significant upward trend in vital records.
Admissions and patients listed by hospitals in Athens Elkmont Madison Harvest Anderson and other towns. Names include Mrs Alvin Gooch Mrs Robert Harris Mrs Walter Walker infants and children along with physicians and families.
A list of discharged individuals includes Mrs Dover Myers of All State Trailer Cts Falkville and Mrs John Evans of Decatur. Also discharged are Richard Allen Thompson of 1417 Cypress St SE and infant Donna Kay Stewart of Decatur. Other discharged names include Mrs William A Wood with infant son 1801 Somerville Rd Master William Gates 2006 12th St SE Mrs D Cooper Hartselle Mrs Isaac D Cockrell Decatur Mrs Fred Terry Courtland and Mrs Orville Smith Adams Apts.
A register lists several residents and addresses including Mrs. H. D. Matthews, 1216 8th Ave SE, and Mrs. Homer Murphy, 2208 Willow Ave SW, along with others in Decatur, Somerville, Hariselle, and Trinity. The document notes dismissals connected to multiple households and individuals.
A list of residents is provided including Mrs. Edward Liles of 1118 8th, Mrs. Hansel Alexander of Box 251 Courtland, Mrs. H. F. Peeples 220 Somerville Rd SE, Master John Halbrooks 203 7th Ave NW, Little Diane Ayers 715 Sykes St NW, and Mrs. H. A. Dyer 1609 Chestnut St SE.
Mr and Mrs Joseph Little of 114 1-2 NE Walnut St welcome a daughter born today at Decatur General Hospital. Mr and Mrs Willard Morgan of 307 11th Ave NW greet a daughter born yesterday at Decatur General Hospital. Mr and Mrs William Fant of 216 Jackson St report a daughter born yesterday at Baugh Wiley Smith Clinic. Mr and Mrs Edward Liles of 1118 8th Ave SE celebrate a son born today at Bank Street Hospital.
Cullman County logged 12 auto deaths, Morgan 6, Limestone 12, and Lawrence 10, totaling fewer fatalities than 1956 and 1955 levels. The District office will soon provide a full injury round-up as state figures lag.
The record notes a lamb price of 22.00 and utilities at 18.60 in a market update. An editors note states the market will open but no report will be issued.
New York reports all U S securities and commodity markets will be closed tomorrow for New Year’s Day. The London Stock Exchange stays open while the London Metals Exchange and Liverpool Cotton Exchange observe the holiday. Several American commodity exchanges operate only half a day today.
President Eisenhower, with Budget Director Percival Brundage and James Killian Jr., nears a 74 billion dollar 1958-59 budget. Space-age weapon costs loom in next year’s spending as the first family plans a quiet New Year’s Eve at the Gettysburg farm. Susan Eisenhower marks her sixth birthday.
A series of petty thefts were reported to police yesterday with items missing including shoes a jacket and a lawn mower. Three boys allegedly took shoes from the Church St Bargain Store. Floyd Swope reported a gray zipper jacket stolen from Lakeside Park. Co C Patterson said a 21 inch red and green lawn mower was taken from an outhouse since Christmas.
Electricity supply at corporate limits is cut off for all residential commercial and industrial customers. Rural areas outside the corporate boundary are served by the rural power cooperative.
A Sunday night break in at the Alabama state liquor store in Andalusia netted several cases of expensive whisky. Cashier W R Eubanks said the burglars took some of the store’s highest priced stock, though the total loss was not disclosed.
Governor James E. Folsom named a Montgomery restaurant leader to the state board of publicity and information yesterday. The appointee will join the Alabama agency to promote tourism and public affairs.
Police report 75 wrecks this month bringing yearly total to 652 with 367 injuries and five deaths in auto crashes across the four county area. Sgt. Little praises public traffic cooperation during holidays and urges continued safe driving into New Year, especially from teens.
Lost: Men's gold Elgin wrist watch from near Commercial Credit on Monday. Reward offered. Call EL 3 7047 with found item. Also lost: fountain pen engraved name. Contact 52410. FOR RENT: furnished two room apartment, $75 per month. Phone EL 3 086 night EL.
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