Refuge Reaches New Heights in 1961 at Wheeler Refuge
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge recorded its best year in 1961 with 1 871 free hunting permits issued and large game harvests including 4 481 squirrels 260 crows and 62 foxes. The year saw notable bird sightings the collapse of Wheeler Dam’s lock wall affecting water levels and a record crop year with 6 350 acres in agricultural production valued at about 134 000 dollars. Renowned staff changes included retirements and new hires while upgrades to radio communications aided patrols.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Harvie Fowler
Refuge
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Slaughter’s Landing
Bluff City
Redstone Reservation
Wheeler Refuge
Americas
David Hulse
Alabama
Wheeler Dam
Flint Creek Island
Planning Board Keeps Decatur Growth in Order in 1961
The City Planning Commission under Bill McLaughlin kept the city in order by approving subdivisions and rezonings to fit owner needs. The Decatur Housing Authority received approval to study redeveloping blighted areas in 1962. A highlighted long range land use plan guides future growth and zoning revisions, with continued steps for orderly Decatur development.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
City Planning Commission
Bill McLaughlin
Decatur Housing Authority
City Commission
Decatur
Commission
Aliens Must Register in January Says Decatur Postmaster
Decatur Postmaster I E Self announced a January registration drive for aliens not citizens. He expected about 100 registrants in January 1962, slightly fewer than 1961. Forms are available at both post offices and must be filled in person.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Decatur
E. Self
United States
Jannuary
Self
Year of health abundance and animal value noted
The text praises a year described as among the best for human health prosperity and happiness and among the best for wildlife of value and interest to humanity. It emphasizes the positive impact of health and natural life on society.
Fever Married More Stayed Put In 1961
Morgan County records show marriage licenses and divorces fell short of 1960 figures. A total of 568 licenses issued in 1961 versus 582 in 1960, and 162 divorces in 1961 compared with 166 in 1960. June and August led licenses and August led divorces. January and June each had 16 divorces.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Morgan County
Chancery
Decatur Chamber of Commerce Veterans a Banner Year 1961
The Decatur Chamber of Commerce reports 1961 as its best year for committee activity with several achievements. A new four color city map to debut January 5 1962 and two highway billboards directing motorists to Decatur were completed. Membership surpassed 700 and a six week pilot supervisor training program ended with 20 graduates. The Aviation Committee pushed runway extension at Pryor Field and new directories and industry lists were published. The chamber notes ongoing publicity and strong annual dinner support for 1962.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Decatur Chamber of Commerce
Tennessee
Tri-Cities
Decatur
Chamber
Aviation Committee
Airport Board
Pryor Field
O. S. Hagerman
Décatur
North Alabama Associates
North Alabama
Chamber of Commerce
Decatur Post Office Posts Record Revenue Growth in 1961
Decatur Post Office reports 1961 revenue of 399 433.05 through December 26, up from 395 931.20 in 1960 and 377 375.49 in 1959. Adds two auxiliary routes, one becoming regular in 1961, plus a new full time clerk. Plans 1962 construction of a three story post office near the civic center with funds over 1 300 000. Construction expected to start in 1962.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Decatur
I. E. Self
Decatur Post Office
Civic Center
Well St
Federal
General Service Administration
Washington
Well, Ferry, Cain
Cherry Streets
Andi
County Arrests Show Big Gain in 1961 County arrests rise in Decatur and Morgan County
Law officers reported a record number of violators jailed or ticketed in 1961. Unofficial counts show about 3,100 jailed through 11 months, with December averaging 280 holds, and Morgan County jail projected near 3,500 for the year. Traffic fines dominated, with 982 for disregarding traffic signals, and a long list of other offenses including drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and various parking violations.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Decatur
Morgan County
Recorder
Pack Self
Decature
Postmaster Praises Smooth Holiday Operations
A statement from Postmaster Self credits the postal service for maintaining a smooth operation during the holiday season. The remark highlights efficiency and teamwork within the department amid busy mailing volumes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Self
Over 55 000 Use City Parks In 1961 Decatur Report
The Decatur Park and Recreation Board reports 55 000+ attended seven supervised playgrounds during 1961. White and Negro parks listed with 5 125, 3 126, 4 855, 10 810 and 9 815 respectively. Picnic areas served over 59 000, with Delano Park softball drawing 14 000 fans.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Decatur
Decatur Park and Recreation Board
Austinville
Delanoyard Riverside
Walter Jack
East End
West Side
Westlawn
Pop Oliver
Buena Vista
Lakeview
Fourth Avenue West
Gordon Dr. W
Cherry St
Delano Park
Traffic Deaths Mount To Two In 1961
In 1961 Decatur saw three traffic fatalities on local streets, including John Edmonson a 28 year old Black man killed April 9 when his car hit a concrete bridge stanchion, Mrs Gussie Deese and Mrs Fleming Isley in a May 17 two car collision, and Buddy Wallace who died after a December 27 crash into a canal.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Decatur
John Edmonson
New
Tennessee River
Frazell Burleson
Market St
Edmonson
6Th Ave
Cosbie St
James Edward
Buddy) Wallace
4Th St
Marvin Ralph
Tutt) Stover
Highway 20
Lakeside High School
Wallace
Decatur General Hospital
Stover
Ollie Ringo
Wilson St
Decatur School Enrollment Surges As Additions Expand Capacity
City system enrollment reached 6,424 at the end of the third month, up from 6,005 in 1960, with over 400 more pupils during Christmas and more than 500 above 1960-61 by year end. Seventeen classrooms and new facilities reduced double sessions but crowding persists. 248 teachers now serve the district, with continued growth expected.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Decatur
H. R. Leeman
Decatur Junior High
Walter Jackson
Austinville
West Decatur
Decatur High School
Leeman
Decatur Park and Recreation Board Charts Banner Year
The Decatur area welcomed over 19 000 visitors near Paradise Swimming Pool and at Blue Haven the season total revenue reached 6497 98 Plans for next season call for more play equipment and facilities as the board aims for another successful year providing recreation for Decatur and area.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paradise Swimming Pool
Blue Haven
Decatur Park and Recreation Board
Decatur
Ten Die By Violence In Morgan County 1961 Record
Ten persons met violent death in Morgan County in 1961, four more than 1960. Two men were tried and found guilty. two are in Morgan County jail facing first or second degree murder charges. Among those jailed or released on bond are John ny Cooper, Alvin Lyle Jr., Robert Horton, Herbert Dotson, Leonard Stover, and Otis Eugene Trammell tied to various late 1960s killings.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Decatur
Morgan County
Leo McDaniel
Jel
Arizona Jackson
Johnny Cooper
Cooper
Robert Lee Draper
McCartney St. NW
Alvin Lyle Jr
Flat Rock
Walter Davis
Huntsville
Vine St
Robert Horton
Lewis Davis
Lacey
Spring
Whitesburg Bridge
Herbert Dotson
Floyd L. “Nuggy” Pirtle
Lafayette St
Pirtle
Dotson
Leonard Stover
Mack Gill
Moulton Heights
Otis Eugene Trammell
Erskin Brown
City Cemetery
Edward C. Riddle
Somerville
Billy van Jennings
Riddle
Area area traffic deaths rise in four-county region
The Highway Patrol reports 44 rural auto deaths in 1961 across Morgan Lawrence Limestone and Cullman counties, up from 33 in 1960. Limestone led 17 fatalities, Cullman 11, Morgan 8, Lawrence 8. 750 rural auto accidents with 336 injuries and 37 fatalities occurred in first 11 months of 1961, with speed the main cause and 5,164 arrests to date.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Highway Patrol
Morgan, Lawrence, Limestone
Cullman
Limestone County
Cullman County
Morgan
Lawrence
Morgan County
Lawrence County
Hart
Southern Airways shows strong 1961 growth at Pryor Field
Station Manager Charlie Williams reports 3,191 passengers boarded Pryor Field flights in 1961 up from 1960. total deplaned 2,444, air freight 96,418 pounds, air express 11,827 pounds boarded. Plans for 1962 include runway extension grant process and bumper crop outlook.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Southern Airways
Pryor Field
Charlie Williams
Southern
Air Express
Pryor
Williams
Fewer Admitted to Decatur Hospitals This Year
A total of 7475 persons were admitted to Decatur's three hospitals this year, down 842 from 1960. Of this year's admissions, 2138 involved surgery. 4410 at Decatur General, 2198 at Baugh Wiley Smith, and 867 at Bank Street. There were 1011 births, with 597 at Decatur General, 288 at Baugh Wiley Smith, and 175 at Bank Street.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Decatur
Decatur General
Baugh-Wiley- Smith
Bank Street Hospital
Patte
Baugh-Wiley-Smith
Bank Street
General
Bauchie Smith
Bank
Also Mentioned on This Page
Phillip Kyle
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Percy M. Johnson
Big Chamber
P.O
Murray Dodd
John Patterson
Phil Raths
Herbert Buetow
VIEW
Negro Softball League
AIR Express UP
Pryor Hed Self
Athens
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