The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-01
PRATT CITY.
Heavy Rainfall Does Considerable
 Damage to Mines.

Pratt City, February 2s-(Special.)- )-The heavy downpour of rain last evening did considerable damage to the mines. and several of the business houses of the city, which has retarded business to a certain extent today No. and No. worked about half force; No was closed, and No. 5 has been closed for sev- eral days on account of too much water. The tracks at No. 4 and No. 5 were washed over so they could not be used to- day, hence there was no output of coke at those places. The coal bins here are all short of coal. If there is no more rain everything will be in working order by Monday
 The Herald Shoe company and the iron and tin shop of Lee Merrell were greatly damaged by an overflow of water from the rear of their stores, the water flowing down from the hill above. MT. Merrelrs S store was inundated about eighteen inches in mud and water together. The damage cannot be accurately estimated as yet. The office of the Southern Express com pany was also flooded but with little damage. The streets and sidewalks are badly washed.
 The Rev. R. E. Bell of McDonough, Ga, will occupy the pulpit at the Pres byterian church at both the morning and evening service MT. Bell arrived in the city on yesterday and has spent the two days in visiting and becoming acquainted with the members of the Presbyterian congregation, as 1t Is probable the church will call him to it's pastorate.
 Messrs $. T. Key and R. F. Moseley have purchased the stock of the Pratt City Furniture company and will continue the business at the same place on Fourth street, near Ezell station. The business will be greatly enlarged and the pres ent force of men retained, with S. T. Key as business manager Mir Moseley will retain his present position as ship ping clerk for the Tennessee company.
 Mrs. Frank Jeffries entertained the members of the Woman's club and a few friends on yesterday afternoon in a most pleasant manner. In the contest the first prize was awarded to Miss Nell Delaney and the consolation prize to Mrs. T. B. Boring Both prizes were pretty hand painted pictures of Miss Darlington West. the leading character in "The Last Word" book which the club has re- gently read. Dainty refreshments were served. The club will meet during the month of March with Mrs. w. L. Smith.
 Mrs. R. H. Hamrick received a message today telling of the serious illness of her father at Ja, ksonville, Ala. Mrs. Hamrick and the children will leave early tomor- row for Jacksonville. Dr. Hamrick will accompany them, but will return tomor- row evening.
 F. 0. Harris Nell Hutchings, s. J. Page and Murphy Lee, who have made their home in Pratt City for some time have moved to Ensley
 Miss Lillie Spence of Goodwater. Ala. is the guest of MT. and Mrs. Job Going.
 J. H. McGill and family have moved to Bessemer, where Mir McGill has ac- cepted a position with the Bessemer Cornish works.
 Mrs. Charles Freisner of Lopez Ala, is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Dun lap.
 R. c. White. master mechanic for the Birmingham Southern at this place, has been sick during the past two weeks and unable to attend to his duties. J. J. Hanlin foreman at the roundhouse has been acting in his stead.
 MT Fulton has returned from Virginia, where he was called on account of the illness of his mother whose condition is much improved
 Miss Lillie Dyer entertained at Wash ington party on Monday evening at the elegant home of her parents, MT. and Mrs. T. M. Dyer at West Highlands. The reception hall, parlor, library and dining room were artistically decorated with the national colors, with here and there some of the famous Washington pictures. An interesting feature of the evening was the cutting of cherries from a make believe cherry tree, in which B. l.. Noojin was awarded the prize for cutting the largest number. Throughout the evening delightful music was discoursed on the violin and piano by MT. and Mrs. Douth- waite. Each guest received a small hatchet very unique in design a souvenir. At Il o'clock Master Jerome Milken and little Miss Thelma Aber- nathy led the party to the dining room, where delicious refreshments. consisting of sandwiches. olives, chocolate and ice cream were served the national colors being carried out in the latter. The fol- lowing guests were present: Misses Eyin Owen, Ethel Owen. Tubulah Owen, Mamie Ellis. Lilie Edmondson, Maude Adams, Nellie Hill, Lena Hill, Mamie Morrow, Leo Morris, Messrs B. l.. Nooin. L. Thaxton, M. A. Densmore. R. l.. Bell T. McNutt J. c. Davenport. E. Ashbury. E. B. Erwin, N Love, MT. and Mrs. T. S. Abernathy, Mrs. George