Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1920-04-20

BIRMINGHAM, Ala, April 20
The starting point of the Overall club
movement as a nationwide and or
ganized system of relief from exor-
bitant prices not only in clothing but
in all lines of necessities is the, Biz
mingham Overall club.
Letters are pouring in on the OIL
cials Of the National Overall club,
headquartered here, from all over the
nation with requests for charters and
information.
In Florida and other southern
states, the advent of spring inspired
a few scattered style-revolutionists
to appear in denim. But it was
Theodore Lamar, a Birmingham at
torney, who conceived the idea of
founding a national club to rout all
kinds of profteers, and proceeded to
found it.
During the war, Lamar left his
practice to serve as railroad ma
chinist, returning to the trade of his
youth. He found again how COM
Portable, durable and cleanly are
overalls.
Lamar called a meeting of his
friends who had been crumbling
against the terrific cost of clothing
and other necessities.
The first step toward the national
organization was to start a strong
club in Birmingham.
Judge Alvin M. Douglas was elect
ed president of the local club whose
membesr are pledged to "Don The
Denim" and Lamar was made secre-
tary and organizer.
A few days later the order was
issued for all members to appear at
their places of business in overalls.
A parade of well-known citizens was
held, everybody in blue cotton.
City officials, members of the Ro-
tary, Kiwanis and citizen clubs en-
braced the idea and joined up.
Suits Out Of Place.
Almost immediately a man in
an expensive suit of clothes felt like
the person who dreams he is attend
ing ball in pajamas.
Then the National Overall club
was organized. An official button of
an open pair Of scissors with the in
sigma "Cut H. C. L." was adopted.
When the news flashed over the
country, letters and kilograms of
commendation and others asking
charters and information began to
pour in. They are still pouring in.
A city charter costs so cents, to
cover postage expenses.
Overall manufacturers are hasten
ing to design natty denim suits.
But club members say they will not
spend more than Sc for an outfit.
Here are some of the letters re-
ceived:
''To the President of the National
Overall Club, Birmingham, Ala. Dear
Sir: Permit me to compliment and
congratulate your association for TAX
ing the first active, practical step to
regain that independence and thrift
which distinguished our forefathers,
and which was the foundation, of our
country's greatness.
''The splendid manhood which you
men have shown may klndle respon-
sive flame all over the country, and
result in a sweeping return at self
reliance, efficiency and self-respect.
NOW, WHllS JuG 1SINOI VI YOUR
purpose still burns brightly, beg of
you to invite through the newspapers
the formation of similar clubs in
other cities Yours faithfully
"WINFRED S. BRAINERD."
John MUIR, prominent attorney of
st. Joseph, Mo-, writes:
"Gentlemen and Co-Patriots Il
am with you and for you in your
commendable fight against odd H. c.
H. Will you be kind enough to send
me your constitution and bylaws or
any information that will be Of assis-
tions in St. Joseph"
From White Springs, Fla, comes
this information:
eve are glad you have organized
the Overall Club. | have taken SINH
lar action here and all male citizens
from. 16 to SO years of age and