davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
Tuscaloosa Post Office Breaks Record In Number Of
 Packages Handled
TUSCALOOSA BUREAU l
 THE AGE-HERAID
Tuscaloosa. Ala, Dec. 22

Despite the downpour of rain Fri day and Saturday, the holiday spirit was not hampered in Tuscaloosa Postmaster Townsend announced that the post office up to Saturday broke the record this year in the amount of holiday business handled, and with extra help the mail was kept moving promptly. Jack Nc Guire, Bill Mcqueen, Gene Poster, Neely Townsend and Bob Penning- ton, Boy scouts, were put to work in the lobby of the post office, where they assisted Tuscaloosans in weigh ing and furnishing zone rates on packages. This relieved the em- ployes of large amount of work The windows at the office will be open from 10 to 12 o'clock Christmas. There will be no rural delivery Christmas day. The community Christmas tree will be held Sunday at 2;30 in the auditorium of the high school. Tickets have been provided the poor children of the city and they will be called for and returned home in automobiles. The baskets for the tree were packed Saturday. A Christ mas tree will be given at the First Methodist church Sunday afternoon at 2:30 under the auspices of the mems Bible class. A Christmas pro- gram will be rendered at the Bran don Memorial Methodist church Sum day night by the Epworth league. All of the business houses in the city will close throughout the day Christ mas.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
HOW THEY PLAN TO SPEND CHRISTMAS
Most Of State Officials Will Remain In Capital City
 For YuIetide
STATE CAPITAL BUREAU ]
 THE AGE HERALD

While the capitol will be deserted Christmas Day, it appears that com paratively few of the state officials have any holiday trips in mind, but will spend the Yuletide in the capital city.
 With Christmas Day less than q week off. nearly all the state house people interviewed Wednesday on the subject stated that their plans sim ply called for a quiet day at their homes in Montgomery. Two excep- tions were S. H. Elan, secretary of health officer. MT. Blan will spend the holiday at his old home in Troy, while pr. Welsh stated that he would probably go to his old home in Talledega.
 But Gov. w. w. Brandon, accord ing to present plans, will probably spend the greater part of the day at the executive mansion on Perry street, resting after having almost completed the first strenuous year in the gubernatorial chair. Mrs. Thomas M. owen, director ot the de- partment of archives and history, won't be in Montgomery proper on Christmas Day, but will hie to hen farm a few miles from the city near the new road to Wetumpka, leading from the Judkins Ferry bridge.
 Frank N. Julian, state insurance commissioner, said he would spend the day in Montgomery, at home with madam and the girls and eat turkey"
 J. M Moore, commissioner of agri- sulture; Dr. J. w. Abercrombie, state superintendent of education; George w. Ellis, state treasurer; Fitzhugh Lee, associate member of the public service commission. and Chester E. Johnson, state fire marshal, had sim liar plans for a quiet restful day in Montgomery.
 T. E. Pitts, associate member of the state tax commission, said he would also spend Christmas Day in Montgomery, after making a trip to his plantation near Union Springs the latter part of the present week to see that his tenants had their Christmas money.
 ]. T. Quinn, state commissioner of conservation, declared that while he would spend Christmas in Mont gomery, his day would not be so restful, as he saw nothing ahead of him at Yuletide but good many hours that he would have to spend at his office, under the pressure of business
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
ID CONDEMN LAND FUR RIGHT 0F WAY
Petition Of Tennessee, Ala bama And Georgia Rail-
 road Granted By Judge
GADSDEN BUREAU l THE AGE-HERALD ! Gadsden. Ala, Dec. 22

Probate.sJudge H. Ross Gilliland Saturday granted the petition of the Tennessee. Alabama and Georgia railroad to condemn certain lands in the northern part of the city to be used as a right of way for its pro- posed extension to Margaret, in St. Clair county. About 20 city lots are involved. They belong to the Coosa Land company of which E. T. Schuler Is manager. It is understood that as soon as appraisers are appointed the railroad will make bond for such damages as they may assess and pro- ceed with the construction of the line. President C. E. James, who has been completing tine financial de- tails in New York, now is at home and is expected to announce all his plans soon after the holidays.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23

the republican nomination at Cleve- land, things are admittedly interest ing from that standpoint. with more than one man having already been mentioned for the state election.
 As a business outlook, the state faces banner year, many say, with labor generally employed over the state. Muscle Shoals expected boom in the northern section would enhance trade in that section, while resump- tion of operations there would again draw workers to that section.
 Cotton prices favorable will tide the farmer into 1924 on a fair basis. 1t Is predictedd by casual observers, though farmers in many sections re- ceived setbacks in their various crops especially by the army worm and the boil Weevil.
 O O O
 Much Building Done.
 Alabama's building boom, while not expected to continue at the same pace through the early months of the year, will not show a startling decrease, it is believed. The present year is said by semi official reports to have been record breaking year for the state in building, both business, industrial and residential.
 Birmingham building mark is ex- pected to exceed S11, ,000, 900 when the official 1923 mark Is named, author ities there say
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
Alabama Expects Big Year In 1924:
 Political Campaign To Be Feature

MONTGOMERY, Ala, Dec. 22.- Nineteen and twenty-four. What will it bring forth?
 That is the question that many Ala bamians are asking in business. po litieal, agricultural, and civic lines. While few are speakinv over en- Enthusiastically of the coming year, lit tie depression Is being forecasted while the majority are declared more optimistic and look to the next year with eagerness.
 The year 1924 as political year Is admittedly drawing the greatest at tention. With one of Alabama's sons in the race for the democratic nomi- nation for the presidency of the Uni ted States-a position of highest honor that the nation offers and one that an Alabamian has never at tained-it is admittedly of interest from that standpoint.
 o o O
 Underwood In Race.
 Senator Oscar W. Underwood, Ala bama's son who aspires to the presi- dency, will admittedly be presented at the democratic convention with his delegation prepared to ballot him to the best of their ability.
 Then, with Alabama republicans of- fering native son for the preferen- tial primary ballot, which will en- tile them to enter a candidate for
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
FLORENCE POSTAL BUSINESS JUMPS
Office To Be Given First Class Rating By July
 1, 1924
MUSCLE SHOALS BUREAU
 THE AGE-HERALD

Florence, Ala., Oec. ES
 Henry A. Cathey, who has just re- ceived his appointment as post master, has been a citizen of Flor ence for the past 19 years. during which time he has taken an active part in civic and political matters and is leader in movements for the development of the community.
 MT. Cathey has been an active member of the Chamber of Com a charter member of the Kiwanis club. He is the county chairman of the republican executive committed and a member of the state execu- tive committee, representing the Eighth Congressional district in that body He was an alternate delegate to the national convention in Chi eago in 1920. A thirty y-second degree Mason and member of Zamora Temple, Shrine.
 His indorsement for the post mastership of Florence was signed by a majority of the county republi- can executive committee, district and state committees, also by O. D. Street, national committeeman for Alabama, and Atkinson. state chair man.
 Mir. Cathey took charge of the post office on January 22 as acting post master, following the death of M. w. Camper. Since that time the horse drawn parcel post wagon has been surplanted by motor vehicle, star routes have been established between Florence and Lexington and Water loo, which have been a great con- venience to the public. Arrange ments have been perfected with the Sheffield company for the delivery of the morning mail to Florence at 4:45 instead of 6:3O o'clock
 During the first 10 months of 1923 the business Of the local post office showed an increase of 2S.6 per cent over the same period last year. The office will do more than $40,000 busi- ness for the year, putting it in the first class column for the first time After the office is made a first class office on July 1, 1924, it will be en- titled to a number of improvements chief among them the employment of a superintendent of mails and the a hi c hmept If c O n station
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
SCHOOL CHILDREN
 ENJOY WEEKS REST
Stores All Do Big Christmas Trade, Although Rain
 Hampered Shoppers

MONTG GONERY, Ala1 Dec. 22.-(By Associated Press today felt the crest of the preChristmas wave in every manner. Shopping in every town. hamlet, and city of the state was at it's height and the in- fIuX on home coming was felt on every railroad line. Social life will bc in keeping with the Yuletide spirit be.sinulng tomorrow when tI5usands will attend church for the sermon of the occasion, and the fam iiy fiji esiAs. the public gathering id4ees will be Popellar in every cen fer Ra1u hampere-d Christmas shop ping but did not prevent it.
 The en tire week will be one of inc rry-n1a king in general over tue state. with social functions, theatres and purtik among the younger and older peop e alike, according to the social page of the various news l 4 pers- over the state.
 Too. thou sands of citizens of in- 45,stFy. of business, of profession, III Monday cease work until Christ ms Day Iva passed, although in some lines oe employment work will go on inter- u.)ted-
 Few athletic contests have been ,4nnounced for the sporting fans anusenlent; rsUne of any considerable ilY.porlance, a.itho ugh hunting is ex pecte.i to prove [ opular during the week among spor tsmen
 Stores. shops and practically every business will be CYosed Tuesday in keeping with the custom and busi- ness will practically be at stand still.
 Thousands of school children of the elementary grades will not return to their studict until Monday, Decem- Der 31, whilA college students home for the hclida,ys will be on absence until the first of the new year.
 The entire week, livened by the numbers home for the season, is ex- pected to keep Christmas week one of nerriment throughout
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
MISSIONARY SPEAKS

MONROEVILLE, Ala, Dec, 22.- Especial Leased Wire. )-Miss Young of the Presbyterian mission in China made very interesting talk sun day morning at lhe Presbyterian church. Miss Young told of the hard ships of a missionary among hostile people and of the poverty of the Chinese people. She stated that the average wages of a Chinaman was s5 per month. Miss Young reports rapid progress in the educational work being done in the mission schools for Chinese children.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
NEW YORKER JAILED

Albert L. Rodkin. alias King. said to hail from New York, was placed in jail here Saturday on a charge of passinng a worthless check. The warrant was sworn out by Dr. T. D.. Callan, who claims that Rodkin in- duced him to cash a check on a Brooklyn, N. T., bank, which was a afterward found to be no good. A detective agency claims that Rodkin came here from Birmingham. He was playing a drum in a local thea ire when arrested
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
ONLY TWO TAKE TEST

State examination for teachers licenses is almost q thing of the past in Lawrence county, if the number taking it Monday and Tuesdoy of this week was any indication of the trend of the matter; only two applicants wrote the examination and they were students in the county schools, who wished to try themselves out with the hope of later applying for higher grade certificates.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
CoNFEDERATEs ENTERTAINED

The Emma Sansam post of Con- federate veterans were entertained at a Christmas tree at the American Legion club house Saturday morning, the Children of the Confectionery be- ing hosts The old soldiers held brief session at their hall and were then taken to the legion home in automobiles. They were given pres ents and were entertained with a fine Christmas program.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
MILL EMPLoYEs REST

Merrimack and West Huntsville cotton mills announced yesterday afternoon that they would give their employees a vacation from today to Monday, December 31, and all em- ployes were paid off last night. While the machinery is idle it will be given a thorough overhauling and it Is not expected there will be any more loss of time for at least several months, 1t was stated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
FAYETTE CENTER OF MUCH BUILDING
New Houses Go Up-Mer- chants Enjoy Big Christ
 mas Business

FAYETTE. Ala, Dec. 22.-(Spe- cial.)-The demand for homes has caused some activity in building circles, several new dwellings are now under construction, to accom- modate the demand of people who want to move here. There is not d vacant dwelling in town.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
BIG CHRISTMAS BUSINESS

The streets of Tuskegee are be- ing crowded with early shoppers for the Christmas times. The merchants are expecting an unusual amount of business during the days before Christmas. The lumber business and the splendid price of cotton, has given to the farmers unexpected prosperity, and they are buying more freely than a year ago.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
TEACHERS GO HOME

Students And Teachers All Scurry
 To Homes For Christmas
 TENN ESSEE VALLEY BUREAU
 THE .AtiE-HERAsD
 Moulton. Ala, Dec. 22 The last days of this week wit messed the home going and the home coming of the school folk of Moulton Of the former the members of the county high school faculty, Misses sSuttle and Draughon go to their re- sDectiVe homes at Marion and in South Alabama J. r.. Stevenson to Jacksonville and Miss Rogers, the music teacher, to Auburn; Miss Noolf of the public school to York, la, and Miss Lyda Tidwell, element a,y school supervisor. to her home ln Blountsville. Of the home-comers gre Misses Lula and Movie sAlmon. members of the city school faculty in Florence; the Misses Forney. students al the University; Misses Elva Perry, Pauline Roberts, students at Flor oace Normal, and numbers of young people teaching or studying out ot the county.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
DJCs TIP OLD PISTOL

SENATOBIA, Miss, Dec. 22.-(Spe- cial. )-An old Spanish pistol, in a we'll preserved and shooting condi- tion, was dug up by the contractors building the Jeff Davis. highway through the county. The old fire arm was found along the route of the old Helena trail in the county.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
POSTAL EMPLOYEs BUSY

Post office employees were busy until 3 o'clock Saturday morning clearing out Fridays record-break- ing mail. It Is stated the office handled the largest number of pack ages in its history and the cash re- ceipts also were the largest the off, flee has ever known.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
CHRISTMAS WEDDINGS

Miss Quilla Alexander. daughter Of MT. and Mrs. Jake Alexander. seven miles east of Moulton, was married Sunday to MT Joseph Jacobs, we'll to-do young farmer living east of Moulton. News came Monday also to Moulton of the marriage Sunday Of Miss Ollie McLemore and Leon Wade, former young people of Motlton but now of Albany
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23

of new voters and those becoming of age since the last registration, The board will visit every beat in the county, which will require until February z. in order to give every new voter an opportunity to qualify. It is believed about 500 new names will be placed on the voting list as the result of this registration.
 TO INSTALL OFFICERS
 The new officers will be installed at the January meeting of the Tus- caloosa lodge, Knights of Pythias They are: Leon Ehlbert. chancellor commander; Newt Hobson. vice chan cellor; George Jordon, prelate; J. G. Usrey, keeper of records and seals and master of finance w. II. liar grove master of exchequer; o. II. Quinn, inner guard; Dr. w. E. Bing- ham, master of work, and J. H. Mize, R. H. Cochran and Victor Friedman, trustees. A banquet will be given and the grand chancellor Is expected to be Tn attendance.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
TUSKEGEE PASTOR AND WIFE ARE H0N0RED
Twentieth Anniversary Celebrated
 Party At Parsonage

TUSKEGEE, Ala, Dec. 22.-(Spe- cial.)-One of the most delightful occasions of the season was the twentieth anniversary of Rev. and Mrs. D. w. Haskew, which occurred on Thursday from 1 to o'clock in the afternoon, at the local parson- age. The parsonage, which is one of the most beautiful homes in the state, was a picture of loveliness in it's decorations of southern smilaX, holly and Christmas flowers. Mrs. Haskew was assisted by about 20 of the ladies of the town in the re- ception, and over 200 guests called to offer their congratulations to the popular pastor and his wife.
 In the receiving line with Rever- end and Mrs. Haskew was their 16- year-old son, Laurence. who is a sophomore in Emory university, At lanta. The guests were served with cake, brick cream, salted nuts and coffee. The many beautiful designs of China showed the popularity of the bride and groom of 20 years in the town of Tuskegee.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
LA FAMILIES LISTED

Welfare workers announced Satur- day that LA poor families of the city had been listed and that they would be given Christmas baskets from the community Christmas tree to be held next Tuesday afternoon. It is planned to give every indigent and needy per son in Gadsden a Christmas present and to present every needy family with a. basket of good things of tho asOn
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
MAYOR IS HONORED

Members of the fire department Friday presented Mayor G. E. Chris topher with handsome Shrine pin as a token of appreciation of his eff forts in their behalf. The presenta- tion was made by Chief Green, who was in turn taken by surprise when the mayor presented him with a beautiful ring as Christmas gift from the firemen.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
EvANGELIsTIC CLUB BUSY

ATMORE, Ala, Dec. 22,-(Special Leased Wire.)-The business mems evangelistic club, which was organ ized a short time ago, is doing some real work which means much to the religious activities of the town. Union prayer services are now being held each Wednesday evening at the Baptist church one week and at the Methodist the next.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
MANY TOURISTS PASS THROUGH

An average of so cars of automo- bile tourists a day are passing through Huntsville en route from all states north of here to Florida, ac- cording to the tourists bureau of the Chamber of Commerce.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
RURCIARY is CHARGED

CAMDEN, Ala, Dec. 22-(Special Leased Wire. .)-Trailed by blood hounds, Peter Mcdowell is in the county jail here charged with the burglary of J. R. Liddefs & Co. store. The hounds were brought in from Monroe county. Entrance to the store was gained through an opening bored in the floor towards the front of the building. Nothing was taken except currency and silver from the cash drawer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
FOUR ARE ARRESTED

Rob and Fred Afford and Bob Savage, white, and Dock Hughes, colored. were arrested Friday night with three and one-half gallons of whisky in an automobile. according to federal and state officers. The men are said to have been on their day to Gadsden. They were caught on the Hokes Bluff road.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
TO IMPROVE POST OFFICE

A complete hot water system for the Huntsville post office and United States district court building here has been authorized by the treasury department, according to information just received by Custodian s. H. Murphy. All local plumbing con- tractors have been supplied with plans and asked to bid on the work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
CLAss EIECT OFEICERS

The Edith Mangum Sunday school class, composed of GO women of the Methodist church, were entertained at the home of Mrs. G. A. Ritch On Wednesday afternoon. At this meet ing an election of officers for the coming year was held and resulted as follows: President, Mrs. J. L. Paulk; vice president, Mrs. J. c. Will son. secretary, Mrs. J. l.. Pittman.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
PLAN CHRISTMAS SERVICE

The beautiful Christmas service, which is an anTlal event in all Knight Templar commanderies of the country, will be observed at the Masonic temple at 10 o'clock Tues day morning. A feature will be the offering which will be taken for the benefit of the Masonic orphans home at Montgomery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
STUDENTS REACH HOME

The following boys and girls are expected home this week from col lege: Miss Kate Patton, rom Mon tevallo; Bernice Graham and Fred Downing from the University; Le- land Cummins from Auburn, and Nancy Savage from Montevallo.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
NEW FRESHNESS

A new business venture in Tus- kegee is the grocery business in stalled in connection with the farm CTS produce exchange.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
RIG REAI.Ty DEAu.

BREWTON. Ala, Dec. 2a.-tSpecial Leased Wire 1.-The city property known as the Henry T. Parker place was sold to Dr. A. M. Gowan and John K. Dowing. the purchase price being $15,000 The purchasers will develop this property hy dividing it into resident lots.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
LICENSES INCREASED

The license tax for those who bring car loads of fruits into Gads den during Christmas time and sell them at retail has been raised from SG0 to $500 per year. This,a it Is de- clared. was done to protect the dealers who are residents in Gads- den and who pay taxes and license to support The city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
BOOZE IN EVIDENCE

The usual flow of liquor was in evidence here Saturday and police hope to check it by keeping a close lookout for illicit sellers. Chief oi Police McDuff with law enforcement officers raided house near the A C.. $. railroad Saturday morning and confiscated 10 gallons of corn liq- uor. One arrest was made.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
MUCH HOLIDAY SHOPPING

There is a rush in business as the holidays draw near. Notwithstand- ing the rain and mud the streets are thronged with holiday shoppers. Merchants say they like it rather than have such a jam at the last moment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
EXAMINE RnOKS

Walter McWilliams of Athens and G. c. Dean of Monroeville have been here during the last week examining the boaks and accounts of the va rious county officials for the state auditor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
yEGETARLEs GROW

The weather of this section has been so mild so far this winter that vegetables are growing in the open and certain kinds, including rad ishes. turnip greens and onions are plentiful in the market. One straw berry culturist is still bringing strawberries raised in the open to this market and is getting high prices for them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23

Mrs. Marion Price entertained the Twentieth Century Study club at her home on Thursday With Christmas party.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
Ex-SLAyE SPEAKS

Dr. Alonzo Scott, negro and a former slave, lectured at the court house here on Monday night. His talk was interspersed with humor- ous stories and original poetry.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
DAUGHTER IN HOSPITAL

Rev. and Mrs. J. J. Williams are still in Birmingham with their daughter who was carried to the hospital last week for an opperation. The daughter is still critically ill.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
SCHOOL CLOSES
ENTERTAINs STUDY CLrR

The high school closed Friday aft ernoon for the Christmas holidays. School will begin December 50,