The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-21
BOOM
 HITS BESSEMER More Than 200 New Homes Since January
 1 Sets Record
(Bessener Bureau)

bESSEMER, Ala, April 26.--More than 200 new homes and attractive tenant houses have been erected at Bes- semer since January 1. according to the records of Building Inspector c. l.. Bigger. which surpasses any since the first few years of the city's history.
 Of this number 145 have been built within the restricted city limits, and it is estimated that considerably more than 70 have been built. just few blocks beyond the city limits in all directions. 1s
 There is also noticeable difference in the, quality and character of the honsse practically. all. of the new ones being s6k-a much improved type and de- sign. The average cost is around y4; ;000, gNh &eFeral at as high as $S; ;O00, 1aRde l0. 600 and up to $20.OOO. sTheseSaptslsz not include additions and dnaAo ysmRnts, pf (which aa,,,el there have been an Saspusuapy :. large ]. A-better class tenant houseS aRo are being erected, These vary ffoIN $500 each to $k'50O0 for double negro Houses. Real estate axsptE. nazinse to-tbis as the ago in raising rents dn tAisAtyTe of house. With the higher retnrnS more commodious at attrantiS ift sSR9lli- ings are being prov; etI i W U tssi
 Contractors pfsSidt tRaf lsesb lldidr boom is but in it's infancy. WMh all the new houses receMta MCAmbleted, homes are in demand, fliisa sum }naer is expected to see hnndredE more sFsiday s.sd will SOtF SbserIs. sas: Con. fedeEate Memorial Dag = at. Bessemer with-BAe-p Rited Daughters of the Con, fedefacy 1eading the movement HI de- nominations of theacity wiff~Vo- operate in the plans, which will include a din ner and the deeeFAtien of graves of veterans st 4haAFarious cemeteries.
 Members of this and other Organiza- tions interested in observance of the day have been asked to place their cars at the disposal of committees appointed to look after the ceremonies at the ceme- teries. Conveyances are to be provid- ed for veterans and the widows of veterans who are able to attend.
 The dinner will be held in the, base ment of the. First Methodist church, with Mrs. W. c. .Baty in charge, assist ed by number of members Mrs. l.. D. McCOllum is chairman of the program committee. There will be number of prominent speakers, besides an interest ing entertainment program. Decoration of the graves will be under the super vision of pastors of the city, and the officers of the United Daughters of the COnfederacy.
 Spectacular Blaze--Burning of a tar pit at the.plant of the United States Cast Iron Pipe and Foundry company early Sunday afternoon provided few mometits of intense excitement. Little damage was done, the pit being fire proof, but plenty of smoke was provid- ed, which rising in big spirals attract ed scores of motorists from miles around, who gathered in the fields near the plant to watch the sight.
 The Bessemer fire department assist ed the plant fire fighters in subduing the flames in short time.
 Easter Service Held-Marvey City commandery, Knights Templar, held its annual Easter service at the First Bap- tist church Sunday morning, when the order attended in full regalia. A spe- cial section had been reserved for them, and Rev. J. o. Williams, the new pastor, Officoated. The choir rendered an ap- propriate musical program under direc- tion of Mrs. John Perkins and Mrs. c. B. Hollingsworth.
 Cantata EnjOyed--A large audience attended the Sunday evening recital of the First Methodist choir, when an Easter cantata, Victory" was given. There was large chorus, and the musi- cale was greatly enjoyed. Miss Nellie Adams, organist, and Mrs. Paul Rags dale, director, had charge.
 Mrs. AlOnzO EIIis--Mrs AlonzO Ellis, age 63, died at 5 o'clock Sunday after noon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. T. NJ. Matthews. Funeral services will be held at 80 o'clock Monday~after- noon from the home of Mrs. Matthews, conducted by Rev. K. c. Stevender of East Lake. Interment will follow in ElWwood cemetery, with Jacobs in charge.
 Mrs. Ellis is survived by Mrs. Mat thews and two. other daughters, Mrs. George Walters and Miss Nell Ellis. ' Active pallbearers will be W. A. Simmons, T. B. HollingswOrth, T. w. Benton, J. c. B. Glenn, Charles Bentley and Eugene Robbins,