Vaiden
Businesses That Have Come and Gone
Armistead
and Williamson Williamson and Grantham W.G. Colmery
John Anderson, Dry Goods Vaiden Cash Store J.E. McClurg Drug Store R.R.
Hawkins, Dry Goods Vaiden Mercantile Co. Gay Anderson Gro.
G.W. Gross, Barber Coleman Palmertree, Barber W.N. Gaston, Gen.
Mdse. S.N. Ely T.I.
Applewhite, Groc. F.N. Hunter, Gen. Mdse. Bankston and Ringold,
Drugs S.E. McConnico, Gen. Mdse. Leo Rosenthal
Zilpah Cain's Store Carson Thomas, Livery Stable W.M.
Anderson Co. Ellen Grantham, Florist Branscom Farmer, Gro.
C.L. Armstrong, Hardware B.W.
("Si") Holmes, City Drug Store W.A. Avery, Gro.
Roscoe Rosamond's Barber Shop David Ashford's Gro. J.O. Cearley, Gro. Yolles &
Schneider, Dry Goods J.G. Fullilove,
Gro. Miley Bros. Dry Goods Fred C. Smith's
Furniture S.R. Wright, Gro. Jack Wright's Gro.,
Pool Hall Orin Miley's Tailor/Pressing Shop J.H.
Armstrong, Cotton Buyer Charley Bennett/P.A. Bennett Gro. Will
Armstrong, Cafe & Gro. Porter's Gro. Evie Whisenant, Gro.
Charley Welch, Gro. Leo Tindall, Gro. R.E. Lee, Gro.
Lewis Stuart, Cafe Cooper Curtis, Cafe W.A. Williams,
Variety Store Fisher & Sanders, Hardware B.B.
Sanders, Cotton Buyer John L. Fisher, Jr., Gro. W.A. Applewhite,
Service Sta. J.W. Eades, Sr./Jr., Service Sta. and Lion Oil
Dealer John Hambrick's
Blacksmith Shop -- Read: "The Forge
of the Blacksmith" W.M. Caddess
Radio & TV Repair Shop Ralph Shook, Welding Shop
Carter's Grist Mill L.H. Braswell,
Dry Goods, Cotton Buyer A.J. Ferguson, Gro.
O.G. Smith, Gro. B.F. Wiley Motor Co.
G.Y. Lowery, Service Sta., Used Cars R.W. Eddins, Sr., Service Sta.
Herman Johnson, Service Sta., Shop L.L. Ferguson, Gro.
Viola Vinson, Gro. Ernest Gerrish, Welding Shop Dan
Hatcher's Pressing Shop C.F. Rogers, Meat Market A.B. Armstrong, Gro.
G.B. Clower Co. Annie G. Armstrong, Dry Goods & Ins.
Collier's Cafe & Shoe Shop Service Chevrolet Co.
John Cade, Pressing Shop Mal Kindal, Shoe Shop Richmond Brock, Gro. Cliff Price, Pressing
Shop Peyton Randle, Pressing Shop Carl Austin,
Pressing Shop Noah & Eades Cafe Ken Noah's Farm
Supply Eva Varnell, Hotel & Cafe
"Bunch" Hambrick, Shoe Shop Julius Farrish, Gro.
Yates' Gro. Summers' Gro. George Sandlin, Cafe
Louis Riley, Cafe "Fug" Briscoe, Cafe Leighton
Parker, Cafe Dudley Stewart, Cafe Ken Ross, Pool Room
Kaigler & Price, Pool Room L.F. Calhoun, Cafe & Gro. Dennis Welch, Garage, Washateria, Service Sta.,
Supermarket Piggly Wiggly Bud Nixon's Place D.C. Shivel,
Cafe C.A. Pierce, Sr., Pulpwood B.F. Wiley, Sawmill
Supplies Cecil Welch, Your Home Builders R.S. McCorkle, Gro.
Robert Griffin, Cafe R.E. Nelms, Cafe Ruffin's Pastry Shop Mrs. Ruth Pollard,
Gro. Mrs.Inez Rosamond, Beauty Shop Mrs. Bona
Lynn Rosamond, Beauty Shop Mrs. Ilene Montague, Beauty Shop Mildred
Bishop, Beauty Shop Mrs. Roberta Caffey, Beauty Shop Mrs. Sybil
Palmertree, Beauty Shop Mrs. Ella Ouida Palmertree, Beauty Shop
Mrs. Edith Arrington, Beauty Shop Mrs. M.L. Boykin, Beauty Shop
Johnny Caffey, Cafe Ed Davis, Radio & TV Repair Frank Eades,
Gro. Lawrence
Eades, Gro. Skaggs' Gro. John "Gabby"
McNamara, Package Store Andrew Grantham, Drayage M.T. Watkins, Gro.
Browning's Cafe Echol's Cafe William W.
Milner, Gro. Ernest's Pressing Shop W.K. Anderson's Dry
Goods Grice's Service Sta. Mann's Service Sta.
Boyles' Service Sta. Vaiden Auto Parts Vaiden Car Wash
Calhoun's Service Sta. Ellis' Service Sta. Welch's Shongalo
Village Thunder Hill Ranch W.P. Crook's
Gro.Meeks DrugsVaiden DrugsTom
Lockhart's Barber ShopSmith Furniture Company (Roy and Ruth Eddins)C.B.
Furniture BarnGibson's Western AutoWicken's FeedMitchell's
Service Sta.Greer's Pool HallLuther Gilmer, AttorneyJohn
Shands, AttorneyMack L. Boykin, AttorneyMargaret G. Anderson,
Ins.Hazel A. Fullilove, Ins.Stanton Oil Co.Russell's
Body ShopIDS Insurance and Investments (Cecil Welch)Maranatha
Enterprises (Dennis Welch)Ellis Package StoreL.T. Nixon's Gro.B.&D.
Sporting GoodsRussell's Tavern Mac's Catfish & Steak House
Bailey's Chicken SnackColeman's Bar-b-queJenkin's Auto PartsWeeks'
GarageArinder's Stop 'n ShopGibson's Red Bird
Service Sta.Mac's Package
StoreGulf
Service Sta.Exxon Service Sta.Snak-A-MinitVaiden
Skating RinkJerry Jay'sThunderbird'sHeritage
RestaurantDelta Queen Restaurant & NightclubJenkins' GroceryVaiden GinBriscoe's Lion
Service StationVaiden Grocery
Peeler Lumber Company
The Vaiden, Kopperl, & Hawkins store was
built prior to 1873,
and was apparently the first big building erected in town. It stood until
torn down in the 1960s.
On Dec. 17, 1965, Vaiden's corporate limits were
expanded to include areas south and north. On April 7, 1970, expansion included an area west along Hwy. 35. Another expansion on Feb. 6, 1973, took in more area toward the
west.
In the 1950s and 1960s, there were numerous
Grocery Stores in and around the downtown Vaiden area. Some of these were:
Summer's Grocery; McCorkle's Grocery, Cearley's Grocery; Welch's Grocery;
Farrish's Grocery; Yates' Grocery; Crook's Grocery; Smith's Grocery (Mart 35); Lee's Grocery; Shongalo
Village; Fullilove's Grocery; and Piggly Wiggly.
Vaiden’s Businesses in 1976 (Photos)
Page 17 Page 18
MORE
STILL MORE
Newspapers
The Vaiden Nucleus – 1871
H.C. Williamson
was the first editor of the Vaiden Nucleus, and was elected to the
state legislature for two terms. During this tenure, John Armistead served as
the editor, followed by Monroe McClurg, who
became prominent in Mississippi
affairs. Mr. McClurg served as a member of the famous 1890 State Constitutional Convention.
He was elected to the state legislature in 1897. He served as Attorney General during
Governor A.H. Longino's administration from 1900-1904.
The Carroll News -- 1901-1915
Arthur Holman
and A.D. Fansler were two of its editors. Mr. and Mrs. James Sommerville soon
bought this paper, but sold it to the Carrollton Conservative in 1915.
The Carrollton Conservative (later, the
Conservative)
Former Superintendent of Education for Carroll County,
Mr. Charles A. Neal was the first editor. Among others who succeeded him, was
his son, W.D. (Fritz) Neal, and wife, Mildred.
The Medium -- Early 20s
Editor,
Blanding Haman, son of prominent Presbyterian Minister, Dr. T.L. Haman.
The Conservative
The Conservative
was the only county newspaper in existence for many years. The "Vaiden
News," written in this paper, first by Mrs. S.P. Armstrong, also
Correspondent for the Carrollton Conservative, gave much of her life
to these papers. Many old-timers still remember the refreshing news penned by
"Miss Lynn," or Mrs. Armstrong, who was always out gathering news.
Some of the other known Correspondents were: Mrs. T.C. Vaiden, Mrs. Billy
Hambrick, Mrs. J.E. Farrish, Mrs. Rebecca Fullilove, and Mrs. Juanita Collins
Rhine. The entire staff of the Conservative, headed by Sam N. Pitner,
Publisher, and C.C. Buchanan, Associate Editor, was very cooperative with
vital coverage of all affairs relating to Vaiden.
History
of the Vaiden Garden Club
The Vaiden Garden Club was organized in November,
1950, and was
federated from November, 1951,
through June, 1967,
at which time members voted to discontinue federation and to devote their
club efforts solely to local needs which were most pressing.
Organizational
Officers were: President, Mrs. H.B. Caldwell; Vice-President, Mrs. J.M.
Vandiver; Secretary, Miss Magdalene Armstrong; Treasurer, Mrs. B.F. Wiley;
Historian, Mrs. A.C. Long; Parliamentarian, Mrs. T.C. Vaiden.
Other Charter
Members were: Mrs. V.F. Anderson, Mrs. C.L. Armstrong, Mrs. J.W. Armstrong,
Mrs. Weldon Baskin, Mrs. P.A. Bennett, Mrs. M.L. Boykin, Mrs. C.H. Butt, Mrs.
B.P. Cain, Mrs. W.B. Cross, Mrs. W.R. Cross, Mrs. Roy Eddins, Mrs. G.W.
Griffin, Mrs. R.K. Haydon, Mrs. B.W. Holmes, Mrs. B.C. McDougal, Mrs. F.D. Prewitt,
Mrs. Jamie Rogers, Mrs. J.H. Shands, Mrs. W.W. Smith, and Mrs. N.L. Threet.
The Objectives
of the club during its years of existence have been: the advancement of
gardening, development of home grounds, furthering town beautification and
aiding in the protection of forests, wildflowers, and birds. Although
membership fluctuates, there is an average of about 25 members.
Past Presidents
were: Mrs. H.B. Caldwell, Mrs. T.C. Vaiden, Mrs. V.F. Anderson, Mrs. H.R.
Power, Mrs. Tom Dulin, Mrs. Herbert Johnson, Mrs. Michael Donovan, Mrs. J.H.
Canon, Mrs. Oglan Hambrick, Mrs. H.S. Hambrick, Mrs. D.D. Fullilove, Sr.,
Mrs. John C. Coleman, and Mrs. C.A. Weaver. Regular meetings are held on the
second Tuesday of each month.
The most
outstanding accomplishment of the club in its early years was the securing of
the Roadside Park, located 1 1/2 miles north of Vaiden on Highway
51, and having
electric lights installed in it. The rest area has been a source of pleasure
to local people, as well as tourists. Vaiden was deemed a Bird Sanctuary and
signs were placed on Highway 51,
and bird houses were erected on the lawns of members and at the Court House.
The planting and care of shrubs and bulbs on the lawn of the Court House was
an ongoing project of the club. Among other beautification projects sponsored
by the organization, was the planting of bulbs in the Roadside Park and pine
trees in Highway 51 in town. The
Yard of the Month Sign was placed in the yards of club and non-club members
throughout the years.
In June, 1956, the club sponsored the
organization of the West, Mississippi, Garden Club. Other club activities
included: annual Clean-Up and Fix-Up Campaigns; annual tours of Bellingrath
Gardens, Wister Gardens, and Mynelle Gardens; a Political Rally on June 28, 1967, at the local Football Stadium,
where food and drinks were sold; garbage can sales in the Summer of 1968, in cooperation with the
Town's Special Clean-up and Sanitation Program and Cook Book sales in 1969. The club assisted the
Town each year in the purchase and mounting of Christmas decorations for the
business district. Contests in the business and residential sections were
held for many years under the sponsorship of the organization.
The Vaiden
Garden Club and the Lions Club co-sponsored the delivery and presentation of
gifts to the aged, shut-ins, and needy in the town and adjoining areas during
the Christmas season. Christmas-time sales of towels and other items for the
Blind Institute in Jackson, Mississippi, as well as flower shows and
pilgrimages have been sponsored during designated seasons. In 1964, the publication of
Birthday and Anniversary Calendars created much interest among the citizens.
In September 1964,
members served lunch to the District Medical Association at the Haman
Memorial Building. In 1974,
through a concerted effort with the Lions Club and the Town leaders, the club
secured metal street markers for the entire town. Work was completed in
September, 1974.
In 1975, the members helped the
South Central Bell Telephone Company to place metal numbers on businesses and
residential property throughout the town. These 1974 and 1975 Special Projects were part of the
Urban Renewal Program throughout the town. Another significant project was
the extensive work done toward the restoration and beautification of
monuments and grounds of the Vaiden Cemetery. As a result of these efforts, a
new cyclone fence and gates were installed. In June, 1975, the Star Herald featured a
special article written by Mrs. Rebecca Fullilove on the Vaiden Cemetery.
Another noteworthy and much-needed accomplishment in 1975, was the 2 1/2 mile highway surface widening overlay, which
extends from the South Corporate Limits through the town to the North City
Limits. The project was headed by the Hon. Clarence Pierce and Mrs.John C.
Coleman, to whom the Town and club are deeply indebted.
To honor its
deceased members, the club planted a Magnolia tree on the lawn of the Baptist
Church in memory of Mrs. Weldon Baskin, Jr.; on the lawn of the Episcopal
Church, in memory of Mrs. H.B. Caldwell; on the lawn of the Methodist Church,
in memory of Mrs. T.C. Vaiden; and on the lawn of the Presbyterian Church, in
memory of Mrs. J.M. Vandiver. The Vaiden Garden Club will forever hold dear
in its heart, the memories of its deceased members and leaders, and their
dedication to the Organization.
Vaiden Garden Club -- 1975-76
Vaiden
Garden Club's Tour of Homes
The year 1973 was an eventful one for
the Vaiden Garden Club. Blessed with an energetic membership dedicated to
advancing the community's cultural and beautification aspects, at the
suggestion of the club president, Mrs. John C. Coleman, the organization voted
to sponsot its First Annual Christmas Tour of Homes and Churches on Saturday
and Sunday afternoons, December 8
and 9, from two
o'clock until five o'clock. The theme of the Pilgrimage was "Come Ye to
an Early Christmas." Stressing the Yuletide motif, the six beautifully
and appropriately decorated homes on the Tour, which reflected Antebellum to
outstanding Contemporary, created a vivid atmosphere of the past and present;
they were opened by Mr. and Mrs. Vernon F. Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Roy W.
Eddins, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Coleman, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Griffin, Mr. and
Mrs. George W. Tuberville, Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Charlton A. Weaver.
With an
inspiring sacred decor, the Vaiden Baptist Church, the St. Clements Episcopal
Church, the Vaiden United methodist Church, and the Shongalo Presbyterian
Church shone in the beauty of Christmas Spiritually and were visited by
scores of devout Christians. Climaxing the Tour, was the delightful afternoon
Tea for visitors on December 8,
in the spacious home of Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Weaver
and the brilliant occasion on December 9,
hosted by Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Tuberville, Jr. Officials of the Vaiden Garden
Club's First Christmas Tour of Homes were: Mrs. John C. Coleman, President; Mrs.
H.R. Power, Vice-President; Mrs. Herbert Johnson, Secretary and Treasurer.
The prestigious
Second Annual "Come Ye to an Early Christmas" Pilgrimage of homes
was held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, December 7 and 8, 1974,
from two o'clock until five-thirty o'clock. Again highlighting the charm of
aiden's Antebellum and Contemporary residences resplendent with Christmas
decorations, the six homes hosted on the Tour included the home of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon F. Anderson,
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lampen, Mr. and Mrs. C.D. Simpson, Mr. and Mrs. C.A.
Weaver, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Welch, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Yates. Of
special historical interest was the Lampen home,
formerly the Kennedy Plantation. From here in 1861, Captain Thomas B. Kennedy and a
number of Carroll County Volunteers left to defend the Confederacy.
An added
attraction of the Pilgrimage was the lovely Tea for visitors during the
afternoons of December 7
and 8, in the attractively-appointed
home of Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Weaver. Due to unavoidable circumstances, the local
churches were unavailable for the Tour. The Garden Club officials for the
Second Oilgrimage were Mrs. C.A. Weaver, President; Mrs. C.U. Canon,
Vice-President; Mrs. Herbert Johnson, Secretary and Treasurer.
Despite the
inclemency of the weather for the First and Second Christmas Tours of Homes,
the attendance was most gratifying. Proceeds from both aided essential town
beautification projects. The Club is deeply indebted to all members and
others who contributed their time and talents to help make these events a
success. Special recognition is given to Mr. John C. Coleman, for his
extensive newspaper and radio coverage.
The Third Annual Vaiden Garden Club Tour of Homes was postponed
until Saturday, April 24,
as a significant part of the Town's Bi-Centennial
Commemoration. A salient feature of this momentous event will be
the sale of the Club's Book, The VAIDEN HERITAGE, with proceeds to be
used for further community improvments.
Sincere
appreciation is expressed to the State Highway Department for the good
publicity given to Vaiden in its issue of Roadway. The articles and
pictures will contribute greatly to the success of the Observance.
Vaiden
Post Office
Samuel Boaz was
the Postmaster of the Shongalo Office when the name was changed to Vaiden on
December 2, 1859. His successor, Samuel C.
Baines, was appointed on January 25,
1960. Following
as Postmasters were: B.J. Kopperl, Washington A. Sample, Edward Pappe, Simon
Lichtenstein, Charles Cummings, Samuel M. Smythe, Robert S. Weir, John
Armistead, S.R. Bains, William W. Nye, and William H. Farmer. Miss Willie
Kennedy was appointed on December 18,
1894. Her name
was changed by marriage on October 26,
1895, to Mrs.
Willie K. Anderson. She was succeeded on March 16, 1899, by Eva L. Nye. January 30, 1906, Mary E. Cain took over for the
longest tenure at this post office. William W. Milner was appointed on
January 3, 1935; Frances Wright Jordan on
August 31, 1950; Mrs. Allie B. Collins on
September 14, 1951; and John W. Milner on
September 11, 1960.
Some of the
mail carriers were Bryant Scott, Weldon Baskin, the Wiltshire boys, Sam
Seales, Tom Dulin, Ernest Randle, C.M. Trotter, Joe F. Herring, J.H. Canon,
C.D. Simpson, Wm. B. Sanders, Billy Hambrick (substitute), and Odell Lenard
(substitute). Clerks in 1976
were Frances Jordan Welch and Patricia Goss Bruce.
The Post Office
was located in many different buildings during the past years. Of course no
one now living remembers where it was when it was the Shongalo office.
Postmasters usually had a small corner of a store for their offices. Mrs.
Willie Anderson had the office in the old Vaiden Hotel that stood where the
J.G. Fullilove building was located. The hotel burned and the post office was
moved to a building on the north end of town near the Episcopal Church. In 1906, Miss Mary (Mollie) Cain
moved it to the south end of Front Street between the Merchants' and Farmers'
Bank and the Vaiden Mercantile Co. It remained in that location until June 19, 1975, when it moved into a new building located on Highway 51 South -- nearly 116 years after the first office
named "Vaiden" came into existence and 138 years after the first Post Office in
this vicinity.
Vaiden
Library
Photo
Courtesy of Mark Shands -- August, 2006.
For many years
the only library Vaiden knew was in a small, old frame building located just
west of the Courthouse and across from the Cain property. But in August, 1970, many citizens became
interested in the possibility of Carroll County, Vaiden and Carrollton,
joining the Regional Library System which was already composed of four
counties; Attala, leake, Montgomery, and Winston. The Carroll County
Supervisors were approached and very willingly agreed to join the Region on a
trial basis for a year and, if successful, would join for another year. In
December, 1970,
the Library was formerly opened at quarters that was formerly the old Mayor's
Office adjacent to the Fire Station and behind the old Vaiden Post Office
Building. It remained there until 1976,
when the cramped space and availability of funds from a law passed by the
State Legislature allocating several hundred thousand dollars for library
construction in which any participating library would become eligible on a
first come, dirst-served basis.
From this law,
Carroll County became eligible to receive approximately $130,000
for library construction to be matched with local funds. Our county and town officials very willingly explored the
possibilities of obtaining these funds, and, on December 29, 1975, three lots of Mr. J.T. Allen's
adjacent to the Vaiden Courthouse was purchased for the new site for a library in Vaiden.
Vaiden
Library Opening – 1977
Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4
Photo 5 Photo 6 Photo 7 Photo 8
Photo 9 Photo 10 Photo 11
Photo 12
Photos
Courtesy of Sharon Tollison
Soil
Conservation Office -- U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
The first work in
soil conservation was to correct erosion and provide adequate water supply
for farms. This was done by providing leadership in making ponds and
terracing. The planting of pine and other seedlings have proven profitable in
tree farming. The first man assigned to soil conservation here was Mr. Alva Carl Long. He came here in September, 1945. Those who assisted him
were: W.L. "Shorty" Randle, Jamie Rogers, the Rev. N.L. Threet, and
others.
Mr. Long died
while on duty on a farm near Coila on September 11, 1961. His wife Jewel and children, Carl, Louise
and Mary Ann stayed in Vaiden. The children graduated from Mississippi State
University. Carl was employed by U.S. Steel and lived in Pittsburg, PA.
Louise married Sid Lishman and lived in Huntsville, Alabama. Mary Ann became
a Librarian at Hinds Jr. College in Jackson, MS. Mr. Long was followed by mr
Hubert Britt, who was later transferred. The Soil Conservation Office was
moved to Carrollton.
Carroll
County Welfare Department
The current
building for the Carroll County Welfare Department
(Carroll County Department of Human Services) was built on land from the
acquisition of the Cain property north of the courthouse, around the same
time as the plans for the library were being made. Vaiden has had a Welfare Office for a number of years,
and staff included Mrs. Mattie Applewhite, Mrs. Rebecca Fullilove, and Mr.
C.U. Cannon. In 1976,
the staff included George Tuberville, Jr.,
Director, Miss Arice Parker, Mrs. E.J. Young, Mrs. R.S. McCorkle, and Mrs.
Bobby Oliver.
Virginia
Kennedy Chapter
Order of the Eastern Star, No. 271
1926 – 1976
Dispensation
having been granted by a Worthy Grand Patron, W.H. Carter, for a Chapter of
the Order of the Eastern Star
at Vaiden, Mississippi, Mrs. Effie M. Neal of Carrollton, Chapter No, 78, Deputy for Worthy Grand
Patron, W.H. Carter, with Mr. C.A. Neal of Carrollton Chapter as Grand Secretary
and Marshal, and Mr. L.J. Hand od West Chapter No. 119 as Chaplain, assisted by officers of
West Chapter, met in the Masonic Hall at Vaiden, Mississippi, Friday evening,
April 2, 1926, and instituted the
Virginia Kennedy Chapter, under Dispensation, with the following Charter
Members present: Mrs. Eleanor Wright Fullilove, Mrs. Susie Huffman Miley,
Mrs. Lynn Stone Armstrong, Mrs. Sallie Mae Smith Boykin, Mrs. Mary Pender
Blanton, Miss Evie Whisenant, Mrs. Johnnie Bennett Nelms, Mrs. Lorine Colmery
Armstrong, Miss Alice Herring, Mrs. Allie B. Randle Collins, Mrs. Emma Ellis
Brock, Mrs. Ethel Strahan Stephens, Mrs. Byrd Kinchloe Caldwell, Mrs. Pearl
Arnold Applewhite, Mrs. Mattie Collins Applewhite, Mrs. Allie Word Boyette,
Mrs. Lula Armstrong Flowers, Mrs. Pearl Bradford Alexander, Dr. J.P.T.
Stephens, Mr. J.H. Canon, Mr. R.L. Rosamond, Mr. E.L. Blanton, Mr. J.G.
Fullilove, Mr. M.L. Boykin, and Mr. Dan Stone.
The visitors
present were: Mrs. Lynn Brock Johnson and Mrs. Mattie Crews of Durant Chapter
No. 113. Miss
Lovie Wright of Inverness Chapter No. 158, Mrs. Bertha Hunt of Courtland Chapter No. 134, Mrs. Josie M. Rosamond of
Wesley Chapter No. 164,
Mrs. Annie A Haman, Jessie Lena Gordin, Ada Brock, Clara Brock, Kate Brock,
Lena Hand, Sallie Craft, Lynn Tate, Mary Musselwhite, Della Brister, Sallie
Ida Thomas, Kate Moore, Fannie Gamblin, Blanche Ellard, and Oscar Thomas of
West Chapter.
The following
officers were appointed for the Chapter, name of which had been selected as
VIRGINIA KENNEDY CHAPTER: Matron: Mrs. Allie Word Boyette; Patron: Dr. J.P.T.
Stephens; Associate Matron: Mrs. Byrd Kinchloe Caldwell; Associate Patron:
(did not have); Secretary: Mr. J.H. Canon; Treasurer: Mrs. Ethel Strahan
Stephens; Conductress: Mrs. Pearl Bradford Alexander; Associate Conductress:
Mrs. Lynn Stone Armstrong; Chaplain: Mrs. Emma Ellis Brock; Marshal: Mr. E.L.
Blanton; Organist: Mrs. Susie Huffman Miley; Adah: Miss Evie Whisenant; Ruth:
Mrs. Sallie Mae Smith Boykin; Esther: Mrs. Pearl Arnold Applewhite; Martha:
Mrs. Mattie Collins Applewhite; Electa: Miss Alice Herring; Warder: Mrs. Mary
Pender Blanton; Sentinel: Mr. Dan Stone
The members of
the West Chapter initiated the newly-appointed officers. The committee named
to draft the By-Laws was: Mr. Dan Stone, Mrs. Lula A. Flowers, and Mrs. Byrd
K. Caldwell. Regular meeting nights were named for the second and fourth
Monday nights until World War II. Due to the shortage of gasoline, second
Monday night only was designated except for special meetings.
On August 8, 1926, Mrs. Willie Kennedy Anderson,
daughter of Mrs. Virginia Kennedy, was received into the Order, having been
the Chapter's first Petitioner. Miss Lurlene Stephens and Miss Margie Canon
were the next Petitioners.
Virginia
Kennedy Chapter, No. 271,
was constituted at a Special Meeting on the afternoon of May 12, 1926, by Grand Matron, Mrs. Nellie
McGowan of Hattiesburg Chapter No. 20,
with the assistance of Mrs. Effie M. Neal, District Deputy Grand Matron of
Carrollton Chapter. On June 14,
1926, the
Charter was purchased from the Grand Chapter, as well as all the necessary
paraphernalia.
Miss Lovie
Wright and Mrs. Lynn Brock Johnson were the two first Affiliates. Mrs. Lynn
Stone Armstrong was appointed as the first delegate to Grand Chapter April 12, 1926. The Chapter hosted its first
School of Instruction on February 5,
1927. Mrs.
Nellie McGowan served as Grand Matron and Mrs. Effie Neal as District Deputy
Grand Matron.
Mrs. Virginia Kennedy, for whom the Chapter
was named, was initiated into the Order on July 18, 1927, at the age of 88. She was priviledged to attend several
meetings prior to her death on September 18, 1936.
During the
first ten years of its existence, the Chapter's musical instruments were two
victrolas, which remained the property of the membership until March, 1940, at which time they were
sold and replaced with a second-hand piano. In 1972, the members honored the memory of
their beloved sister, Thelma Turner Canon, by replacing their old piano with
a new one, which graces the Hall with a brass plaque bearing her name.
Numerous honors
have been bestowed upon the Chapter during its years of service. It has the
distinction of being and having been one of the outstanding Chapters of its
size in the State. Members have served as District Deputy Grand Matron; Grand
Representative, District Chairmen of Grand Chapter Committees, Pages, Section
Chairmen, and Grand Guards at Grand Chapter Sessions. Some have served in the
Grand Choir, as Grand Organist and Grand Pianist. Some of the members hold
Certificates of proficiency, which are awarded by the Grand Chapter.
Throughout the
lifetime of the Chapter, contributions have been made annually to many worthy
causes, namely Masonic and O.E.S.; Homes for girls and boys; Crippled
Children's Home; Old Ladies Home; Cancer Research; International Temple Fund;
ESTARL; and Rob Morris Little Red Schoolhouse O.E.S. Shrine. Many local
charities have been responded to also.
Past Matrons
and Patrons are: Past Matrons: Margaret Anderson, Hilda Bennett, Louise
Compton, Kate Cross, Stelloise Eades Basinger, Daisy McCorkle, Arice Parker,
Robye Pullen, Inez C. Rosamond, Lucye Trotter, Susie M. Tucker, Elizabeth
Wilson, Lura Bell Wilson, Estelle Wiltshire, and Pearlie Winters. Past Patrons:
Vernon Anderson, Richmond Brock, C.U. Canon, Claude Hatcher, Edward Ladell
Pullen, Thomas Ward, and Emmett Winters.
Special
Recognition was given to Mrs. Allie Word Boyette, first Matron of the
Chapter. Mrs. Luta Moore Canon, who affiliated with the Chapter April 27, 1931, presented the Luta Canon Worthy
Matron's Jewel to the Order in 1939.
Mrs. Margaret Gray Anderson was the First Worthy Matron to have the privilege
of wearing it. Every Matron has worn it with pride and gratitude since its
presentation.
The family of
Dr. and Mrs. J.P.T. Stephens presented a beautiful white altar Bible to the
Chapter on April 16,
1965, in memory
of their parents. In January, 1966,
Mrs. Lurlene Stephens Fullilove, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Stephens, gave
the Fullilove Jewel in memory of her husband, Mr. D.D. Fullilove, Jr., to be
worn by each Patron while in office. The Virginia kennedy Chapter is deeply
grateful for these gifts of love.
Mrs. J.C.
McWhorter presented a nice U.S. Flag to the Chapter in memory of her husband,
who passed away October 17,
1968. The
members express sincere appreciation to her and her family for this gift of
love and Patriotism.
Retiring
Matrons and Patrons, as well as other members, have given many appropriate
and useful remembrances to the Chapter. The true or real worth of each is
inestimable regardless of size or monetary value. The spirit in which they
were given makes them priceless.
This record of
the Virginia Kennedy Chapter of the Eastern Star, is dedicated in Loving
memory to Mrs. Virginia Whitehead Kennedy and her daughter, Mrs. Willie
Kennedy Anderson, who were "Fairest among thousands, altogether
lovely."
Dewitt
Clinton Lodge No. 84
Along with the
churches, Masonry has had an important role in the building of Vaiden.
Application for a Charter for a Lodge at Shongalo was requested September 25, 1846, and DeWitt Dlinton Lodge No. 84F.
and A.M. was organized about the same time. It was not until February 17, 1847, that the Charter was granted from
the Grand Lodge of Mississippi at Natchez. Grand Master Henry S. Tappan and
Grand Secretary William P. Mellon signed the Charter.
DeWitt Clinton
Lodge adopted the By-Laws of Carrollton Lodge No. 36 F.
and A.M. until they could draft their own Constitution and By-Laws. On
February 6, 1847, DeWitt Clinton Lodge
adopted their own By-Laws. The first officers were: William H. Ellington,
Worshipful Master; Thomas C. Harris. Senior Warden; Benjamin E. Norris,
Junior Warden; Peter Gibert, Secretary; Samuel I. Brown, Treasurer by Proxy;
Benjamin F. Harper, Senior Deacon; William T. Cain, Junior Deacon; Samuel G.
Walker, Tyler. Charter members were: W.H. Ellington, Thomas C. Harris.
Benjamin E. Norris, Samuel G. Walker, Peter Gibert, B.F. Harper, W.D. Cain,
S.I. Brown, Charles Koperel, Nathaniel Wells, W.C. Lovein, P. Lowery, Z.
Blackman, R.A. Smith, John A. McBride, A.A. Brooks, A.B. Oldham, and W.G.
Goss.
Meeting time
for the Lodge was on the Saturday preceding the full moon of each and every
month at 9:00 a.m. from the 25th of March to the 25th of September and at 10:00 a.m. from the 25th of September to the 25th of March, also on the eves
preceding the 24th
of June and the 27th
of December at candle lighting. The records do not make it clear as to where
the meetings were held at Shongalo, but there seemed to be an interest in a
building owned jointly with the Quitman Lodge Odd Fellows and Shongalo Royal
Arch Chapter. On December 29,
1850, there was
a celebration of the anniversary of St. John, the Evangelist, with a public
procession being formed and moved to the Presbyterian Church where the Hall
of DeWitt Clinton Lodge was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies.
Mention is made
of an interest in Richland Academy and the second story of the Female Academy
at Shongalo. In 1854,
the Masons ordered 50
copies of The Prohibitionist, a Temperance paper published at Albany,
New York, to be distributed in the community. In 1859, there was an interest in moving
the Hall to the new town of Vaiden, and the last meeting of the Lodge at
Shongalo was held December 26,
1859.
The Lodge was
then moved to Vaiden and, on May 5,
1860, the first
meeting was held in the new town. The same year, the Lodge donated their
interest in the second story of the Female Academy to the Cause of Education
and their interest in the second story of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church
Building, to the Church.
Evidently the
Lodge Hall burned sometime between June and November in the year 1873 and the meetings were then
held in the Courthouse until May, 1875,
when a new building was ready for occupancy. Fortunately, all early records
were saved from the fire and remained in good condition. Around July 6, 1889, the Masons began meeting on the
second floor of the Presbyterian Church at Vaiden,
and remained there. The Hall originally was jointly owned by the Odd Fellows,
but the Odd Fellows are no longer active. In 1926, the Virginia Kennedy Chapter No. 271, Order of the Eastern Star,
was chartered and shared the use of the Masonic Hall with the Lodge.
Home
Demonstration Club
During 1912-1913, the Superintendent of Education
for Carroll County became very interested in the Home Demonstration work
started in Mississippi by Miss Susie V. Powell earlier that year. The work
was started in Lincoln and Copiah Counties and was largely worked through the
schools. Superintendent Charles A. Neal corresponded during that summer with
Miss Powell about starting the work in Carroll County. She made a tour of the
schools that fall, taking an entire week, travelling by horse and buggy. This
tour proved very successful. Teachers, pupils, and Patrons were enthusiastic
and lauded Miss Powell, and the work was a great success.
One night of
Miss Powell's tour was spent in the home of Mrs. Fannie Hemphill (later Mrs.
Charles F. Duke). Mrs. Hemphill was so enthusiastic about the work that Miss
Powell selected her as the County Agent of Carroll County. She proved to be a
very good choice as she gave her time and talents to the work in all sections
of the county and soon had a large number of clubs organized and doing good
work. Every phase of rural homemaking was covered, showing the newest and
best methods for doing each task.
Following Mrs.
Hemphill as county agents were: Miss Sarah Craig, Miss E.V. Brown, Mrs.
Nelliw Mae Mahon, Miss Maybelle Gray, Miss Forrest Turnipseed, Miss Grace
Kellum, Miss Mattie Wise Garnett, Miss helen Fair Hunter, Miss Rosalyn
Brisco, Miss Joyce Cleveland, Miss Laquita J. Bell, and Mrs. Bervil Watson.
Although no
records are available to verify, it is believed that the Vaiden Homemakers
Club was organized that first year. The membership grew and the Club existed
until 1950,
when they changed their name from Vaiden Homemakers Club to Vaiden Garden
Club. The first membership roll was not obtainable, but the roll for their
last meeting year was as follows: Mrs. Jessie Armstrong, Mrs. S.P. Armstrong,
Mrs. C.L. Armstrong, Mrs. Vernon Anderson, Miss Lena Armstrong, Mrs. P.A.
Bennett, Mrs. Weldon Baskin, Mrs. W.L. Boykin, Mrs. Vaughn Campbell, Mrs. Bob
Dulin, Miss Evelyn Eades, Miss Grace Elliott, Mrs. Vince Gee, Miss Mary
Haman, Mrs. Claude Hatcher, Mrs. Dan Hatcher, Mrs. Joseph Herring, Mrs. B.W.
Holmes, Mrs. J.B. Haman, Mrs. L.H. Hawkins, Mrs. A.C. Long, Mrs. C. McDougal,
Mrs. Clarence Pierce, Mrs. Jim Pollard, Mrs. F.D. Prewitt, Mrs. E.G. Randle,
Mrs. Lloyd Rogers, Mrs. Walter Smith, Mrs Bernhard Sanders, Mrs. John
Vandiver, Mrs. M.T. Watkins, Mrs. R.S. McCorkle, Mrs. Elizabeth Kelly, Mrs.
Taylor Everett, Mrs. Sam Moses, Mrs. Jamie Rogers, Mrs. Hattie Ingram, and Mrs.
N.L. Threet.
Meetings,
demonstrations and exhibits were also held in the Carrollton Community
Center, a modern log structure, which is still in existence today.
Vaiden
Sunbeams
In 1960, existed a gathering of children
from Vaiden and the surrounding communities called the Vaiden Sunbeams. The
Sunbeam organization was the first of the Women's Missionary Union's missions
organization for children. Mrs. Wilson
(Louise) Caddess and Mrs. Wallace (Bonnie) Welch were able leaders
in the organization, which met after school once or twice a month in the Vaiden Baptist Church Educational Building,
to provide music, guidance and teach the children the meaning of
responsibility during their young years. Many activities
were planned by the leaders, including the preparation and
delivery of fruit baskets, linens, and other needed items at during the
Christmas holidays to the Poorhouse on Highway 82, west of Carrollton, a visit to the
American Broadcasting Affiliate, WABG Television Station, in Greenwood to
appear on the local afternoon cartoon show -- which would invite children as
an audience during the broadcast, birthday parties for the members, creative
workshops, and hosts of other activities to teach and entertain the
youngsters. Many children from the area were members and enjoyed each other's
companionship, away from the schoolyard. In 1970, the "Sunbeams" changed their name
to "Mission Friends." The current Mission Friends is an
organization for preschoolers, from birth to first grade, that teaches the
concept of missions. The basic objective of this organization is to involve
preschoolers and their families in missions activities in developmentally
appropriate ways.
Songs of the Sunbeams
Special Thanks to
Betsy Lowery, Archivist of the Woman's Missionary Union, Southern Baptist
Convention.
Be a Little
Sunbeam was the official Sunbeam Hymn, at least from 1918 through 1956. The hymn was mentioned
and sheet music for it was offered for sale in the 1918-1919 WMU Year Book (p.39). It was last mentioned in the Year
Book for 1956-1957 (p.1). In the 1949 Year Book (p.83), a Sunbeam Watchword Song -- Light
of the World (words by Helen Sneed Parsons, music by Kathryn Sneed Beck)
was substituted for the hymn. IN 1950
(Year Book p.13),
both the hymn and the watchword song were featured. From 1951 (Year Book, p.90) through 1956 (Year Book, p.104), Woman's Missionary Union
offered for sale sheet music for these two plus two others: I'll Be a
Sunbeam, and A Sunbeam All for Jesus. From 1934 (Year Book p.74), for several years, Year Books list
collections such as Missionary Songs and Hymns for Children. Since
these Year Books are unavailable, the list of songs in them is unknown at
this time. Below are words to I'll Be a Sunbeam (considered by many
former Sunbeam members to have been the "Sunbeam Song") and Be a
Little Sunbeam -- adapted from a summary article prepared by Eljee
Bentley, former WMU Archivist, in 1984.
I'll Be a Sunbeam
1. Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam, To
shine for Him each day;
In ev'ry way try to please Him, At home, at school, at play.
CHORUS: A Sunbeam, a Sunbeam,
Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam;
A Sunbeam, a Sunbeam, I'll be a Sunbeam for Him.
2. Jesus wants me to be loving, And kind
to all I see;
Showing how pleasant and happy, His little ones can be.
(CHORUS)
3. I will ask Jesus to help me, To keep
my heart from sin;
Ever reflecting His goodness, And always shine for Him.
(CHORUS)
4. I'll be a Sunbeam for Jesus, I can if
I but try;
Serving Him moment by moment, then live with Him on high.
(CHORUS)
Copyright 1900; Renewal 1928. Words by Nellie Talbot, Music by
E.O. Excell
Be a Little Sunbeam
1. Be a little Sunbeam, ev'rywhere you
go;
Help to drive the darkness, from this world below;
You will see the shadows, swiftly flee away,
If you'll be a Sunbeam every day.
CHORUS: Be a little Sunbeam,
tho' your light be small,
Let its gleam of beauty, o'er the darkness fall;
You will see the shadows, swiftly flee away,
If you'll be a Sunbeam ev'ry day.
2. Be a little Sunbeam, ev'rywhere you
go;
Shine, O shine for Jesus, with a radiant glow;
Little ones may help this, dark world to illume,
Sending golden sunshine thro' the gloom.
(CHORUS)
3. Be a little Sunbeam, shining bright
and clear;
Someone may be wand'ring, in the darkness near;
You may help to scatter, shadows of the night,
Leading unto Christ who is the Light.
(CHORUS)
Copyright 1906; Words by Alice Jean Cleator,
Music by Grant Colfax Tullar
History of the Sunbeams
Used With Permission
WMU Celebrates Centennial of
Promoting Preschool Ministry by Teresa Dickens
Birmingham,
Alabama, 1986
-- The dream of a mother and young pastor in 1886 to create an avenue to instill in
children a love for missions, is being celebrated this year, as Woman's
Missionary Union marks its 100th
year of coordinating such a ministry.
The mother,
Anna Louise Elsom, taught the "infant class" -- children ages four
through thirteen -- at Fairmont Baptist Church in Nelson County, Virginia.
She called the class "Sunbeams," because the sunshine illuminated
and warmed the corner of the church where she taught the children. The
pastor, George Braxton Taylor, was the answer to Elsom's prayer for someone
to come to Fairmont who knew missions and would help her start a missionary
group for children. Taylor, the son of early Southern Baptist missionaries to
Italy and nephew of the first secretary of the Foreigh Mission Board, had a
heart for missions and was willing to help Elsom achieve her dream.
In 1886, Elsom and Taylor started
the first Sunbeam Band at Fairmont Church. Elsom taught the class, while
Taylor developed the curriculum and handled the administration of the group.
membership in the band required an initiation fee of one penny, followed by a
contribution of one penny a month, all of which went to support missions.
Historical documents note that Taylor insisted that the children earn the
money they contributed. Most of the children earned their money by selling
eggs and even dedicated the chickens to the cause by naming them after
missionaries.
By early 1887, Taylor had won the
endorsement of the Foreign Mission Board and began promoting the Sunbeam Band
movement through denominational papers. In the March 1887 issue of the "Religious
Herald," Taylor explained his philosophy of the Sunbeam Band. "The
Sunbeam movement was not altogether to do things for children but that
children might do things for others and for Jesus," Taylor wrote.
"Not only can children receive, they can gice. They can do their part in
sending far and wide the story of Jesus. They do not need to wait until they
are men and women to know the romance of modern missions."
Taylor's words
fell on fertile ground. By 1889,
"Cousin George," as he came to be known, was corresponding with 284 Sunbeam Bands from Virginia
to Texas, with membership of more than 8,000.
The financial contribution of the bands was also significant, growing from $1,582
in the first year to $2,179 during
the second year. Tayloe managed the Sunbeam movement until 1896 when he, in agreement with
the Foreign Mission Board, relinquished the task to the WMU. This was a
natural transition in leadership since the two movements had a common cause
and Taylor had known Annie Armstrong, corresponding secretary of the WMU,
since his seminary days.
Under WMU's
leadership, the focus of Sunbeams eventually shifted away from fund-raising
to learning about missions. The curriculum included prayer, stewardship,
community missions, telling others about Jesus, and study. The age span also
changed, shrinking first to children eight and under. In 1942, preschool Sunbeams were
separated from school-age children and divided again by 1956, when WMU began promoting
nursery and beginner Sunbeam Bands. The most sweeping change for the
preschool missions organization came between 1964 and 1970, when WMU and other Southern
Baptist Convention agencies adapted their programs to follow a unified
grouping/grading plan. The changes prompted WMU to introduce new
organizational names and lines of operation, along with new periodicals for
each age level.
On October 1, 1970, Sunbeams became Mission Friends,
and leaders began receiving a new magazine called "Start." IN 1978, WMU added a leaflet for
Mission Friends called "Share," and in 1995, WMU began promoting a class for
parents and Mission Friends. Today, Mission Friends number slightly less than
170,000.
. . . .
The past 100 years have brought many
changes in missions programs for preschoolers, but leaders today share a
common dream with Elsom and Taylor -- to instill in children a love for
missions. "Today's child needs to learn, to pray, to give and to do
missions more than ever before so that they will automatically develop a
missions lifestyle," said Kathy Burns, preschool consultant for WMU.
"It's true that as preschoolers are involved in consistent patterns of
helping others, they will recognize their own ability to reach beyond themselves
to touch others." "I'm thankful for those faithful men and women
that have gone before us," she remarked. "They ran the race set
before them and held high a torch for all to see. I pray that we will
continue to be found faithful in passing the torch to today's preschoolers
and to all future generations," she concluded, referencing Psalm 22:30, "Our children too shall serve
Him, they shall hear from us about the wonders of the Lord."
Sunbeams
Article
History of Mission Friends -- A
Second Account
Note: Although
this second account of the Sunbeams/Mission Friends contains virtually
identical information to the preceding one, this writer felt the importance
of leaving it unedited, since it was from compiled from the same history, but
different sources.
Making a Difference
In the
foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia is the little Fairmont
Baptist Church," began "Cousin George" (George Braxton
Taylor). "Here years ago there was a Sunday School class of little folks
that had the name of 'Sunbeams.' They met in a corner not cut off from the
other classes by curtains and having neither organ, blackboard, not little
chairs but they did have a noble teacher. She had big, dark, lustrous eyes
and, better still, a loving heart and winsome ways with children. This
teacher was Mrs. Anna Louise Elsom, a cultured, deeply pious, lovely woman of
strong character. From her home two miles away she came, Sunday after Sunday,
to meet |
