Newspapers / The Franklin Press and … / Aug. 25, 1949, edition 1 / Page 2
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^ttgUgu&s JRnrjtnhro Published every Thursday tor The Franklin Press VOL. LXIV Number S3 At Pranklln, North Carolina WEIMAR JONES *. Editor BOB 8. SLOAN Business Manager Ente~d at Post Office, Franklin, N. C., as second class matter. Telephone No. 24 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: / One Year .... $2.00 8ix Months ..._ $1.25 Three Months .75 Single Copy _ .08' Obituary notices, cards of thanks, tributes of rasped- ^7 Individuals, lodges, churches, organizations or societies, ?tll be regarded as advertising and Inserted at regular classified advertising rates. Such notices will be maked "adv." In com pliance with the postal requirements. This Is News! The old benches ? those moth-eaten, knife-whit tled, paint-lacking benches ? those dilapidated, dis gracefully down-at-the-heel derelicts, reminiscent o,f a dark and distant past ? the rickety old benches that face the Confederate monument on the Square ? the old benches are on the way out ! Yes, .sir, they are to be replaced! And it was all done so easily and without even semblance of organization. A few Franklin men got interested. They reasoned not onlv that the old benches were an eye-sore, but that tourists, and shoppers as well, should have a place to rest. The solution seemed to be new benches. Somebody remembered that there were metal framed benches in the old railroad depot, and that they probably would be for sale, since the Tallulah Falls Railroad no. longer hauls passengers. A letter to Cornelia proved the correctness o.f that assump tion?they could be bought for $47. Within a few hours that amount was raised in cash, and Alderman Woodrow Reeves, chairman of the town street committee, promised to ask the Franklin board to have the seats painted, and then anchored in concrete. The matter is. expected to come before the board at its meeting in September, so that attractive seats should replace the unhappy old ones within a fortnight. And who did it? At least one of the less than half a dozen respon sible is so jnodest about his community work he asked that his name not be published ; "after all", he explained, "we didn't do it for publicity". Presum ably. he spoke fo.r all, and the request is being re spected. Name', or no names, it was a fine piece of com munity work. And, perhaps most important, it illustrates strik ingly what can be accomplished. Given an organiza tion or organizations to take the lead, plus a care fully worked out plan, and Franklin could be so transformed within a year that most of us would hardly know the town. . Defense Of Freedom "The law dea!.r? with overt acts, not thoughts." That is the ruling of Judge Joseph Sherbow/ Maryland circuit court jurist. The ruling came on a test o.f a new Maryland law requiring loyalty oaths by public employes and can didates for office, and providing heavy fines and prison sentences merely for belonging to subversive oreanizations. The ca5e probably wijl be taken to the Maryland Co.urt of Appeals, and finally to the U. S. Supreme Court. Put meanwhile Judge Sherbow's ruling is a ringing defense of the primary Ango-Saxon free dom : "The Supreme Court", he declared in his ruling, "has made it clear tha^t laws may punish acts and conduct which clearly, seriously, and imminently threaten substantive evils. "They may not intrude into the realm of ideas, religous and political beliefs, and opinions. "The law deals with overt acts, not thoughts. It may punish for acting, but not for thinking". The Real Criminal Lfcst week Margaret Mitchell, famed author of "Gone With the Wind", died in Atlanta, victim of an "automobile accident. The driver of the car has been arrested, and un doubtedly will be tried and punished. .But u> the man who drove the car the real criminal? The court record shows that the driver had been booked 22 times previously for traffic law viola tions ; yet he was licensed not only to drive all auto mobile, but as a taxicab driver. . Isn't Miss Mitchell's blood really on the hands of the authorities who permitted this man to continue to operate an automobile, after he had pro,ved> 22 times, tiiat lie Would not, or could not, obey the traffic laws? t ' And that question raises a broader one, with ref erence to aur courts generally: The suspended sentence ? the gospel of a second chance ? is fine in the case of the defendant convict ed of his first, or even second, offense. But why do our courts continue to give suspended sentences to those who are habitual offenders? s Something For Nothing We see by the papers that the Federal Communi cations Commission has moved to. outlaw most of the radio give-away programs. Now isn't that just our luck ! For years now, we've been certain we were just about to win a trip to Europe, o.r furniture for a 10-room house, or, at least, a pet elephant. Time after time, we've sat by the telephone awaiting a call from New York or Hollywood; time after time, we've sent in a box top, along with a dime or a quarter ; time after time, we've written advertising slogans that we felt sure couldn't be impraved on. Time after time, of course, we've been disappointed. But there's such a thing as the law of averages ; after a while we'd be sure to win ? maybe the very next time. . Now our hopes are about to be dashed. The papers sav th? give-away programs are to he barred after September 30. Well, if we haven't won something bv that time, we'll know, all the rest of n.ur life, that we un doubtedly' would have won, on October 1 ? or Oc tober 2, at the latest ! Letters AIR SHOW CANCELED Editor, The Press: When the flood damaged our runway recently, It was neces sary for us to Cancel the air show that was scheduled for the 4th of July.. After considerable expense to repairing this dam age in order to have the runway in such shape as to told the show on Labor day, we find that our delayed schedule has placed us in a position asking for acts on the same day as the National Air Races. You can imagine the success we have had in attempting to line up a quality show with all the avia tion people planning to attend the major event of the year in Cleveland. . - Since our efforts to line up acts for a quality show have met with no success, rather than offer the people of Franklin a second rate affair we have decided to cancel the local show entirely, and hope that the coming year will find us* with a runway that can handle a first class event on the 4th of July as originally planned for each year. We shall appreciate your notifying the readers of The Press of the above facts; the result of circumstances (the river) beyond our control. Rather than offer a second class affair, we believe it best to cancel the event. Very truly yours, MACON FLYING SERVICE Franklin, N. C. By M. S. Heyward August 20, 1949. Others' Opinions THE WORD ON TREES Men seldiooi plant trees till they begin to be wise, that is, till they grow old, and find, by experience, the pru dence and necessity of it.? John Evelyn, 1664. The U. S. Department of Agriculture has devoted its 1949 Yearbook wholly to the subject of "Trees", a copy of which Is in hand (some Job. considering the heft) and can be ob tained from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington 25, D. C. at the giveaway price of $2.00. If all the literature of the forests mere condensed and put in one volume, this would be it. Indeed, this is It. In his foreword to "Trees" Secretary of Agriculture Brannan cites the words of the English patriot and philosopher quoted ahove. They are the sum and substance of the forest problem, which its "prudence" and its "necessity." Happily, an older American civilization is coming to appreciate John Evelyn's Injunction of nearly two centuries ago. "Trees" will help. It is an attractive 994-page volume edited with journalistic skill and imagination by Alfred Stefferud. Trees, forests and forest products are -discussed in non-tech nical language by 161 contributors. W. N. Sparhawk has written an engaging short history of forestry in America. Color plate illustrations help to summarize the main points of the book, one dealing with the Coweeta weirs stream flow project in Macon County. An extensive section describes (with illustra tions and location maps) all the important forest trees of the United States so that the layman may identify them with ease. If the average citizen would understand the heritage of his forests and their role in his very existence, he will seek out the 1949 Yearbook of Agriculture, "Trees", and after absorbing it bow low to the U. S. Forest. Service. The dedicated foresters of America have put between covers another major service to the welfare of their country.? Ashevllle Citizen. THE LITTLE CAPTAIN Mr. Truman, we fear has never gotten over the glory of his role of The Little Captain of World War I. Ever since he as sumed the Presidency the brass hats have had so much to say about how this nation shall be run as congress. Big dog In dictating policy to the President seems to be General Vaughan, his military aide. Vaughan Is credited with shaping the plan for squandering millions In Greece and Turkey, not to mention the fact that the Truman doctrine In the Near East bypassed the United Nations and made It brutally clear to Russia that the United States was not going to arbitrate differences but would rely on arms. Judging by preliminary Information In the five-percenters investigations. General Waughn also deals in race tracks and appears to hold himself above nothing, which would reflect directly upon the people's choice of a President, since Mr. Truman still Insists that he loves and respects his closest aide as ever. The President has shown himself very rusty on the Con stitution of the United States. First, he completely forgot the constitutional guarantee of States' Rights. Second, he appears ignorant of the constitutional provision t^it the nation's mili tary establishment shall be a servant of the civil body? not that the civil body shall serve and exist for the support of the military arm.-Cleveland Timet. OUR DEMOCRACY 1 "PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE:.. In THK EARLY DAYS Of OUK DEMOCRACY, THE PIONEER. or TIN PUT ESSENTIAL. TOOLS AND RATIONS IN A CANOE ANO PROCEEDED UP RIVERS AND STIUAMS, SEARCH ING FOR, A FARM SITE... PADDLING HIS OWN CANOE, HE FOUNO TODAY, THIS EXPRESSION, IN COMMON USE SINCE PIONEER OAVS, STILL SYMBOLIZES INDIVIDUAL INDEPENDENCE AND INITIATIVE... IN MODERN USEAOE, IT APPLIES TO THE OPPORTUNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY OP THE INDIVIDUAL, THROUGH HIS OWN FORESIGHT AND EFFORTS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE SECURITY AND WELL-BEING OF HIMSELF ANO H/S FAMILY. Some Memories .(EDITOR'S NOTE: This is another of the entries in the Macon County Historical So ciety's recent contest for ar ticles relating to the history of this county.) By R..R. RICKMAN Thinking over my childhood days brings to mind some inci dents that seem strange to present day customs. The first I knew of such a thing as county government was when James (Jim) Cansler came to my father's house to collect his tax. He gave me the first money I ever owned. It was a dime. Of course that gave me a high opinion of Sheriff Cansler. The first time I came to Franklin his horse was hitched to a stake at the north end of the courthouse hall. My father said no one ever hitched a horse there but Sheriff Cansler. I am pretty sure his succes sor was Lee Allman. Without referring to records, I can't name those who followed in succession, but recall Charlie Roane as being the first one I voted for. Others that come to my mind as I write are Major William Higdon, T. B. Higdon, Davis Dean, Alex Moore, Charles Ingram, Burt Slagle, and the present Sheriff, Perry Bradley. The first man I remember as clerk of court was William (Billy) Allman. I think his suc cessor was Sam Rogers. The first clerk I voted for was Lee Crawford. He was followed by Mack Ledford, Frank Murray, Harley Cabe, A. R. Higdon, and the present clerk, Clinton Brook shire. The first register of deeds that I remember was W. L. (Billy) Dean. I don't recall all his successors, but do remember that Jesse Sloan was the first one I voted for. He afterwards issued my marriage license. After him I remember H. D. Dean, David Blaine, Elmer Johnson, Horace Hurst, Tom Bryson, Lester Arnold, and the present Lake Shope. I remem ber when Col. John Ingram was county treasurer, but that office was abolished before I voted. I don't recall the first com missioners I voted for, but re member those filling that office in those days consisted of such men as John Ammons, John Ingram, William McDowell, a Mr. Bascomb, and others. Later on, I will only name some who enter my mind as I write: Bob Porter, Will McGuire, a Mr. Mc Pierson, John Harrison, Charles McClure, Dock Barnard, Neal Bryson, Carey Hall, -Walter Gib son, Lawrence Ramsey. I am sure I have overlooked some before coming to the present board. The first vote I cast for rep resentative was for J. Frank Ray. I may not recall all of his successors, but remember W. A. Rogers, H. D. Dean, Frank Ray, Jr., R. A. Patton, George Patton, Charles Ingram, Herbert McGlamery, and the present representative, Carl Slagle. Schools There have been many changes In the school system since my early recollection. The first recollection I have ol schools was when John Bow man taught a school near Weaver Carter's on what was then known as the Peabody Fund. The citizens had built a two-room house without ceil ing, and the' seats were logs split open with pegs set in the bottom for legs. I remember none .of them were low enough for my feet to reach the floor. I was not old tnough to attend this school, but know quite a few people from other commun ities came to this school. My first teacher was John O. Hicks, and my last ' teacher was Lee Barnard. The first superintendent of schools I knew was Sumner Clark. Following him was A. D. Farmer. Then I remember Miss Laura Clark, Tom Johnson, the late M. D. Billings and O. L. Houk. In my school days the only requirement for persons to be able to teach school 'was for them to stand examination under the county superinten dent, who would issue a first, second, or third grade certifi cate, and the teachers were paid according to grade. Each of the eleven townships was divided into various districts, and three committeemen in each district selected and employed the teacher of their choice for that school. Doctors The first I ever knew of such a being as a doctor was when my father came home and told us that Dr. Lyle (this was J. M. Lyle, often called "Jimmy") had gone to Joe Carter's to cut off Joe's leg. Joe had been shot through" the thigh by his son, Charlie, by mistake. Joe hid under a . bed with some snake rattles and scared Charlie, who on hearing the commotion, took the gun from the rack and fired at the object he saw under the bed. I don't think I was more than seven years old at that time, so in my childish mind there was wonder and surprise as to the being who could cut off a man's leg and also as to the man who could live with a leg cut off. It was a year pr two later that this same doctor was called to our home to see my father. Since I was so anxious to know what kind of a being a doctor was, imagine my surprise when 1 discovered he was just a man made as other men. At that time I learned ol other doctors in the county, mainly John and Wiley Moore, Dr. Brabson who was consider ed a specialist in treating milk sickness, Snipe McCloud, follow ed by S. H. Lyle (who his fath er referred to as Sam). Those who have been called to m.j home in addition to Dr. Lyle have been Drs. McCoy, Fouts Slier, Rogers, Edgar Angel, and Horsley. . Preachers ? The flfst preacher I remem ber seeing was Merritt Rick man who had moved from Hen derson cpunty and bought lane from Thomas Shepherd and set tled on Rlckman Creek (ther known as Morehead Fork). ] never heard him preach. Th? first man I heard preach wau a Mr. Kelly. This was at Snov Hill Methodist church. Mr Kelly was so small he had tc stand on a box in order to se< his congregation over the boot board. At that time there weri very few preacher* in Macor County, and Ellas Brendle from Jackson county and Allen Am nions and Henry Connor from Swain county would come to this county to pastor churches. I was not acquainted with the earlier preachers in the fraiflc Un churches, but do remember Coley Campbell, C. D. Smith, a man by the name of Ballard, Sym?. Charlie Ledfo?d, and J. R. Pendergrass Since then oreachers have been too num erous to mention, but will speak of one Incident that rejnalns of interest to me. It was when Wiley Connor >v>de .a mule from A'ufty In Swain county and pastored a church In this coun ty for a salary of $100 a year, and that was the first time that church had ever paid so high a salary for a year's preaching. He "preached one Saturday and Sunday In each month. I am afraid to mention any more preachers for fear I might leave out some who are nearest my heart. Buildings It seems that I have a faint recollection of the courthouse being built by Dr. Lyle (this is Dr. John M. Lyle who was the father of Dr. S. H. Lyle and Dr. J. M. Lyle) as contractor, though it may be I Just heard so much talk about it that it became fastened on my mind. All the old buildings of my first recollection on the road of travel In going to Franklin have been replaced by more modern dwellings, but I think the old Watsoiv house, occupied by Mrs. Will Shields, still re tains the same old wall which has been overhauled from the outside. I am not well enough acquainted over the county to mention the buildings still standing after more than sev enty years, but having lived In the lower end of the county I am familiar with some that have been standing that long. Will mention one built by Wil liam West, now occupied by Mrs. J. M. Morgan and Robert Morgan; one "built by James Bryson, now occupied by Carr Bryson; one occupied by Mr. and Mrs. James Porter, built by Alfred Hall; one built by Joseph Hurst, now occupied by the Patterson family; and I think the one occupied by Mrs. George Raby, built by Mark Raby, has been standing that long. People rempmh??f the oldest cltizens I asidefrnm ^r0und, Franklin, tlnnpH those already men tioned, were Jack Johnston Nathan Allman. Levi Low EH TroUer itT th F^anlcs' and Green i rotter, in the lower end of thp county am?ng ^ Ftrann TW?.re William West ^aniwn Lakey, Joseph Bryson Elija Cloer, Nathan Lowe Hen derson Parrish, Solomn Lealh JoZ\,^nd Co^i"s and John Gibson, i think all of those named were too old to render service in the Civil War old?1? Wh0 dld serve, but were old men when I grew up, are too numerous to mention. I remember when our neigh bors went to market in wagons enaWTheiy h<?rSeS> mules' or 03t j eir Places of trade in cluded such towns as Walhalla vTneeCanrtlty^AnderSOn' Qaines Caro'llna r tOWns in South arolina and Georgia. Thev or remo"aIly^?ne f0r two wee^ Drodimfo y Carrled such furkpv, , ai -appIes- chickens, a sumiii / anything there was Their i? hi 016 comniunity. t?^l 'oadln8 was bought on terms to be paid for on the re m^diUe? by brl"glnK such com. modities as salt, coffee, sugar sheeting, or whatever thecu/ tomer might order. The turkevs ,5 to roost 111 the bushes wagoners had^^anS"8 th? Mas?nmardeemamtHpr to Walha^6 He bought some chickens from my mother. Thev ll 'T ten cents each^egardlew J 22 or quality, provided th^ w^ as much as half grown jM-U ssr weeks and the family or neigh bors could not butcher their wUh ?3? thC Wag0n retumed not uncommon for one ' Othlr50/ ?? ^XChan?e With 2! other a bushel of corn for ? ?n y 8 if ^ ten Pounds of meat I i0/ a of wheat, a gXn 1 of mollasses for a sometimes, when one man wu VP pi*s- he wouW hi ?? iile ghbor one or maybe ? ? would advise his neighbo? 1 him I?6 as that would give mEL "ef luck- ^ trade I for thrww'rf1*0' one d0zen eggs t womiii o twists Of tobacco. The uhhIi' exch*n?ed such things ; d'led aPPles, dried pumpkin, J *ans, or peas for what have J tvi" 4118 d?ys ?f my boyhood n??lL!fe?e 5ut few men m my J neighborhood who could not ?oney ,r?m. anyone who had any h? was not using, with i out note or wcurlty.
The Franklin Press and the Highlands Maconian (Franklin, N.C.)
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Aug. 25, 1949, edition 1
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