Much has changed in the county since August 1905

Every time I look through the old editions of The Monroe Journal at the Monroe County Library, I'm always struck by just how much life in Monroe County has changed over the years.
For example, 100 years ago, in the Sept. 14, 1905 edition of The Journal, readers saw the following editorial: "There is greater demand for dwellings in Monroeville at this time than has been known for a long time. Half a dozen or more new homes have been recently built and each one of these together with every habitable old building in reach of town is occupied, in several instances by more than one family.
"A dozen new dwellings would find ready occupants at a profitable rental within 30 days. It is strange that some of our men of means do not see and improve their favorable opportunity to improve the town, build up a first class school and at the same time add to their income."
In that same edition of The Journal, it was reported that Professor Weaver of Lineville, who had been chosen principal of the Monroeville school, had arrived in town, ready to enter upon his duties.
"Mr. Weaver comes with strong endorsements as an educator of character and ability," The Journal reported.
In the Sept. 7 edition of The Journal, readers saw where Mr. W.L. Durden of Franklin had recently obtained a patent for an improved nut lock for railroad rails and was negotiating for the sale of his invention. Journal editor, Q. Salter, wrote that he hoped Durden "may realize a snug little fortune" from the sale of his invention.
That same week, the Monroe County Masonic Conference was held Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 1905 in Monroeville. Representatives from the seven Masonic lodges in Monroe County attended the event.
In the news about the Pineville community, submitted by the corespondent "Ione" for the Sept. 21, 1905 Journal, readers learned that Jackson Marshall was thrown and kicked by a mule on Sept. 15, "receiving painful injuries."
In that same edition of The Journal, it was reported that Mr. Luke Coley of the Hadley community told the newspaper that "the possums are getting ripe in his neighborhood, and the young men of his age enjoy rare sport in hunting the marsupials."
That same week, under the headline "Killing at McWilliams," it was reported that Jim Johnson, alias Jim Caldwell, shot and killed Wade Coleman on Sept. 17 at McWilliams, near the Monroe-Wilcox county line. Johnson was captured and taken to jail in Monroeville.
In that same edition of the paper, in the news about the Jones Mill community (now Frisco City), it was reported that a one hour, cotton-picking race took place between L.N. Parson and J. Driscoll. Parson won the race, picking 53 pounds of cotton in one hour, while Driscoll picked 48 pounds.
The Sept. 28, 1905 edition of The Journal contained several news items of interest.
In news about the young community of Excel, "X.X." reported that "our little town is now on a boom, several new residences have been built and quite a handsome church almost completed."
Salter also reported that "Messrs. Byron and Howard Faulk, accompanied by their sister, Miss Callie, attended the meeting of the Bethlehem Baptist Association at Poplar Springs last week."
W.B. Jones advertised in that same edition of The Journal that he was "now operating a hack line from Monroeville to Monroe Station, meeting all trains daily. A liberal share of public patronage respectfully solicited." A hack is a carriage or coach for hire.
Next month, I plan to take a look at the events of October 1905 in Monroe County. Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s past yourself, take advantage of the Monroe County Library’s excellent selection of old newspapers on micro-film and other resources in its second-floor Genealogy and Alabama rooms. The library’s friendly and courteous staff will be more than happy to get you started.