List of local African Americans to be challenged on election day, circa 1890

After the end of Reconstruction and Republican rule in 1877, Democrats in North Carolina tried to manipulate local and state elections in their favor. Their main targets were African Americans who had recently gained the right to vote. Or who had recently registered to vote.

This list of more than 600 names was likely produced by the local Democratic Party for registrars willing to prevent blacks from voting. Evidence suggests it was printed prior to 1894, most likely for the 1890 election.

Although not surprising, this extremely rare document is stark historical proof of the calculated, vicious atmosphere that led one political party to use any and all means to prevent black citizens from exercising rights guaranteed to them in 1870 by the Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

More information about the document and its historical context

Alphabetical list of names

* * * * *

Do you know more about any individuals on this list? If so, please contact the Greensboro History Museum Archives by phone at 373-2976 or by email.

In the Fall of 1932, the students at Jonesboro Elementary School, Greensboro, N.C., under the direction of Mr. Abraham H. Peeler, undertook an oral history project to document the memories of their parents, grandparents, or relatives. They captured these memories in brief compositions, which were placed in a folder entitled “Slavery As We’ve Heard It.”

Jonesboro School was an appropriate place to center this assignment, since it had been founded after the Civil War as one of the Julius Rosenwald “X-Y-Z” schools: if a neighborhood gave X-money, a city/county Y-money, Rosenwald would donate Z-money, to make it happen.

Jonesboro School, which had been a county school until the big City annexation of 1923, was closed after the 1983 school year.

Below is a list of the students whose essays appear in the volume. Click on the page numbers to view their essays.

New Smyrna Beach, Florida to Greensboro, North Carolina & Return

July 17, 1912 to September 3, 1912

Preface to the Diary

Victor, Annie, Willie & Will Newell

The following preface was written by Richard F. Newell, to accompany his transcription of the diary kept by his grandmother, Annie E. Kendall Newell (1863-1953), on an automobile trip in 1912 from Florida to Greensboro, N.C. and back. His transcription is used as the basis for this electronic version, however, it was checked against the original diary, and corrections were made in typographical or editing errors. The diary was presented to the GHM Archvies in 2001 by Ricki Chichester, the great-granddaughter of Annie Newell.

“The following is a log kept by my grandmother, Annie Newell who with my grandfather William H. Newell and two sons, Vic and Willie (V. A. Newell and W. J. Newell, my father), made a trip from New Smyrna Beach, Florida to Greensboro, North Carolina in their 1912 Packard touring car.  Richard F. Newell, Jacksonville, Florida“

[Note: The original typed transcript by Richard Newell was digitized and edited by Lewis D. Dorman IV, a UNC Greensboro history student intern in 2001. Further editing was undertaken in 2002 by GHM Archives volunteer Dick Claycomb.]

The Newell Family

The William H. Newell family moved to Orange City, in central Florida around 1886. This was about a year after William and Annie’s marriage in Greensboro, N.C., and some months after their first child, Floyd, was born there. William (1859-1946) was a native of Oswego, New York, moving to Greensboro around 1871 with his family (Almer G. & Theda Newell). By 1879 William was managing a grocery in Greensboro, and six years later married Greensboro native Annie E. Kendall. After living in Orange City for a few years, around 1890 they moved to New Smyrna Beach, in northeast Florida. William opened a livery business, and some time later he and Annie opened the Newell House Hotel at nearby Coronado Beach. It was also in New Smyrna Beach that their four other children were born: William J. (1890), Elsie (1892), Victor (1896), and Edith (1901). New Smyrna was incorporated in 1903, and William served as one of the town’s early mayors, and also was on the City Commission. As far as is known, prior to their 1912 automobile trip they had not returned to Greensboro since they left sixteen years before. The following newspaper clipping describes the adventure they had embarked on.

New Smyrna to Greensboro, N.C. in Auto

For some time Mayor W. H. Newell has been planning to visit his old home in Greensboro, N.C., and last Wednesday morning he and Mrs. Newell and their two sons, Willie and Victor, started overland in their E. M. F. automobile. They will go by way of Jacksonville, Macon, and Atlanta, and will stop a few days at the latter place. Mayor Newell is well supplied with advertising literature of New Smyrna and will miss no opportunity to advertise our city either going or coming. They expect to spend about six weeks in Greensboro, which is the former home of both Mr. and Mrs. Newell. Their friends with them a safe journey and a pleasant visit.
[From news clipping in Newell Family Papers, Mss.Coll. #155, GHM Archives]

St. Augustine, Florida

Wednesday, July 17th 1912

Left New Smyrna 9:45 this morning, passed through Daytona and Ormond. Ate our lunch at a place called Mound Grove, one of the most picturesque spots I have seen in the state. The road runs along the canal for some distance and is bordered by a row of immense date palms. In crossing a creek at a lumber camp we were stuck in the middle of it and had to be pulled out by a pair of mules. The man at the camp instructed us to go straight ahead, every thing all right or we would not have attempted it without first testing it. Fortunately he had a pair of mules close by and we were soon on our way again. Road very rough. Had two blowouts. Reached St. Augustine at 5:45 P.M. Stopped at Bunting House, fare none to good, mosquitoes bad.

Thursday, July 18th

Left St. Augustine 8:15 this morning. A few miles out from city punctured a tire on new shell road causing some delay but fine road from there into Jacksonville, crossed on ferry over branch of St. Johns river, passing through South Jacksonville, crossed ferry into Jacksonville reaching there at 12:30. Stopped at Waverly House. met a number of people from Smyrna who came in on an excursion train. Stores all closed, half holiday Friday the 19th. Mosquitoes almost ate us up.

Baldwin, Florida

Saturday, July 20th 1912

Left Jacksonville 1l A.M., good road about 12 miles, then we overtook a man in a runabout stuck in the mud, a drummer named Russell. The boys took off their shoes and helped pry him out and then cut branches off the trees and filled in so that we came through safely but it was all mud and water. The boys would wade ahead and then follow with the machine. Reached this place at 4:40 P.M. They tell us the road is impassable for several miles and here we are for the present.

Olustee, Florida

July 22, 1912

Left Baldwin yesterday. First we went out to Deep Creek and viewed the situation. Met a man who told us he would take us across for five dollars. As it was threatening to rain we thought it best to go before it did, lest we be compelled to stay longer. Baldwin is not an ideal place to spend the summer as there is not much to be seen but mud holes and hogs. The fare at the Mc Rae House was very good. left at one o’clock. A man with three yoke of oxen met us at creek, pulled us safely through and we thought our troubles were over as they told us the road was fairly good beyond, but guess they do not know what good roads are. It is either mud, water or sand. We tried to follow the National Highway. Everything went fairly well until about five o’clock when it got worse and worse untill we found ourselves stalled in the midst of a swamp. The engine refused to work and there we were. Will and Willie tramped around and tried to find a way out and as night was coming on something had to be done and that quickly. By this time the engine had cooled down and worked all right and by pushing we got out of the bog, went a few yards and saw another ahead of us. there was nothing to do but turn and go back and hunt another road, which we soon found. reached Olustee at 6:40 P.M., found lodging with a Mrs. Veeder. Good beds but had to force the food down, everything seemed clean but poorly cooked. However, first class prices were charged, $4.20 for the night.

Valdosta, Georgia

July 23, 1912

Arrived at this place 6:00 P.M. Passed through Watertown, beautiful place. Lake City quite nice. Bought lunch at bakery at Live Oak and came on to bridge at Suwannee River and ate our lunch there. Part of the road very rough, part of it fine. Stopping for the night at the Crescent Hotel, poor accomodation.

Supper at a cafe, very good. have been out to moving pictures. Valdosta quite pretty but would not like to live here.

Perry, Georgia

July 24, 1912

Arrived at this place at about six o’clock yesterday afternoon. Left Valdosta about 8:00 A.M. yesterday. Good roads most of the way. Passed some very pretty country, cotton and corn plantations. Almost every town has a confederate monument in the middle of the town. Passed through Tifton, Ashburn, Cordele and a number of small towns. Made 123 miles yesterday, best time we have made yet. This is an old town and we are stopping at an old house, The Perry Hotel. Very warm, not a breath of air stirring. For breakfast we had the weakest coffee I have ever drank and condensed milk diluted untill it looked like chalky water, the rest of the meal was very good. They told us last night that the fare was the best in the state.

Atlanta, Georgia

Thursday, July 25, 1912

Arrived here 6:30 P.M. yesterday. The best day we have had yet, 128 miles. Reached Macon 9:30 A.M., inquired for mail but received nothing. Much disappointed. Passed through a beautiful farming country between Perry and Macon and fine suburban homes on both sides of Macon. At Forsyth we ate dinner. Passed through a number of pretty towns, saw several large factories. The country gets prettier all the way to Atlanta. We are at the Williams Hotel. Went downtown last night to see the sights. Hunted the P.O. but much to our surprise we received nothing but two copies of the Breeze. We are so anxious to hear from home. We then went to moving pictures and came back to the hotel tired out. We will look around a little this morning and then get on our way again.

9:00 A.M.

Just back from exploring the city, went to P.O., got letter and card from Elsie. Went up in the 16th story of the Candler building, fine building, all marble walls, floors and stairs. Back to hotel, getting ready to leave. Saw auto just in from Jacksonville going to New Jersey.

Carnesville, Georgia

July 26th, 1912

Left Atlanta at ten o’clock this morning. Reached this place at seven o’clock to night, eight by their time. Had a pleasant trip, road was rather rough but we made 98 miles today. Stopped at a little store and bought some crackers and sausages and ate our lunch by the side of the road. Had lots of fun, saw some pretty country but not so pretty as yesterday. The peach trees all along the way are loaded down with fruit. This is a small town, the county seat, ten miles from any railroad. The hotel (Central Hotel) only had vacant room so the boys are over there and we are in a cottage across the street. There are several girls at the hotel and they have got Willie at the piano. We had the finest meal tonight that we have had since we left home and a long time before. Fried chicken, potatoes, apples, tomatoes, hot biscuit, Choc. Ice cream, iced tea and a lot of other things beside.

July 26th

Getting ready to start, the girls are hanging around Willie and he is flirting and taking pictures. The house is run by farmers named Purcell. They were crowded so we had a room across the street at Mrs. McCarty’s. This has been the most pleasant place we have stopped yet.

Spartanburg, S.C.

July 27, 1912

Arrived here about six o’clock last night. Had a fine trip yesterday. Left Carnesville about 7:30 yesterday morning. Passed through some beautiful country, saw some quite pretty towns and lots of cotton factories, crossed several old fashioned covered bridges. Stopped at Anderson, S.C. to get a check cashed. Will had to do a lot of talking to get it cashed but finally succeeded. We bought a lunch and found a shady spot a few miles further on and sat down by the road side and ate it. We are having a great time, Willie and Victor especially. We have passed so many teams, the drivers asleep. Victor blows that whistle and we have to laugh to see them jump. Yesterday we saw a young man walking down the middle of the road, his head down in a deep study. Victor blew the horn, he gave one jump and jumped clear out of the road. I don’t know if he will ever get over the scare or not. We passed a car at a small place (in the garage) from Jacksonville, broken down and laid up for repairs. We are fortunate so far, have not had even a puncture since we left Jaxville. We hardly recognize this place, it has grown to be quite a city. I recognized the old hotel where we boarded. We went to moving pictures last night, “The Coming Of Columbus”, it was certainty fine. When we came out they gave us a ticket worth five cents at another show so we went there. These boys are certainly having a great time. We are stopping with a Mrs. Flynn, had a nice supper and a good bed. Rate one dollar per day.

Thurs. Eve.

Arrived at Concord at 6:30 last night. Passed cotton sills all day. At Converse, S.C. large mills run by water, a beautiful place.Gaffney another large mill town. Yesterday Victor; had his first glimpse of mountains, today we came through some of them. The scenery fine. Passed King’s Mountain and ate our lunch a few miles this side where we had a fine view. Crossed the Catawba River on a ferry, a very fine concrete bridge is being built there to cost $57,500. Passed through Charlotte and on to this place. We overtook a young couple in a car just before we got to Newell Station broken down. We stopped to see if we could help. He said “Well, I have a puncture and my tire is all chewed up. We were so busy talking I did not notice the puncture untill it was all chewed up so that I can’t put it back on” and then they both looked guilty and blushed so that we had to laugh. We have been down town and have seen Bob Riner. He was certainly surprised. We are rooming just across the street from Guy Bost’s father’s hope.

Greensboro, N.C.

July 29, 1912

Arrived at this place yesterday at about half past three. took then all by surprise. They thought we would arrive about Thursday. We came to Ollies as we suspected that Myron was out of town which he is. Our stay in Concord was not as pleasant as it might have been. The bed bugs nearly ate us up and the fare was so poorly cooked we could scarcely eat it. Bob Riner came with us as far as Salisbury. We came through Thomasville, had a fine dinner there. Part of the road from Concord was fine and part was the roughest we have struck. Mrs. Smith was over to see us and last night Jess Hodgin was here. Kate is in Asheville but expected home tuesday. Myron, Mary and the kids are at Piedmont Springs, expected home this week.

July 30th, 1912

No letter from home yet. Called up Charlie yesterday and talked with him for a while. Will and the boys after having the photographer take our picture just as we were when we arrived washed up the car and went up town. Found that Myron and family had arrived. In the afternoon we all went for a ride, came around by Myrons. Had a glimpse of Charlie and Lizzie on the street. Myron and Mary and the children came over last night. We are all going to Myrons for supper to night.

July 31st

No news from home yet. Went for a ride yesterday out by Green Hill Cemetery and on to Guilford Battle ground. Ollie seemed to enjoy it so much. Went over to Myron’s for supper. Spent a pleasant evening except for Willie who is feeling so blue. We went to see Dr. Reeves. He examined him thoroughly, told him he was all run down and needed building up and when his eye got better and him stronger he would have to have his tonsils removed and his nose treated.

August 1st

Received letters from Floyd yesterday, says all well at home. Wharton phoned over that Willie was sick from the effects of medicine and wanted Victor to come after him. We all got in the car and went after him but met Wharton with him in their car. He felt pretty bad all day yesterday. I went in to see Charlie and talked with him for a while, did a little shopping and came back. In the afternoon went to Gibsonville, about 18 miles over a fine road. Ollie does seem to enjoy the rides so much. Last night we played Flinch, the first time I have played for many years.

August 2nd

The nights are nice and cool, slept like a log last night and every night. Willie is feeling a little better. We went to the Dr. twice yesterday. Played croquet with the boys yesterday, later we all went to Guilford College. Last night Victor went to moving picture with Gilbert. Kate and Jest came over here and we all played. Bob, Jess, Kate and Will played cards. Ollie Willie and I played Flinch. Florence went to bed. No letter yesterday.

Received letter yesterday from Floyd and one from Elsie. Went up town in the morning, did some shopping. Came back after dinner, sewed a little, played Flinch. Then we all got in the car except Will who had one of his headaches. Went over and got Kate and Blanche and went to Highpoint. Left here at six o’clock, came back about 8:30. Found Jess Hodgin at the next house phoning to find if we had returned. He thought we had gone for a short ride and broken down. It seems Myron’s car breaks down every time they take Ollie out. We had a fine ride, came home, wend to moving pictures. Will’s headache was better and he and Bob went with us, The Pictures were not very good.

August 4th

Cold, could not go to church this morning, had nothing to wear except thin dresses. Rained last night, a cold rain. Yesterday received letter from Mrs. Griffin full of home news. In the afternoon went with Mary out to the country club where Myron is a member. Wharton took her in their car and Ollie with us in ours. It is a fine place, beautifully furnished and well kept. We had a nice ride but it turned so cold I had to put on my sweater when we came home. Kate was over and spent the evening again. The sun has come out this P.M., perhaps we may go out somewhere if it is not too cold.

August 5th

No mail this morning. Weather continues quite cool. The boys took the car out a little while yesterday and broke a spring so I guess we can’t go for a ride today. Went to Centenary Church last night, heard a very good sermon.

August 6th

Stayed at home all day untill late in afternoon. We went for a ride. Myron very sick last night so he and Mary left for Mt. Vernon today.

August 7th

Went to Winston-Salem today but broke a spring and had to wait to have it mended. Visited the old Moravian Cemetery. It is certainly beautiful. Some of the Grave stones are so old that the inscriptions are illegible. Saw one dated as far back as 1705. Ollie was sick all the way coming home. When we reached home she had one of her bad spells. Had to have a doctor. She is resting now under the influence of opiates. No mail from home, card from Mrs. Wanless.

August 9th

Went to Ida Hudson’s yesterday for dinner, Will, Victor and I. Willie would not go because he had to wear his dark glasses for the afternoon. Bob wanted to go to Highpoint on business so went up there again. Took Ida with us. Had a fine time. I had no idea Highpoint was such a large town. They manufacture so many different things, furniture factories, a number of them, plate glass, mirrors, street cars, coffins, cotton mills and I don’t know what else. We visited the cotton mills, saw them card the cotton, spin it and weave the cloth. They also have a knitting mill there but we did not know it untill we came back. Found Ollie much better when we came home. The Methodist minister called while we were away last night. Mrs. Hunter called, also Mrs. Merritt. No mail from home yet, a card from Mrs. Berry. Willie’s eye does not seem to improve at all.

August 11th, Sunday

Just returned from First Baptist Church, heard a fine sermon. Text “What is man that thou art mindful of him?”. Fine music, handsome church. Friday afternoon we went for a short ride out Ash[e]boro Street. Letter from Elsie saying F.A., Edith and the preacher had all been sick. Saturday went out to look for an old house where I lived when I was only ten years old. Found the place but the house had been torn away and a new one built. The old row of cedars still there and a part of the shop, the only things left by which to recognize the place. Met a man there who remembered my father. Went by the old church where I was baptized, recognized the old road and the hills and the fine trees through which I went to school. Came back, went to the park and the moving pictures.

Monday August 12th

Yesterday we went to the yearly meeting of the Friends Church at Guilford College. Heard a very fine sermon. Last night went to the First Presbyterian Church and heard the very finest discourse on Jeraboam who made Israel to sin.

August 14th, 1912

Received three letters from Floyd yesterday. Victor and his father worked on the car nearly all day, gave it a thorough cleaning. Went out to the park last night, came home, played Flinch untill ten minutes of twelve o’clock.

Friday afternoon

Stayed home all day. Will not feeling well. Kate and Jess came over to spend the evening. Myron came back from Mt. Vernon, did not have asthma at all while away.

August 15th

Will feeling a little better today. Received a letter from Elsie. Went over to Kate’s to night for supper, all four of us and Ollie’s family too. Had a fine supper then played Flinch and ate sherbet and cake. Certainly had a fine time. Don’t think I ever laughed so hard. Kate had prepared a regular feast. We have just come home, 11:30. Bought a peck of Damson plums today, am going to make preserves tomorrow.

Sunday, August 18th

Thursday night we went out to the country club awhile with Myron, Mary, Wharton and a drummer in their car and Ollie and Florence in ours. Friday Jess and Kate invited us to go out to his mothers. We had to leave the children home. Jess, Kate, Blanche, Ollie, Will and I went. Had a fine country dinner. The old lady has a lovely home. We went to a spring where the water is cold as ice water and saw an old time spring house where the milk and butter is kept. Dug some calamus, ate watermelon and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. They live only a mile or perhaps two. from the old gold mine. We came back through it and picked up a few rocks. Came home and punctured a tire as we came in town and there we lost the last of the Jacksonville air. That was the second puncture we have had since leaving there. Saturday, stayed home all day, had an early supper, then went out for a ride past John Young’s dairy and nurseries. Fine road. We passed an old negro, asked him where the road led. He said “You take the left hand road it go to Troxler’s mill, a little further you take the right hand road it go to Stuart’s mill”. We were as wise as before we asked him. I suppose the road must stay right there.

August 19th, 1912

Went for a ride yesterday afternoon. Breakfast was so late that I did not have time to dress and walk up town to church and as Will or Victor neither wanted to go, I stayed at home too. Charlie called up after dinner and said perhaps he would come over but he did not. we waited till late, then went for a ride. Went to the cemetery, looked for father’s grave again but failed to find it. Last night we went to West Market Church.

Heard a very fine sermon. Subject “Man’s sin and his redemption”.

Monday A.M.

Went to the doctor’s office with Willie, so many were there ahead of us, had to come back and go again at two o’clock. He worked on Willie’s throat for an hour, said it was a very bad case but he stood it fine. But when we came home he was completely prostrated. He lay down awhile, then got up and went out on the porch and seemed all right. Ollie and I went over to Mrs. Smith’s and Delia came over here. When we came home Willie was not feeling so well, tried to swallow a little milk and then went to bed. Feeling better this morning.

Wednesday, August 21st

Went to call on Mrs. Numbs yesterday evening. Later went to Kate’s to play Flinch. She had invited us and also Mrs. Hier. The evening was very warm, the warmest since we have been here which only made us enjoy the delicious peach cream and lady fingers all the more. This afternoon we expect to take a trip to Reidsville.

August 22nd

Took our trip to Reidsville, Ollie went with us, also Myron and Kate and a young lady who is visiting them, Miss Kate Hughes. Had a fine trip, but Reidsville is not a very attractive place from any point of view. In the business portion it is dirty, no side walks worthy of the name, smelling of tobacco of which it is full. the residence portion is rather pretty, some very handsome dwellings and nice walks. We passed through many tobacco farms, corn also, but the corn is literally parched and ruined by the drowth. The dust was something dreadful. Came home about 8 o’clock. Ollie stood the trip fine, was able to sit up and play Flinch untill eleven.

August 23rd, 1912

Yesterday Mary invited us all to go out to the battle ground and eat supper. We left here at 6:00 o’clock, three cars, Burton, Wharton and Dick in one, Myron, Mary, Kate Hughes, Gilbert and sister in another. Will, Ollie, Florence, Victor, Weiland and myself in ours. Willie would not go. He could not eat and did not want to go and look at all the good things we would have and not be able to eat any. He went over to Kate’s and stayed while we were gone. We had a fine time. Came home as far as Myrons, waited, and they did not come. We went back to look for them . Met them when we were almost there. They had a puncture. We let them come ahead and we followed. On the way back we overtook Frank Jennings and his father walking into town. Frank had had a load of convicts, bringing them in and the truck broke down. His father being uneasy had walked out to meet him and was nearly fagged out. We stopped took them in and came home. Called up Myron to tell them we were here. Gilbert said they were just about to go back to look for us.

August 24th

Ollie and Florence both feeling badly yesterday but were able to go riding in the afternoon. We went over and took Mrs. Smith with us. Last night Kate, Jess and Miss Annie Hodgin came over, going to take them for a ride this afternoon.

August 26th

Went riding with Kate and Miss Annie Hodgin Saturday afternoon. Sunday morning went to the Friends Church with Florence. In the afternoon Bob insisted on going to Tabernacle Camp meeting. We went out there but were too late for the service. He said it was only eight miles but the speedometer registered 12.3. Last night it rained and we stayed at home.

August 27th

Stayed home all day, washed, mended, ironed and packed up. Yesterday Mary and Kate Hughes were over awhile twice. Had a hard thunderstorm last night, cool this morning. All ready to start home.

Charlotte, North Carolina

August 28th, 1912

Arrived here last night about 7:30. Left Greensboro at ten o’clock, went by Kate’s to say goodbye to them, then to Myron’s store, to Hagan’s to see about a package to be sent by express, then to Bob’s store and to Ida Hudson’s, so that it was 10:30 before we were really on our way. We were pretty well packed in with our grips, lunch, watermelon, box of canned fruit, rocks, Etc. Ida Hudson had a jar of pickled peaches which she had put up expressly for us. Passed through Jamestown, Highpoint 11:30, Thomasville. Just out of Thomasville had a blowout in shade of tree in front of a house just as clock struck twelve. Old tire. Changed tires and was on the road again in just ten minutes. At 12:30 another blowout just six miles further on. The very hottest place we could find. We climbed a fence and found a shady place, ate our lunch and watermelon before proceeding to change tires. I had just come outside the fence and climbed a bank to wait while they were fixing the tire when along came a ferocious looking bull, walked right up to where we had eaten our lunch. His head was chained to his foot but I was glad to be on the other side of the fence. It was 2:30 P.M. before we were on the road again. Passed through main street of Lexington. Pretty old fashioned homes, large cotton mill, good road. 3:20 – passed car with puncture, two men and two ladies. Warned us of rough road ahead and we found it hilly and rocky. Saw mountains in distance. 4:00 P.M. crossed toll bridge over Yadkin River, good road. 4:15 reached Salisbury, large town. China Grove, cotton mill covered all over with vines, could see them weaving as we passed by. Landis Cotton Mills, Kan[n]apolis, the same. 5:30 Reached Concord, saw Bob a few minutes. They told us there had been a big washout beyond and it was doubtful we could get through, the highway, but in some way we got off the highway and struck another road leading into Charlotte. Found it rather rough but shorter than the highway and missed the washout and the mud. We were pretty tired and ready for supper. They told us at the garage that the hotel across the street was the leading hotel in the city. Well, I think the bed bugs will head it off soon. could not sleep for them last night. We strolled around the streets a while and went to moving pictures. Victor saw his girl, Miss Moore before we had been in the city ten minutes but she was to leave the city at 5:30 this morning.

Columbia, South Carolina

August 29th, 1912

Arrived at this place at 7:30 P.M. yesterday. Left Charlotte at 11:15 yesterday. Just outside the city passed a large cotton mill surrounded by beautiful grounds with fine hedge. Nine miles out, fine scenery. Hilly, beautiful country, Passed Pineville eleven miles from Charlotte. Passed the monument of James K. Polk, a pyramid of stone erected at his birthplace. A little further on saw a group of trees spelling the word HAM. Fifteen miles of Mc Adam road. Sixteen miles from Charlotte crossed state line into South Carolina. Ten miles further country very hilly, immense rocks. About eight miles from Lancaster passed the birthplace of Andrew Jackson. Reached Lancaster at 1:50 P.M., 40 miles from Charlotte. Very hungry. Met by a policeman by the name of Pardue who seeing our car was from Florida came up and made himself known to us. Said he was in New Smyrna last winter, knew the McCulloughs there. Ate dinner at the Olympic Cafe. The whole state is greatly exited over the state election. One of the candidates for governor lives in Lancaster. When we came out from dinner found quite a crowd gathered around the car. Not quite as excited over it as over the election. Passed Elgin, Pleasant Hill, Heath Springs, Oakhurst, Kershaw, oil mill and fertilizer plant. Just after we passed Kershaw we saw the first cotton picking. Had been passing big cotton and corn plantations all the way. Passed stations Westville, Clyburn, DeKalb. Cotton Gin run by water. Near Kirkland passed a large old fashioned building with five large chimneys with beautiful grounds. One mile further another immense building with hedges all around on a high hill, long winding drives all through the grounds. 38 miles from Lancaster reached Camden. On entering the town passed a large building with large grounds like a school or an asylum of some kind. A fine old town, old fashioned and quaint. Leaving, we asked two Negroes the way to Columbia and they almost got into a scrap over who should tell us. A few miles further we passed over a large iron bridge over Wateree River. Just after passing Lugoff Station got off the road, went about 3/4 mile. Passed Haney Station. Going into Columbia, getting dark. Had to stop and light up [re. head lamps]. Stopped at the Colwell Hotel. Remembering our experience at Charlotte we took the trouble to look at the beds before taking the rooms. It was a good thing we did as we tried three different rooms before we found one without bugs. Went out to a cafe for our meals but not very good. Went to moving pictures. Found great improvement in the city since I was last here. Main Street was brilliantly lighted, I suppose because of the election. There seems to have been some fraud and great excitement prevails. Boys and men paraded the streets and yelled untill a late hour. We have to wait here untill 12 o’clock for a tire which was supposed to have been here this morning. There is a car here from Orlando, a lady with three little boys.

Augusta, Georgia

August 30th, 1912

Reached this place last night at 8:15, seventy-nine miles from Columbia. Left there at 1:15 P.M. yesterday. Crossed long bridge over Congaree River, a wide shallow river having three branches. Brookland, a small suburb just across river. We drove around the city a little before leaving. The state capitol is beautiful. Visited an old fashioned church. Trinity, very pretty, ten miles from Columbia. Passed a stone quarry where they were grinding rock for the Mc Adam roads. Eleven miles, cotton mills. Twelve miles, Lexington, a cotton town. Country high and flat, 26 miles. Washout in road, had to go around 2 1/2 miles, came back on road. Leesville, small town, Batesburg, small town but very pretty. Large cotton oil mills. Four P.M. had a blowout, changed tires, delayed about ten minutes. Later another blowout, just in front of a very well-to-do farmers house. Delayed about 1/2 hour. Nearing Aiken, S.C. The country gets hilly. Aiken, the prettiest little town. We have seen beautiful homes and fine yards surrounded by hedges. Wide streets with little parks in the center, 66 miles. Warrenville, cotton mills. Drove several miles along Savannah River, a long high bank just on the other side. Country very pretty. Langley, large cotton mills. Crossed the river into Augusta. Hunted a garage. There they sent us to the Dixon Hotel but it was full. They sent us to the Roberts House, it was full too (of bugs). Gave us a room with three beds which looked all right. Victor went to bed, slept like a log. Will went to bed but jumped up soon to say there are bugs. I was sitting up and soon found they were after me. I began to examine the chair which was cane and found they were in that too. I took a pillow off the third bed, did not see any on it, laid down on the floor but they soon found me ,there. The floor got pretty hard so I got up and lay across the bed on top of the spread and after 2:30 managed to get some sleep. We took our meals at the Royal Cafe, very good. Having the tubes vulcanized this morning so are getting a late start from here.

Darien, Georgia

August 31st

Arrived at Statesboro, Ga. yesterday at 7:00 P.M. Left Augusta at 11:45 A.M. Had good clay road to Waynesboro. Several miles from Augusta passed a beautiful place, large white house, fine grounds surrounded by hedge called Circular Court. Passed station called Mc Beans. Waynesboro 32 miles, cotton town. Asked a fine looking man on the street to direct us to a restaurant. He sent us to one run by a Greek. When we got there we saw a Negro sitting at the table. We turned away and started off, a man across the street saw us and directed us to a boarding house. We ate dinner and were soon on our way. Passed Perkins, Lawton, then Millen and Scarboro. About two miles further broke a spring, a very rough place in the road. Went on to Rocky Ford, found a blacksmith shop (a poor one). The man tried to make a clip to hold the spring. We stayed there from four o’clock untill 6:30. Very warm. Started on our way again. The clip soon slipped off. Will and Vic got out and hunted a block and fixed it up so that we got into Statesboro. Just after leaving Rocky Ford passed through a toll gate and crossed a long bridge over Oguchee River. Stopped last night at Statesboro. Had the nicest rooms and meals since leaving Greensboro. Got a new spring and started on our way. Leaving at 8:25 A.M. Passed Brooklet, Stilson, and Blichton, 31 miles, crossed through another toll gate and over another bridge across the Oguchee River. Long swampy place with five small bridges beside the one that crossed the river. Eden Station, a stretch of swampy country and then 16 miles of good road into Savannah which we reached about 11:30 to-day. Saw an ocean liner just leaving the city. Went to a garage, had the car looked over, got gasoline and then to a cafe and got dinner, leaving there at one o’clock. Good meal. A little way out of the city saw a great big sign stretched across the road saying “Oguchee Whitehouse”, When we got there it was a very small negro cabin painted white. Beautiful road for several miles then long marshy place, but road high and dry, bridge at each end and then woods again. Crossed Oguchee River again, rough road 16 miles, passed auto stuck in a mud hole. Looked as if they had been trying to pry it out but left it standing crosswise in the road. We could just barely pass. Some time after a little negro boy as black as they are wade through a stick at the car and made for the scrub. Victor stopped the car and Will started after the boy and soon caught him and dragged him out of the scrub. He did a little yelling and a great deal of begging. Victor took the pistol and said, “boy I believe I’ll shoot you full of holes”. “Oh! please don’t, I pay you”. Will asked him his name and he told him.[little Nassau, Negro about ten years old.] Asked where his father was “He gone”. Where’s your mother? “She live down the road”. “I ought to shoot you full of holes”. “Oh! please don’t, I pay you”. Have you any money? “Yes sir, at home” Well I aught to shoot you. “Oh please don’t. I ruther pay you.” Have you any money? “Yes sir at home.” “Well I rather shoot you.” “Oh mister please I neve do it no more.” “Well I going to beat you. Victor get me a good stick, one that won’t break while I hold the boy”. Victor began looking around for a stick and the boy said “Right over yonder you can find a better one”. Then I had to laugh. I said boy you must want a whipping don’t you? “Yes ma’am, I never do it no more”. Will took him on the running board and told him if he tried to jump he would shoot him. Took him on to his mother, told her about what he had done. She said, “I gwine to beat him! I half kill him”. We went on and found we had just entered a negro settlement. For miles we did not see a white person at all. Just negro cabins all along for 30 miles. We passed a very old cemetery (Midway) surrounded by a brick wall. Passed Reedmans Grove, Duncan, and Eulonia. Arrived at Darien at 6:30 P.M. An odd looking town. We will spend the night here. Very, comfortable hotel, good supper. Did not see a soul on the streets but negroes but there were crowds of them.

September 1st

On ferry leaving Darien at 8:00 A.M. Mrs. Quartes, proprieter of the hotel told the history of the town. Old historic place built by Oglethorpe, burned down during the Civil War. All burned but one house which still stands. Has been rebuilt since the war but no very nice buildings. You can see some of the old ruins yet. A part of the old tree where Oglethorpe camped still stands. We passed under it as we came into town. We are on a flat boat towed by a small gasoline boat run by a coal black negro, crossing the Altamaha River, a five mile stretch of creeks and marshes something like the North Indian River except the water is red. Beautiful flowers blooming all through the marsh, a few small trees. 8:30 Engine stopped, boat began to drift but soon started again. Two little negroes in the tug kept us entertained with their tussling, the older teasing the young one. The little one finally got the other one down in the bottom of the boat. 8:50 Engine stopped again but soon started. Have passed through channel cut by Oglethorpe, landing in sight. Just passed through gate for automobiles only having landed on old rice plantation. Rough road, narrow causeway. On the ferry one hour and fifteen minutes.

September 2nd, 1912

Somewhere on the road between Owens ferry on Satilla River and King’s ferry on the St. Mary’s River. Yesterday, after crossing long causeway across old rice plantation with the old flood gates on either side all along the way, passed a small negro settlement, crossed a long marsh much like the one in front of New Smyrna. Passed large lumber mill, turpentine still or large naval stores company. Reached Brunswick at 10:30 A.M. Stopped at garage, got oil and gasoline, left 10:55. Brunswick quite a large place but not pretty, large quantities of lumber and cotton shipped from there. Saw large schooner standing at the warf. Fine old cemetery. Saw rattlesnake crossing road, just as we passed it struck at the wheel. Brookman Post Office, another lumber mill, a long stretch of flat woods, lots of cattle. Struck some very rough road 27 miles from Brunswick. Came to deep water, could not cross. There our troubles began. Had to turn around and go back 1 ½ miles, take another road 32 miles. After going over rough road and deep sand we came to a small house, no one at home but a crippled man. We inquired of him and were told that there was a deep creek ahead of us and that we would need a pair of mules to pull us through but there would be no one there untill late in the afternoon. He advised us to go around by Waynesville and escape the deep water. We took his advice and by wandering around through pine woods, deep sand etc., inquiring all along the way whenever we chanced to see some one, and getting off the road now and then, we finally got through and back on the road to Owen’s ferry. Was much amused at one poor old colored woman who when she heard the car coming ran out and looked up and down the road in the most frightened way. We stopped and asked her if we were on the right road, she said, “Yes sir, yes sir, but I got some little children down the road, please sir watch out for them”. We told her that we would not run over them so she seemed satisfied. The branches of the trees which were very thick formed a perfect arch . The road was very dark with just a patch of light at either end. The opening did not look much larger than a good sized dinner plate. Looked very much like a tunnel. Passed another turpentine Mill, a long rice plantation called Maryfield. Reached Owen’s ferry at 4:40 P.M. Very hot. Crossed Satilla River on lighter towed by negroes in a small row boat. River narrow but very deep and black. 5:45, Broke down just in front of farm house but no one at home and will not be for a couple of days so the old colored man servant told us. He said there was another farm house down the road owned by an old colored couple. We were compelled to accept their hospitality for the night as it was getting dark when we found we could go no further. They are well to do negroes and clean. We might have been in worse quarters. We are six or seven miles from a railway station. The people are kind, doing all in there power for our comfort. Will and Victor are taking the car apart to see what is to be done. I am at the house, have washed and ironed a few things, handkerchiefs and collars and a skirt for myself. Doing some fancy work and being entertained by the songs of the cotton pickers.

Colesburg, Georgia

6:00 P.M.

Sitting on a crosstie waiting to flag down a train to take us to Jacksonville. Left the farm house at 4:00 P.M. in a wagon driven by an old colored man, about five miles through pine woods. A poor old horse and weather sultry, could not drive faster than a walk. When we reached here they told us the train would not be here for an hour and a half so we are sitting on the crossties waiting. This being only a flag station. Will and Victor took the car to pieces and took out the broken parts and are going to Jacksonville to get new parts and I am going home and thus ends the 27th anniversary of our marriage.

Jacksonville, Florida

September 3rd

Well, our adventures if we might call them so did not quite end on the crossties yesterday. We went to a pretty little cottage and asked for some water. The people very kindly ask us in to sit on there porch. When supper time came we were just too hot to eat but I suspect the people thought we were dead broke (which was almost true) or too stingy to pay. Anyway the lady, Mrs. Patterson sent me out a tray containing a glass of ice cold lemonade and, two large slices of cake and a piece of lemon pie. Lemonade sounded good to us all just then. I drank the lemonade ate the pie and one piece of cake and gave the other one to Victor. Will asked for a glass too. They brought out a pitcher full and glasses. They drank and then the people did not want to take any pay, but Will paid anyway. The train came in due time, we flagged it down, got aboard and reached here too late to catch the East coast train. Stopped at the Virginia Hotel, nice place. Will started out to hunt what he wanted for the car, walked 14 blocks and found everything closed up. He had told Victor and I to go out and get supper, but we did got want it bad enough to go after it but when Will came back he was hungry and insisted on our going. So I had to get up and dress. 11:30 P.M, We were just leaving the B 8 B Cafe after eating a very good supper. The night was very warm. We could not sleep untill after midnight but rested fairly well this morning.

These diary excerpts–edited by Archives volunteer Dick Claycomb–are aimed primarily at locating entries that relate to people and events pertinent to the city of Greensboro and, to a lesser extent, to the region and the nation.

1904

Jan. 21 …Fire destroys dormitory. Kitchen and dining room at State Normal, but no loss of life. Citizens stood by Dr. McIver nobly in every way.

Jan. 28 …Bitter cold. A regular blizzard. Driving and deep snow.

Feb. 18 …”Old G.F.C. burned to the ground. [Greensboro Female College]

Apr. 5 …The Sunbeams held their Easter Hunt here this afternoon.

Jul. 4 …Great Battleground celebration. Monument unveiled to Judge Schenck.

…Laurin had charming party of about 40 young people with beautiful decorations of red, white and blue, but the cream was soft.

Jul. 17 …Prohibition carried by a large margin.

Sep. 28 …Will McAdoo has bought the W.W. Allen place to be fitted up as his residence.

Oct. 1 …Egbert’s wheel stolen from his steps late this afternoon. (Oct 5 – found at Brown Summit.

Oct. 11 …Central Carolina Fair week. Great crowds of people, and dust in billows and waves.

Oct. 11 …The new federal building was occupied on Oct. 8. Very commodious and handsome, but as yet very dirty.

… Greensboro Female College opened with 102 pupils.

…One can hardly get along on Main St. (E. Elm) with safety for the new buildings going up and piles of materials on both sides of the street.

Nov. 3 …The Yates house was moved a little today, from its old place, to be taken across the lot to N. Elm.

1905

Feb. 3 …Weather bitterly cold. The water pipes which were shattered are all mended, but too cold to turn on the water.

Feb. 7 …The whole earth covered with glassy ice. Sleds much in evidence.

Feb. 9 …Children sledding in M. Egbedles(?) back yard.,

Feb. 20 …”I cannot remember a worse day. Ground covered with thick coat of ice. Snow on top of that and the rain coming down heavily, freezing as it falls. Such a February was never known.”

Feb. 25 …Mr. Vaughan and Margaret … question of a home; made Mrs. Gilmer an offer for her place, which she holds at $20,000.”

June 21 …Commenced cutting down trees on the Hagan lot preparatory to building Mrs. George Smith’ house. Also getting ready to build on the little peninsula just above Bessie Hagan’s house. We are getting shut out in so many directions we feel like moving away. It’s no longer the open park-like place we’ve enjoyed for so long.

Oct. 1 …After ten Henry Wharton brought his gramaphone for entertainment – the sweetest thing was “When You and I Were young, Maggie.”

Oct. 10 …The Carolina Fair opens today. Gov. Glenn(?) makes an address. Great crowds but dust everywhere. No rain for many weeks.

Oct. 19 …”The reception of Pres. Roosevelt and wife on their southern tour has been a success.”

Dec. 11 …Mary and I went to town to make some progress with our Christmas shopping. Stores full of beautiful things. The Kress gorgeous, and two new establishments. Meyers Bros. from Richmond and Mr. Buchanan from Petersburg.

1906

Jan. 29 …the suit of Southern Life & Trust against Lee H. Battle was begun under Judge Cook; decided by him in favor of Southern Life & Trust. To the disappointment of a fraudulent clique. May its reign be short in this town.

Feb. 11 (p. 22) …Shocking accident at the station last night in which three young engineers lost their lives and others terribly injured.

Mar. 1 (p. 27) … “Had Mr. Alderman come down and take two views of our old sitting room, which has Been our household shrine for many years.

Apr. 18 (p. 53) …St. Leo’s Roman Catholic hospital was opened for public inspection today. Dr. Beall being master of ceremonies. A dozen priests in attendance and bishop of (Haid) presiding. Quite a crowd present and its splendid equipment much commended.”

May 8 (p. 58-9) “…last night the new library was formally opened. Services in the City Hall. Addresses by Dr. McIver, Mr. Crawford, and Mayor Murphy.”

May 10 (p. 61) …Memorial Day – handsomely observed by our Daughters of the Confederacy. Address in City Hall by Maj. Robbins.

June 18 (p. 78-9)…Rainstorm with hail as large as hen’s eggs.

June 22 (p. 80) …Today the first blow was struck toward the demolition of the old home, which has been our home for forty-one years

July 4 (p. 86) …Great crowds in town at the Battleground, where the monuments of Davidson and Nash were unveiled and a tremendous picnic at Proximity. In the afternoon Mr. V. took us for a charming drive in the country and through town.

July 12 (p. 88)…Had an unexpected visit today from Warren Logan, my old servant and (____), associated with Booker (T.) Washington, as treasurer at Tuskegee. Fine looking, intelligent man – Willie Logan was with him.”

July 13 (p. 88) …”I paid delightful visit to Loula an Lizzie Lindsay, who are about to have an upheaval of their old home, having sold the front to the Elks and moving their house back.

July 17 (p. 90) …(description of the destruction of the house, and the moving of the study.

Sept. 17 (p. 125-127)…”This Monday afternoon is a day long to be remembered in Greensboro, for during the afternoon came like a thunderbolt the news of the death of its first citizen – Dr. Charles Duncan McIver, on the Bryan (William Jennings) special as they were returning from Raleigh as Bryan’s escort. (More description.)

Sept. 19 (p. 127)…Description of McIver funeral, held at First Presbyterian Church. Mrs. McAlisters much pleased.

Sept. 30 (p. 130)…Rev. Mr. Williams of Walker Avenue preached an exceedingly earnest practice sermon in our church this morning on “Soul Winning.”

…Tonight he was installed … charge to pastor by Mr. Hodgin, to the people by Mr. Scales.

Oct. 4 (p. 131) …Negro riot in Atlanta quelled. Many innocent persons shot down in cold blood.

…Shopping for gift for Mrs. Fannie Hall for her 80th birthday as remembrance from the Ladies Missionary Society

Oct. 5 …Dr. McIver’s death was a terrible blow to Will. He has just completed his life, which will soon be out.

Oct. 8 (p. 134) …Ladies Aid and the Emma Gray Group met to discuss our Housewives’ Sale to be held early in Nov. I am making (______) aprons and some needle cases for the sale.

Oct. 12 (p. 137)…This is University Day and is being observed more elaborately than ever before. Also conferred on Dr. Alderman the degree of L.L.D. Students number 703.

Oct. 15 (p. 138)…John Ware (gardener) landscaping yard. The old landmarks are going one by one.

Mary Watson and (______) are much pleased with Miss Wetmore and their new school, but they wrinkle their brows a good deal over their arithmetic at night.

…The famous evangelist (Sam Jones) died suddenly on yesterday on a train near Little Rock, Ark. In his 59th year. Born McCartersville, Ga. A unique character has passed.

…Mrs. Varina Jefferson Davis, widow of the President of the Confederacy. Passed away today in New York City, 81st year. But one member of the royal family of the Confederacy as it were, now remains and the old veterans are rapidly “passing over the river,” but the Lost Cause shall live in the hearts of nations yet unborn.

Oct. 31 (p. 147)…Rev. Melton Clarke of Florence, S.C. was called to the pastorate of this church. Unanimous Except for two.

Nov. 7 …Housewife’s Fair begins tonight.

Nov. 9 …Clark accepted call to church.

Nov. 12 …Fair cleared $325.

Nov. 15 …A broad concrete walk is completed entirely around this ___________ on Church and Smith Sts. Mr. Vaughan is regarded as a public benefactor by pedestrians in this neighborhood.

Nov. 19 (p. 156)…McIver memorial exercises tomorrow.

Nov. 20 …took car for the Normal – found immense crowd – students building packed – exercises interesting and of a high order.

Nov. 21 …A Columbia paper giving full and interesting account of the great day of the unveiling of the splendid statue of their distinguished citizen and soldier, Gen’l Wade Hampton.

Nov. 29 (p. 160)…Near Lawyers, Va. 10 miles from Lynchburg, a fearful wreck in which Samuel Spencer, Pres. Of Southern Railway, was killed with a party of his friends, coming to NC to hunt.

Dec. 6 …The new Baptist church where Baptist State Convention is meeting – Church beautiful but unfinished.

Dec. 9 …Percy Gray’s body had arrived at Mrs. Gilmers and would be interred at 3:30.

…Went in to see Percy’s face once more. Poor Mary stood beside the grave of the last member of her family. She alone is left of the large and charming circle that made Blandwood a beloved home.

Dec. 12 …Harry (son) arrived on way to Durham to meet Dr. Bultnek(?), then to Charlotte and Davidson where Dr. B. has twice been disappointed. Visit may mean much to the college.

Dec. 13 …Cast removed from baby’s foot – she watched while it was removed.

Dec. 14 (p.169-70)…Miss Daisy Pritchell sewing for Margaret all week. 19 shirt waists and other things.

…Christmas plans approaching completion.

…Grading of grounds finished. Found her glasses hanging in a rose bush.

…Shocked to learn that Ellen could no longer cook. “She has been a faithful servant and excellent cook for nine years.”

Dec. 19 …Ellen left. She was a faithful friend of mine.

Dec. 20 …Mr. A. P. Eckel, an old and honored citizen laid to rest. 81 years of age. A friend of Dr. Smith.

Dec. 23 (p.174)…Still painting church. Egbert’s hymn brought back my great loss, floodgates opened. I could not remain. There’s a touching power to music that is irresistible.

…Dick child fatally burned.

Dec. 24 (p. 174)…Wrapping, shipping without number. Children lay awake, stirred by coming of Santa in the morning.

Dec. 25 (p. 178)…Describes Christmas. Pandemonium.

Dec. 25 (p. 178) …Utterly worthless and uncertain is the Southern (RR) in every part of its miserable system.

1907

Jan. 8 …Memorable snowstorm of the 5th. Returned home on the last train from Washington – first to come in for many days.

…Mrs. Cartland deeded house and lot to First Presbyterian, to be the first manse the church has ever owned.

…Mr. Caldcleugh having sale of goods — china, glass, etc.

Jan. 17 (p. 4-6) …Rumor has it that the triangular lot between the Ave and Church St is sold for the site of a Jewish synagogue.

…Alas for the boys’ beloved camping ground.

Jan. 18 …Very mild. Violets abundant and winter honeysuckle and jessamine in full bloom.

Jan. 19 … Gen. Lee’s 100th birthday. Honored in Smith Memorial – a fitting temple for his sacred service.

Jan. 27 …First service in renovated and repainted church. Quite a snowstorm. Very cold.

Feb. 2 …Sharp’s Institute burned to the ground.

Feb. 14 (p. 31) …Valentine’s day party for 50 children – a brilliant success.

… Grand old folks concert tonight.

Mar. 5 …Shaw trial and other trials in Culpepper and Charlottesville. A famous mill case being tried in Greensboro, with a crowd of English girls as witnesses.

Mar. 17 (p. 43) …Went to Baptist Church to hear Dr. Battle and the new pipe organ.

Mar. 18 …70th birthday of Grover Cleveland;. “this country would know the day, would he allow it.”

Mar. 19 …Trial of Harrison for the kidnapping and murder of Senator Beasley’s little son two years ago at Elizabeth City.

Mar. 24 (p. 47) …The Christian Scientist – and great pretender – Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy is threatened with the same downfall and deservedly.

Mar. 28 …Mr. Vaughan’s new bank – the American Exchange – was organized today. Making New epoch in financial history in Greensboro. E. P. Wharton president, L. Scott vice president and Robert G. Vaughan cashier.

Apr. 6 …Reminiscences of her life – to when she was a bride fifty years ago.

Apr. 9 …Mr. Vaughan secured the services of Mr. Hughs, accomplished accountant.

Apr. 15 … American Exchange Bank opened its doors to the public. Mr. Vaughan was there by seven o’clock.

Apr. 17 (p. 63) …The first convention of the National Arbitration and Peace Congress came to an end after a 3-day session with two great banquets at Hotels Astor and Waldorf Astoria. Flags of all nations. Carnegie, who presided, decorated with Legion of honor by French Government.

…Congregational Church, the United Brethren and the Methodist Protestant churches have found union as “The United Churches.”

Apr. 20 (p. 75) …Opening of the Jamestown Exposition – 300th anniversary of first successful settlement of English.

…Today is contest for mayor and aldermen. Election of F. Leon Brandt over _____ Murphy for mayor.

Apr. 22 (p. 67) …Received picture of a patent gotten out by Jessie and Mrs. Fiske for keeping one’s skirts off the wheels of a baby carriage. It looks well and I hope may bring them fortune if not fame.

…David Kirkpatrick buried today.

May 2 …Unveiling of Cornelius Harnett’s statue in Wilmington.

May 7 (p. 81) … C.P. Van Story died at noon, aged 62, of Bright’s disease.

…Greensboro won the next General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.

May 8 …The reunion of the Confederate veterans in Richmond, the old capitol of the Confederacy, is 20,000 strong.

May 25 ((p. 110)…Tom Ware completed work along Smith Street, taking down garden fence, very expensive improvement.

May 28 …first ride in automobile.

(p. 112) …Mr. Vaughan has gotten some new records. “Dat Chicken Pie” figures largely.

(p. 114)…Great crowds in town for the Battleground’s annual speaking and the Cone picnic – a grand affair.

Aug. 1 (p. 127)…Gov. Glenn is recipient of innumerable letters and telegrams and N.C. is in world’s life since his victory over the railroads in matter of rates.

Aug. 17 (p. 137)…”ice cream, which is new to us here.” (Junket)

Aug. 22 (p. 137)…Visited St. Leo’s hospital – was favorably impressed with building and appointments.

…lots of typhoid, some die, some recover.

Sept. 19 (p. 153)…The (___________) given by the Civic League at Lindley Park commenced tonight. Entertainment of all sorts.

Sept. 23 …hard equinoctial rains last night.

(p. 166-7) …United Daughters of the Confederacy met in Memorial Building. Mrs. Stonewall Jackson was absent.

(p. 170)…Mrs. Cassie Chadwick is dead, in penitentiary where she was expiating for her crime of embezzlement and fraud.

Oct. 14 …on a hickory nut hunt.

(p. 172)…Col. Richmond Pearson Hobson spoke – he thinks a war with Japan is ahead of us.

Oct. 16 …People surging by in droves going to fair g round to hear Bryan speak – a great banquet tonight.

…papers estimate crowd at Bryan’s speech at 34,000. Dust something awful.

(p. 175) …John Charles McNeil, young poet, author, of whom N.C. is proud, died. Buried in Scotland County beneath his native pines, beside the Lumber River, which he loved.

(p. 176)…Unusually dry weather. All nature is suffering for rain.

Nov. 1 (p. 7-8) …Money stringency, banks closing their door, Wall St. shaken to its center. Things improving. Insidious wave is creeping south; anxiety that there will be a run on our banks.

…Local banks limit withdrawals to $10 per day. Meeting in evening by chamber of commerce and citizens supporting bank’s actions.

Nov. 6 … Schuman-Heinck sings here tonight.

Nov. 18 (p. 8) …Sallie Lindsey Coleman and Will Porter (O.Henry) have met in New York and are to be married. Both born in this town; both authors.

Nov. 20 (p. 14)…Sallie Coleman and Will Porter married on 27th.

1908

Jan. 3 (p. 42) …Mrs. Lettie Walker, daughter of Gov. Morehead, long a widow, died.

… Fire at Sherwood Bobbin Works.

Mar. 1 (p. 80) …Will Porter called on Phon Smith. “much changed in appearance, very quiet in voice and manner. Gets 20 cents a word for all that he writes, and it is bespoken before written.

Mar. 6 …City National Bank closed its doors. Books in bad condition, by bank examiners.

Mar. 10 (p. 86) …On desirability of Charlotte locality for Davidson college. Board of Ed offered $100,000, Think Carnegie will give $100,000. Provided Charlotte gives $200,000 and site for buildings. $80,000 to be raised by Presbyterians of the South.

Mar. 18 (p. 94) …Decorative Store selling out at cost.

Apr. 6 p. 104) …Day of game between NC and Va. Big crowds. Carolina won.

Apr. 9 (p. 108) …The day R. E. Lee surrendered his Army 43 years ago at Appomatox. On a sabbath day in 1865, never to be forgotten.

Apr. 13 (p. 111) …Cindy Gant’s husband returned home after seven years, hoping to regain his wife’s favor.

Apr. 17 …New hats are simply immensities. Woe be to him who gets behind one at church.

(p. 119) …Luther Morehead very ill in New York City. Will be brought here should he die, to be interred in graveyard behind church.

Apr. 24 (p. 121) …Major Morehead buried today at Spray, his old home.

May 1 (p. 125) …Daughters of the Confederacy given all the fares on the street cars today, taken up by young girls in costume.

May 2 …Normal girls – 200 strong –had a famous picnic at the Battleground

(p. 138) …Electric lights put in the two church towers and in the Scales room.

May 23 (p. 146)…General Assembly spent several hours at the Battleground. Mr. ________ did the honors, and where a fund was started toward a monument to Dr. David Caldwell of honored memory.

(p. 169)…was notified to put sewerage in the house on Church St.

(p. 173) …Drove out to the old Buffalo Church where lie many of the staunch old settlers of Guilford Co. Some of Revolutionary fame, and grave of David Caldwell.

…Adding to the $100 raised by General Assembly for monument to David Caldwell

May 28 (p. 177) …Great Republican convention in Chicago.

…A wonderful demonstration for Roosevelt. Taft nominated on first ballot.

Jun. 24 (p. 4) …Democratic convention in Charlotte (State_?)

…Grover Cleveland died.

Jun. 30 …Much typhoid in town. So _________ had cooler filled with Jackson Springs water at 20 cts. a gallon.

Jul. 2 (p. 16) …Joel Chandler Harris is ill, probably unto death.

…played flinch.

Jul. 4 …everybody is heading to the Battleground.

…J.C. Harris died in Atlanta.

Jul. 5 …Memorial service for Grover Cleveland.

Jul. 19 (p. 25) …Murphy Williams preached in a tent.

Jul. 20 …Old grove of oaks in the cemetery vandalized.

…Mr. Wharton announced resignation as president of Southern Life and Trust Co. A.W. McAllister elected president, R.G. Vaughan first v.p. and A.M. Scales 2nd v.p.

Aug. 21 …Great day of Robinson’s circus; stream of humanity is altogether record breaking. Between 10 and 12,000 people attended. Cars hauled 22,000.

Aug. 28 (p. 60) …Terrible rains and floods. 14 bridges in Guilford washed away.

(p. 70) …Wilbur Wright is doing wonders with his aeroplane and is full of enthusiasm.

Sep. 18 …Orville Wright, disastrous mishap. Propeller broke in midair. Seriously injured…

Oct. 1 (p. 87) Oct. 10 Preparations for the centennial are on and many views in the fire. I fear the occasion’s far too great and expensive for the resources of Greensboro.

(p. 92-96)…Description of the Centennial.

Oct. 15 (p. 100) …Peace Congress still part of the Centennial celebration.

Oct. 16 (p. 103) …Greensboro Day; last day of centennial.

Oct. 17 (p. 105) …Taft spoke.

Nov. 4 (p. 118+)…1908 election – Taft/Bryan.

Nov. 4 (p. 127 …Letter from Harry. Wonderful ride through Georgia and Tennessee, over 100 miles of the Clinchfield and Ohio – new road through the wildest part of the NC mountains.

Nov. 15 (p. 128) …Hal met Booker T. Washington, who inquired about Warren Logan’s parentage. “I shrink from unearthing a secret so long buried, as the party is still living.”

Nov. 16 …Hal (son) has met Booker Washington at the Manhattan Assn.

Nov. 20 (p. 132) …Went uptown, but no Christmas goods are yet on the market..

Dec. 9 (p. 141) …Sudden death of Moses Cone. “A liberal high-toned gentleman.” Town owes much of its progress to him. A good eulogy.

(p. 143) …first mention of a phone call. “Phon called up at the phone.”

(p. 152) …Thunderstorm on Christmas.

(p. 152+)…Hear that Reed (?) has gotten $100 prize for article on Comparative Literature at Harvard and elected to a chair in University of Cincinnati. Reed engaged to million heiress named Nancy Clark.

(p. 159)…Death from appendicitis. “What ravages has that ______ disease made with precious lives in Greensboro.

1909

Jan. 3(p. 158-9)…Phon spoke at dedication of monument to Clio and to Dr. David Caldwell of blessed memory.

(p. 159)…Took drive northward past Orrell’s pond and Buffalo Church. Storm had uprooted many fine oaks and corn is laid low.

(p. 174)…New girl arrived. Dangers and dreads of city are a great unkown to her. She doesn’t fit in well as yet. Girls took her to airdrome, hoping to relieve her homesickness.

(p. 175)…The Republican paper, Greensboro Daily News, successor to the Industrial News, is out again and is a good and newsy sheet.

(p. 176)…Papers full of new automobile highway from New York to Atlanta, now being agitated. Our man — Kendall was one of first to advocate it. Greensboro is on the best route surveyed.

Jan. 8 …Pres. Roosevelt making himself very unpopular and open to much criticism by his unguarded words and acts in these last days.

Jan. 9 (p. 165)…Trial of night riders in Union, Tenn. Six condemned to die, two to 20 years in penitentiary. Richly deserved.

(p. 167) …Poe’s centennial celebration at University of Virginia.

(p. 171) …Aquarium cracked, leaked. Transferred fish to a buck, but they are not doing well, probably because of city water.

Jan. 19 (p. 172)…100th birthday of Edgar Allan Poe and Robert E. Lee – notable but widely different figures. Event celebrated in many places.

Feb. 4 (p. 4-9)…Mrs. Randolph, president of the Richmond Chapter U.D.C., accused the committee of gross neglect in awarding essay prize (on R.E.Lee) to one “who has vilified the South and called Lee a traitor.

Feb. 8 …Fire on Main St.

(p. 24)…The fleet of 16 battleships steamed into Hampton Roads – 14 months after leaving to encircle the globe, to the admiration of the world.

Mar. 3 (p. 32)…Thousands pouring into Washington for the inaugural pageant which is expected to be more imposing than ever before.

Mar. 4 …Taft inaugurated, indoors while blizzard raged.

Mar. 6 100th anniversary of Cyrus Hall McCormick, celebrated at Washington and Lee Univ.

Mar. 16 …Death of Dr. John W. Jones, famous for association with and great devotion to the Confederate cause and its great leaders, Lee and Jackson. Buried in Hollywood where lie so many of Va.’s noble dead.

Mar. 24 (p. 48)…Dr. Chas. N. Eliot of Harvard spoke at the Normal. Pleasing but simple in speech and manner.

…Josie did not go to school today. Has been suffering for several days with her eyes and is looking thin and badly otherwise.

(p. 73-82) …Reminiscences of coming to Greensboro

(p. 74) … I met on the train [on her maiden trip to Greensboro] a Salisbury woman who told me that all the ladies in Greensboro dipped snuff. I had never heard of such a thing. She said, “When you are invited to a tea party, you will see the snuff box passed around the circle.” But I never did.

(p. 77) …Describes house on their arrival in Greensboro:…were but two houses between it and the Hiatt corner and but one on the other side, and nothing between us and the woods but a blacksmith’s shop on the Cunningham place owned by a free negro named Saunders.

(p. 78) …The house, small but cozy, fireplaces big and windows small. Great need was a good sized dining room which most houses in Greensboro lacked at that time.

(p. 79-80) …One of the sore trials of these early years was the persistent and unreasonable effort of these Presbyterian women nearly all older than I to make me president of their Missionary Society. I did all the writing they wanted…, but they never succeeded in landing me in the president’s chair.

(p. 89) …the automobiles are increasing so in this town that I take little pleasure in driving.

Apr. 30 (p. 92) …My 73rd birthday! It is celebrated by a daughter born to Queen Wilhelmina at the Hague.

Aug. 5 (p. 4) …All seem to go to Salisbury for appendicitis.

(p. 8) …Mrs. Tate’s home full of beautiful, old fashioned furniture.

(p.10) …Train to Davidson. At Spencer, our engine broke down and we were detained.

Aug. 31 (p. 29) …Wonderful news that Dr. Fred Cook of Brooklyn has discovered the North Pole. Whole world is stirred.

Sept. 6 …Wonderful coincidence in all history, that Robert E. Peary, on April 6, 1909, also reached the North Pole and “nailed the stars and stripes thereon. Dr. Fred Cook claims to have unfurled the flag at the pole on April 21, 1908.

Sept. 8 (p. 25) …Hazing abolished at Davidson. Regarded it as they do cheating on examinations and damage to college property. The beginning of a new era. Abolition of a custom unworthy of such an institution.

Sept. 9 …Railroad magnate and captain of Finance E. H. Harriman died.

Sept. 22 (p. 42) …Gov. Johnson died, lies in state in capitol in St. Paul, Minn.

…Dr. Cook made triumphal entry into New York. Much controversy

…(__________) King accused of violating law – selling slag to the town, thereby turning a penny for himself, although a commissioner.

Oct. 11 (p. 60) …Mr. Price’s death in Wilmington.

Oct. 25 …Barnum’s circus.

Oct. 31 …Walker Avenue Presbyterian Church now is the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant.

…Mr. McAllister had appendectomy in Salisbury on Oct. 12.

Nov. 3 …McAlister able to be turned in bed.

Nov. 20 …McAllister home.

(p. 93) …Lee Battle’s case in court. Many counts against him. Judge Boyd presiding.

(p. 128) …Terrible train wreck 1 ½ miles from Brown’s Summit.

Dec. 24 (p. 135) …Filling Christmas stockings – reminds her of days of yore, except no firecrackers and explosives. Little girls have 52 presents each.

Dec. 25 …Good description of Christmas Day. Tonight the firecrackers and sparklers held sway.

1910

Jan. 10-30 …Death of her stepson, Sam, and the devastating effect on her and the family.

Feb. 5 …Murder of a young negro girl by another, from a pistol shot.

Feb. 1 …Mass meeting to reorganize the Chamber of Commerce. $2,000 raised to pay off all debts.

Feb. 11 …City Commissioners met – Mr. Hood accused John King of dishonesty.

…Bartlett Webster Hotel burned to the ground.

(p. 17) …Fitting up delightful baths and offices in the old Guilford Hotel.

Mar. 18 (p. 35) …Tuberculosis exhibition.

Mar. 26 …Shopping – could hardly venture across the street for the automobiles.

(p. 56) …Mr. R. building a large manufacturing house near Pomona. Bringing water into the building by a force pipe.

Apr. 20 (p. 60) …NC beat Va.

Apr. 25 …In Charlottesville: Rev. Anna Shaw, Miss John: __ the authoress and Milo Castello suffragists who spoke to a large and brilliant audience in Cabell Hall. Introduction a delicate task.

Apr. 29 …Whole world reading of Roosevelt’s triumphal tour of the world and wonderful ovation from Kings and Queens and the highest dignitaries.

(p. 89) …YMCA in Greensboro determined on Mrs. Madison Smith’s place on Sycamore St., as its site for building.

(p. 94) …Watched for Halley’s comet – did not appear. A bewilderment and mystery to the anxious and alert scientists.

(p. 101)…(in Charlottesville): Walked down behind the rotunda, saw the Jefferson monument in boxes about to be put in position by derricks.

Jun. 6 (p. 108)…Death of William Sidney Porter.

Jun. 9 (p. 112)…Visited Church cemetery to check Porter graves. Relates what they found. Several relatives but no trace of WSP’s parents. WSP buried in Asheville. [William Sydney Porter, i.e. O. Henry]

(p. 113)…Describes his death, alone and unexpected.

Jun. 3 (p. 116)…John Van Story died.

(p. 119)…Reference to O’Henry’s death. Walter Page writes, “It was brought on by ‘irregular eating and drinking.”

(p. 120)…Description of mirror (see also p.116,bottom), purchased in Paris for Judge Alex Rives by his brother William C. Rives of Castle Hill, Albemarle, when Minister to France for $800. Judge Rives then lived at Oak Ridge, Nelson Co., moved to estate – Carlton near Charlottesville. Interesting Story.

Jul. 2 (p.133) …Day of great picnic, given annually by the Cones to the mill people and their friends — thousands of them.

(p. 134)…John Daniel died. (newspaper picture).

(p. 135)…Jeffries/Johnson fight. Humiliating defeat of Jeffries. Race trouble is feared.

Jul. 8 (p. 137)…Refers to clipping re O. Henry by Frank Hall.

(p. 138)…Democratic convention deadlocked. (State-?)

Jul. 18 (p. 145) …Refers to letter from Sydney Porter’s wife – pathetic sadness.

…Death by suicide of James Turner Tate.

Aug. 1 (p. 156)…Son Phon to meet Roosevelt in New York

Aug. 4 (p. 157) … ___rented lower floor of the ____ House for two years at $20/month.

Aug.15 (p. 162)…800 foot well in Staunton, Va. causing adjacent ground to sink.

Aug. 24 (p. 169) [went to] West Market St. crossing to see the train pull out for the Battleground.

Nov. 26 (p. 68) …Clein(?) Richardson died.

…Squire Wolfe died tonight, at 84. An old and quaint citizen of Greensboro.

(p. 80+) …Account of Phon’s visit to Germany and with the Kaiser Wilhelm at Potsdam (pp. 87-88).

1911

Jan. 1 (p. 93) …Major Joe Morehead died. Worked for development of the Battleground.

Jan. 19 …R. E. Lee’s 104th birthday. Portrait presented to the library by the Daughters of the Confederacy.

Jan. 20 (p. 113) …Mr. Wysong – a most successful business man making money fast by his own inventions – one of the largest corporations in Greensboro.

Feb. 4 (p. 119) Comments on the opening of the Carnegie Library.

Apr. 1 (p. 165) …Jim Henry (Poca’s brother) visited. Had been sold to Allen Stokes of Richmond for $1,000 a few months before emancipation. Became insubordinate and troublesome to Dr. Smith. Came to Greensboro with the Smiths.

Apr. 12 (p. 175) …Mr. Vaughn paid my county taxes for me — $19.13.

May 2 (p. 14) …Campaign for commission form of city government. T.I. Murphy mayor.

May 10 (p. 21) …Robert E. Lee, Jr. was Memorial Day speaker. “Fine looking man weighing probably 300 pounds. Finest memorial address in years.

May 29 (p. 38) …Woodrow Wilson at Chapel Hill commencement.

…Mr. Vaughn returned from Chapel Hill, pleased with Woodrow Wilson and ready to vote for him.

Aug. 11 (p. 99) Margaret’s tonsil & adnoid operation, using ether, in Mrs. Smith’s room.

Sept. 28 (p. 138-39) Creation of American Exchange National Bank.

Nov. 17 (p. 5) …Paid city tax of $33.80.

Nov. 18 …First day of consolidated banks.

(p. 12) …Henry Clay Beattie electrocuted for the murder of his wife.

1912

Jan.19 (p. 56) …Will Smith made presentation of Jackson portrait to the library from the D.A.R.

Feb.20 (p. 69) …T. Roosevelt announced he’d run again. Mixed reactions. Sen. Lodge declined to support him.

Feb. 13 …Rain. Mud never so deep. Church St. a swamp.

(p. 94) …Anna Smith, age 7 , swept away in waters near the water works.

(p. 101) …first mention of “moving pictures.”

Apr. 5 (p. 118) …Gov. Aycock died.

(p. 128,134,145) …Sinking of the Titanic.

(p. 141) …Teddy Roosevelt visited Greensboro. “The great and only Teddy!!”

May 6 (p. 155) …Old vets are having a notable reunion in Macon, Ga.

…Memorial Day in Greensboro – events

May 10 (p. 160) …Greensboro Country Club opened, three miles north. A little beyond the car line.

(p. 164)…Unveiling of Chas. Duncan McIver’s statue in Raleigh.

(p. 167) …Harry to Whitsett to make two addresses at the close of the Institute (Whitsett Institute). 250 people. Fine School.

Jul. 19 (p. 540) …Mann trial.

Aug. 2 (p. 61) …Mann acquittal.

Aug. 21 (p. 73) …Gen. William Booth (Salvation Army) died.

Oct. 13 (p. 117) …Cornerstone of Westminster Church laid.

Oct. 15 (p. 117) …Attempt on T. Roosevelt’s life

Nov. 30 (p. 162) …Church St. being macadamized.

Dec. 16 (p.175) …Trial of W. F. Blair for killing Geo. Thompson. He was acquitted.

…went uptown to shop. Congestion indoors and out.

1913

Mar. 2-5 (p. 67-70) Comments on Woodrow Wilson inauguration.

Mar. 30 (p. 102) …Walter Page named Minister to England.

Apr. 2 …While sitting in the trap on Main St., _________brought up Mrs. O’Henry to speak to me.

(p. 106) …Have just had a pleasant visit from Mrs. O’Henry. She talks freely of her husband and her short married life of 2 ½ yrs., and I think has much to regret.

Mar. 31. Fortune between 75 -100 million.

…annual game between Va. And Carolina at Cone Park.

Apr. 26 (p. 127)…Westminster church opened new church – Egbert Smith was its first pastor.

May 26 (p. 151)…Old. G.A.C. now changed to Greensboro Women’s College.” Second if not first woman’s college chartered south of the Potomac, is holding diamond jubilee.

(p. 154)…Remains of Lighthorse Harry Lee disinterred at (_____), Cumberland Island, where remains were buried for almost 100 years – to Lexington, Va., in Lee Memorial chapel, beside his distinguished son.

(p. 172)…Hagen House, home of Wm. H. Cummings – then Judge Dillard, later Mr. Adam Hagan.

Jun. 24 (p. 35-48)…Death of Mrs. Jas. K. Hall – several pages. Long time resident of Guilford County. Born 1826.

(p. 61)…Emma Morehead , daughter Of John M. Morehead, married Julius Gray; mistress of Blandwood, her ancestral home.

…”Emma Grays” at First Presbyterian named for her.

(p. 96) …Martha Doub married Chas. G. Yates (died 1882). Born in 1928. Was in first class of G.F.C., in 1838.

Nov. 25 (p. 3) …Marriage of Francis Sayre and Jessie Woodrow Wilson in White House. The 13th wedding held in the W.H. Dr. and Mrs. Clark of Greensboro attended, being near relatives.

…Dr. Wm. W. Finley, president of Southern Railway, died. Leader in development of the South. Born 1853.

Nov. 25 (p. 3) …Thomas M. Emerson, president of Atlantic Coast Line, died. B. 1851.

Nov. 28 (p. 7) …Hunger strike at Converse.

(p. 8) …Death of Wm. Sterling Moore.

(p. 13) …Greenbrier remodeled for $1 million. 60 years earlier was the Saratoga of the South. Hot Springs, humble and homely. Both reached by stagecoach.

(p. 14) …Phon Smith asked to write biography of O’Henry for World’s Work (?).

Dec. 11 (p. 19) …Selecting site for county courthouse.

…Jefferson Standard offered $150,000 for present site.

(p. 21) …Alf (Scales) renovating farmhouse, adding water, light, heat.

(p. 23) …Mona Lisa stolen from Louvre in 1911; found in Florence, Italy.

Dec. 24 (p. 31) …President and family passed through en route to Pass. Christain, Miss. for holidays.

Dec. 31 (p. 42)…Signed deed to street between Mr. Richardson’s land and mine.

(p. 43) …O.Henry biography by Phon – what to do with the prison episode.

(p. 55) …Commissioners accept Jefferson Standard offer for courthouse.

(p. 56) …Option on Clem Wright’s property for court house.

(p. 59) …Interesting letter from Phon with facts about Will Porter. What a life was his, from lowest depths to end it with popularity and fame.

1914

Jan.16 (p. 62) …Mr. Vaughan on committee for Regional Reserve Bank.

(p. 80) …Pendleton King Library stored in unoccupied house. 91 boxes and 5,009 books.

(p. 81) …three deaths in one week at St. Leo’s from appendicitis.

Mar. 20 (p. 124)…Reference by son Phon to O.Henry’s prison life.

(p. 129)…Reference to O’Henry’s mother, subject of her “graduating essay” at G.T.C. was “The Influence of Misfortune Upon the Gifted.”

(p. 131) …She dislikes the new blousy styles, but styles rule the world.

(p. 135) …New Parcel Post Depot opened in Huffine Hotel Annex on Buchanan St.

(p. 156) … Son Phon won contest for inscription on Gen’l Greene’s monument

1915

Mar. 8 (p. 7) …The Southern buying area on East Washington St.

(p. 10) …50TH Anniversary of tragedy of Appomatox.

(p. 13) …Several fires; half a dozen colored homes.

Apr. 11 (p. 40) …Swain’s place sold to railroad for $12,000, for new station.

(p. 44) …50th anniversary of assassination of Lincoln.

(p. 52) …Edward Kidder Graham, president of UNC: “greatest event in its history.”

(p. 125) …Trip to the Battleground.

Jun. 29 (p. 128) …First anniversary of shooting of Archduke Ferdinand and wife.

Jul. 3 (p. 131) …Celebration at the Battleground. Two descendants of General Greene unveiled the statue.

(p. 138) …J.P. Morgan shot. Assassin also planted bomb in Senate wing of the capitol which exploded but did little damage.

(p. 112) …Drove out to Guilford College – 12 miles.

(p. 146) …Counted 99 autos passing by last evening.

Oct. 2 (p. 8) …Phon off on trip to Texas to research O. Henry.

Oct. 23 ((p.24) …Death of Robert C. Hood.

(p. 26) …Germans executed Edith Cavell.

(p. 41) …Film, Birth of a Nation. Reaction to it.

(p. 42) …Reaction of Ku Klux Klan.

Nov. 14 (p. 46) …William Jennings Bryan speaks at Opera House.

Nov. 15 (p. 48) …Booker T. Washington’s death.

Nov. 15 (p. 57) …Went uptown. Odells was a bower of beauty in decoration, variety, and quality.

Dec. 18 (p. 72) …Woodrow Wilson marries Mrs. Gelt.(?)

1916

Jan. 26 (p. 99) …House on fire.

Mar. 11 (p. 144) …O.Henry address in Greensboro. Initiated plan for a memorial to O. Henry.

Apr. 14 (p. 5) …Reads a chapter of O.Henry –”Ancestry,” written by Phon Smith.

(p. 6-7) …References to American military action in Mexico.

(p. 9) …a death from erysipelas.(?)

(p. 10) …Rev. Clark resigns as pastor of First Pres; goes to Charleston.

Apr. 19 (p. 13) …Wilson severs relations with Germany.

May 13 (p. 38) …Bad fire.

May 29 (p. 60) …(Refers to Sprouse Thacken, outlaw in the Ragged Mtns.)

(p. 79) …Calling of Dr. Myers to First Presbyterian Church.

Jul. 4 (p. 108) …Town gay with bunting and flags – pageant – autos decorated.

(p. 111) …War in Europe. Allies gaining. The Mexican situation.

Jul. 17 (p. 119) …Floods in west. NC. Biltmore Village flooded.

Aug. 7 (p. 147) …Drowning in Battleground Park.

(p. 148) …Phon’s books, “Biography of O.Henry” and “Short Stories” soon to be published.

(p. 168) …Infantile paralysis.

(p. 177) …Railroad strike.

Sep. 8 (p. 7) …Rev. Charles Myers arrives.

Sep. 11 (p. 11) …O. Henry’s 54th birthday. Celebrating in Asheville.

Oct. 10 (p. 68) …Earthquake in southern states.

Oct. 10 (68+) …Republicans criticizing Wilson.

…Maude Adams as Little Minister.

Oct. 24 (p. 74) …O.Henry Day in New York. Launching of Phon’s biography.

Oct. 25 (p. 25) …Mrs. Scales ran over a colored boy on a bicycle and broke his leg.

Oct. 26 (p. 26) …Son born to Mrs. Scales.

Oct. 30 (p. 81) …Banquet for O.Henry group at Brevoort Hotel. Attended by editors. Presented Phon with copy of book. Lists attendees.

Nov. 1 (p. 84) …She received first copy of O.Henry biography.

1917

Jan. 17 (p. 3) …Death of Admiral Dewey. Hero of Manila Bay, a 81. “Ranking naval officer of the world.

(p. 4) …Congress passed Guilford Battleground Park bill – a triumph for Major Stedman.

(p. 23) …Legislation indiscriminately attacking patent medicines defeated on Jan. 31.

(p. 12) …Rotary club organized.

…Site of new Courthouse discussed amid controversy.

(p. 14) …Death of Sylvanus Allen Howard, old honored citizen; chief of telegraphy for 30 years.

(p. 18) …Jesse Pomeroy – famous prisoner who endured solitary confinement for 40 years; 16 when arrested. Prefers not to mingle with other prisoners.

(p. 20) …Submarine warfare.

(p. 24) …O. Henry books selling like hotcakes. 10,000 copies of Short Stories Old and New.

Feb. 16 (p. 43,78)…Selection of West Market St. site for Courthouse.

(p. 31-36)…Death of Robert A. Douglas.

(p. 54) …Bill against chiropractors defeated. “Carl” has won. Alf Scales and Clem Wright stood by fellow townsman.

(p. 60,64,65)…Death of Caesar Cone.

(p. 86) …Russian Czar abdicates.

(p. 94) …Whole country is wild for war.

Apr. 3 (p. 107-114)…Wilson’s declaration of war.

May 10 (p. 160)…Talk describing death of Stonewall Jackson by his Aide de Camp.

(p. 167) …Greensboro boys leave for war.

(p. 171) …Harry Smith appointed … to Russia.

May 31 (p. 8) …Vaughan purchases Fisher Building for bank, at corner of Elm/Market.

Jun 5 (p. 14) …”Registration Day” pageant and parade.

(p. 24) …Oaks cut down in march of progress.

…New O.Henry Hotel – “Badly needed.”

(p. 53) …Pershing in Paris.

Jul. 17 (p. 65) …Cyclone. Many trees are down.

(p. 118) …American Exchange National Bank plans to build on Fisher Building corner.

(p. 145) …Troop trains moving all over. Given sendoffs.

Oct. 28 (p. 2) …Liberty loan oversubscribed. 8 million people for $5 billion.

…Triplets born in NC.. Named Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt and Howard Taft.

…Kerensky out in Russia.

Dec. 3 (p. 48) …First Greensboro casualty – Tyson – pneumonia at camp.

Dec. …Snow, 8-9 inches, lasted over a week. Cold.

(p. 92) …Architect of new station died. Chas. M. Robinson, Rochester, NY.

(p. 106)…More snow.

1918

Feb. 4 (p. 110)…John L. Sullivan dead.

Feb. 27 …Bolsheviks in Russia.

Mar. 15 (p. 156)…Battleground rescued by Judge David Schenk in 1886.

(p. 157)…Accepted as a national Park – 130 acres.

(p. 158)…Original Battleground Company called to meet.

…Refers to letter re finding source of Will Porter’s pen name, O. Henry. A European chemist by that name in U.S. Dispensary for 1833-1857+

Mar. 22 (p. 169)…53rd anniversary of Battle of Bentonville – “last and fiercest battle of the war.” Johnson defeated Sherman’s forces. Wounded brought to Greensboro. Describes conditions in churches.

(p. 177)…Mentions Caldwell Institute in Greensboro.

Mar. 31 (p. 8) …Easter. Last night we set clocks forward.

Apr. 10 (p. 22) …Earthquake shocks in Lynchburg, Washington.

Apr. 12 …Rumors of more earthquake shocks.

…Parade. Main St. ablaze with flags.

(p. 33) …Charlie Chaplin chief attraction; gave $100,000 to the event.

May 15 (p. 79) …John Galloway of Madison bought lot on North Elm; plans residence to cost $50,000.

…Aerial mail service ushered in between New York and Washingnton with 7,350 pieces on flight.

(p. 86) …Contract for construction of American Exchange Bank.

(p. 119) …John Van Lindsey’s death.

July 4 (p. 150) …Mrs. __________, kinswoman of Gen. Greene.

Aug. 3 …500 aviators passed through, welcome and parade.

Oct. 6 (pp. 60-61) …after long deliberation it was decided to close the churches, schools, theatres & all places where people are wont to congregate because of the epidemic of Spanish Influenza which is sweeping the whole country …

Oct. 6-25: Additional Comments on Spanish influenza & WWI armistice news. pp. 62-63, 64-65, 66-67, 76-77, 80-81, 82-83, 86-87, 88-89.

(p.101) …Co.K, Randolph Co., went into battle at Cambiac (?). Of 2081, only 67 came out. Broke line.

(p. 109) …Armistice.

(p. 147+)..Wilson to France and London.

(p. 160) …Walter Hines Page died.

(p. 116) …T. Roosevelt died.

1919

Jan. 15 (p. 11) …Sale of King place, next door to Mr. Royal, Methodist preacher.

…Mr. and Mrs. Bogart bought old Payne place across from Pres. Church. One of oldest in town. Last owned by Mrs. Pugh. Occupied in 1859 by General Hiatt and wife. Widow married Payne.

Feb. 13 …New Post Office. $450,000 appropriated.

(p. 37) …Billy Sunday.

(p. 68) …O. Henry Hotel nearing completion.

(p. 91) …Col. Morehead died, pneumonia – buried in church cemetery.

Apr. 22 (p. 101) …Parcel, O. Henry sketches and photo of his Mother for book.

(p. 142) …First crossing of Atlantic by plane.

(p. 18) …Women’s suffrage adopted by Senate.

(p. 156) …Lindley Park open for dancing.

Jun. 28 (p. 171)…Opening of O. Henry Hotel.

Jul. 29 (p. 31) …Lightning struck the O. Henry.

Aug. 12 (p. 45) …Andrew Carnegie died.

Aug. 18 (p. 52) …Mr. Richardson died in San Francisco.

(p. 58) …”In Memoriam” of Mr. Lunsford Richardson.

(p. 91) … Clipping of Richardson/Chapin nuptials.

(p. 95) …New courthouse near completion.

Sep. 5 (p. 86+) …Morehead portrait in the new courthouse.

1921

Apr. 20 …Courthouse opened.

(p. 159) …Myers home burns.

1922

(p. 37) …Proposed new station and underpass. And rebuilding of Country Club House.

(p. 39) … American Exchange Bank robbed of $10,000.

(p. 103) … Streets widened. North Elm by 15 feet.

…Jefferson Standard building up 11 – 12 stories.

…Benbow Hotel vacated for Meyers.

(p. 155) …Greensboro’s great building boom – station and post office.

1923

Feb. 19 (p. 175) …Guilford Lumber Co. burned. $200,000 loss.

Mary Kelly Watson Smith died in Greensboro on March 29, 1924.

Mary Smith was the wife of the Rev. Jacob Henry Smith (1820-1897), pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro from 1859 until his death on November 22, 1897.

The Smiths were married in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1857, and came to Greensboro in 1859 with three children. Mary ultimately presided as the matriarch of a large family of nine children, seven of whom lived into adulthood:

• Mary Lynn “Mollie” Smith (1857-1940)
• Henry Louis “Harry” Smith (1859-1951)
• Egbert Watson Smith (1862-1944)
• Charles Alphonso Smith (1864-1924)
• Hay Watson Smith (1868-1940)
• Margaret Virginia Smith (1869-1927)
• Norris Kelly Smith (1875-1882)

Even with all the family activity, she found time to keep a diary. The family believes that she kept a diary all of her adult life, but the Greensboro History Museum Archives holds only the thirty volumes spanning the years 1904 to 1923:

It is thought that earlier volumes may have vanished in an attic fire around 1900.

Mrs. Smith’s diary constitutes a detailed social commentary of Greensboro during the period, from the perspective of a long-time resident, mother and grandmother, and minister’s wife. She was an astute observer of events and trends in the growth and development of Greensboro and she provides interesting comments on downtown development, growth of the city, medical conditions, the Women’s College, as well as the weather and her gardens. Of no surprise is the fact that a large part of the diaries are devoted to people and events relating to First Presbyterian Church. The portions of the diaries relating to the church were not extracted here, because it was felt that anyone interested in the church would need to read through all the diaries.

Mrs. Smith’s family, children and grandchildren, also figure heavily in the diaries, as one would expect. They were a very close family and maintained close contact, both in correspondence and in visits with their Mother, and grandmother, in the course of their travels. Interesting, too, are her descriptions of family visits and of holiday celebrations.

Read excerpts from Mary Kelly Watson Smith’s diary.

Recording made from “The Golden Age of Opera, Great Personalities,” Side 2.  Copied from the original disc owned by the Austin History Center, Austin, Texas.

“This is William Sidney Porter speaking, better known to you no doubt, as O. Henry. I’m going to let you in on a few of my secrets in writing a short story. The most important thing, at least in my humble opinion, is to use characters and thoughts that are lifelike. Truth is indeed stranger than fiction. All of my stories are actual experiences that I have come across during my travels. My characters are facsimiles of actual people I’ve known. Most authors spend hours, I’m told even days laboring over outlines and stories they have in their minds, but not I. In my way of thinking that’s a waste of good time. I just sit down and let my pencil do the rest. Many people ask me how I manage to get that final little twist in my stories. I always tell them, that the unusual is the ordinary rather than the unexpected. If you people listening to me now start thinking about your own lives, I’m sure you’ll discover just as many odd experiences as I’ve had.

I hope this little talk will be heard long after I’m gone. I want you all to continue reading my stories then too.

Good bye folks.”

Listen to an interview with George Preddy Sr. conducted by former Museum Director William J. Moore Jr. in 1966.

Side 1:

Side 2:

For more information about the Preddy brothers, see the finding aid for the George Preddy Jr. Papers.

Our archives holds a number of illustrated promotional publications from the 1890s and early 1900s that provide general information about Greensboro and document local businesses, business owners, and both commercial and residential buildings. Known to us as “Pictorials,” they are an excellent source of visual and informational history about the city.

“The Gate City” Greensboro, 1910

The Pictorials Collection has been digitized through the generosity of the Digital Projects Unit at UNC Greensboro. The entire collection is accessible through Gateway: Greensboro Pictorials Collection, and direct links to the individual titles are provided below.

• Album of Greensboro (1892)
• Art work of Greensboro, N.C. (1904)
• Art work of Piedmont section of North Carolina (1924)
• Commercial history of the State of North Carolina (1908)
• Progressive Greensboro: The Gate City of North Carolina (1903)
• Sketches of Greensboro, North Carolina (1917)
• Southward the sun of progress shines (1906)
• “The Gate City,” Greensboro (1910)

Our archives collects selected original newspapers mainly for exhibition, not informational, purposes.

A notable exception is our nearly complete set of original newspapers relating to the military base first known as Basic Training Camp No. 10 and later renamed the Overseas Replacement Depot, located in Greensboro during World War II. This unique collection was digitized by the North Carolina Digital Heritage Center at UNC-Chapel Hill and is now available on Gateway hosted by the University Libraries of UNC Greensboro.

Issues of The Greensboro Patriot and related titles dating from 1826 through 1922 are available through the North Carolina Digital Heritage Center, along with selected issues of other Greensboro newspapers.