Visiting The Past
January & February 2006

Current Edition of Visiting the Past   Visiting the Past Archives

Visiting The Past is researched from the 1880s forward by Norma McHann. The information below is from the the Smyrna Herald, Smyrna Neighbor, Cobb County Times, Cobb Chronicle and Marietta Daily Journal.

120 Years Ago

Smyrna: January 14, 1886: Will the farmers of Cobb learn a lesson of humanity from this cold snap, and prepare more comfortable quarters for all domestic animals? No doubt many cows are kept in open sheds all night with mercury at zero, and furnish milk for the family breakfast.

Listen---the sound of the "marriage bells" will soon be heard, the bride an Atlanta girl, the groom a young man of Smyrna.

Misses Bernice Pace and "Nettie" Fuller will leave Smyrna for Shorter College, Rome, Georgia, in a few days.

Smyrna: January 21, 1886: Sure enough the bells did jingle, Mr. Will Dunn, of Smyrna, was married to Miss Anna Irby, of Covington last week. But the Atlanta Constitution of last Sunday says it was "Jas. H. Dunn" who married. Jim says he "was only his brother Will's best man."

The resignation of John M. Stone as Superintendent and Pinkney Y. Daniell, Secretary and Treasurer of the Union Sunday School at this place made it necessary to reorganize the school last Sunday. Mr. Munroe Fleming was elected Superintendent, Jno T. Petty, Asst. Supt. and Charlie Dowda, Secretary and Treasurer. The Sunday schools here are alive and growing.

Mr. P. R. Fleming, Cobb County's Tax Collector, has bought the Bell Mansion and farm. He is having the premises thoroughly overhauled and improved, and will soon occupy this beautifully located home.

Smyrna: February 11, 1886: Capt. Terrell has rented his new house, on Spring street, to Mrs. Brewer, of Adairsville. Mrs. Brewer received her furniture today and is occupying her new home.

It may be better not to tell the Journal yet, of the wedding that is expected to be one of the events of the season. Neal might not like it made public.

Smyrna: February 18, 1886: Signs of prosperity will show themselves, even though croakers try to distress the country. If the building of new houses and beautifying homes; if building and repairing churches and the growing interest in Sunday schools; if these and the constant advance of the price of land mean anything, they certainly mean prosperity. This is true of Smyrna.

Mr. T. J. Hill is building a new brick house between Nickajack and Fleming streets, fronting on Fleming street.

One of our citizens refused an offer of one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre for an acre lot on a side street, though a business lot can be bought on Marietta street for three dollars per front foot.

Capt. Joel Mable, chief engineer of the Georgia Midland Railroad, was at home last week on a "flying visit."

Smyrna: February 25, 1886: Mr. W. Pace has four cows from which he daily gets six pounds of rich nice butter.

Mr. Wm. Thomas has two Texas ponies which he bought in Atlanta--is now breaking them--thinks his $37 for them a good investment.

110 Years Ago

Olive Springs: January 2, 1896: The farmer who produces the most for home use is the best liver, makes the most money and is the wisest thinker. Try it this year and see.

Grier Alexander and Dave Stephens, last Saturday, were thrown from a cart by a runaway horse.

February 6, 1896: Prof. Parker Rice has a flourishing school, being assisted by Miss Beall, of Talispoosa. We heartily welcome Miss Beall to our midst. We feel assured that she will use every effort in assisting Prof. Rice to advance his students. Prof. Rice is a young man who was reared in our community, yet we have never until now had the use of his cultured mind among the children of his native home. Having been spending his efforts in his profession among the people of Haralson and Paulding counties, and also in Alabama, therefore we wish him success and will assure him our co-operation.

To be sure, we would like to know who the young man is, who went from our place to Marietta and bought a bunch of asparagus, then took out a match and tried to light his new kind of cheroot, but to no avail.

The bachelors are now anxiously waiting. This you understand, girls is leap year. There will not be another chance in eight years. SEE!!!

Smyrna: February 13, 1896: Several of our Smyrna boys were subpoenaed to attend city court, but they refused to go. We see where you were right, boys.

The people of this community were treated to an exhibition of Edison's wonderful instrument, the "Graph-ophone," last Saturday night. The exhibition was something new and novel and much enjoyed by those present.

February 20, 1896: The social event of the season was the valentine party given at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Suttles last Friday night. The valentines were ridiculously comical and provoked many a hearty peal of laughter.

Mr. Ed Baswell, Smyrna's great and only sport, took in the Mabel Paige matinee Saturday afternoon.

Postmaster Ireland was the recipient of a valentine on the 14th which suited the case exactly, but Sam was not at all enthusiastic over it.

The many friends of Bob Dempsey will be glad to learn that he has secured employment at one of the box factories in Atlanta and is working every day.

100 Years Ago

Olive Springs: January 1, 1906: Mr. J. P. York has purchased a fine team of mules.

Next Saturday and Sunday are the regular meeting days at this place. Let all turn out on Saturday and start on the new year with new resolutions to do more and better service than in the past.

Mr. Baldwin had the misfortune to lose his coat and dinner some few days ago while at work. He had laid them to one side and proceeded with his work, and when the noon hour came, they were not to be found anywhere. No clue as to who got them.

Mr. Tom Brown, of the United States army, stationed at San Francisco, is on a visit to his mother, Mrs. W. J. Brown, of this place.

Smyrna: January 1, 1906: The Christmas tree at the school house, on Christmas night, was a thing of beauty and a joy forever in the eyes of the little folks.

Several pieces of property changed hands here last week. Mr. Isaac Eidson bought the Gilbert property on Powder Springs St. Mr. Norris Pace bought the Basworth place, on Atlanta street and Mr. Will S. Cox bought the Terrell place, on Terrell Ave.

Brother John T. Pace delightfully entertained his old friends and comrades of the days of '61 and '65 with a dinner party. The old veterans sat around the comfortable fire and recalled reminiscences all day, and partook of a most sumptuous dinner. Those present were: W. A. Phillips, W.C. Clinkscale, Capt. W.J. Hudson, W. J. Manning, L.S. Cox , J. H. Cantrell, W.M. Daves, Doss Delk, E. Anderson and D. G. Tensnt.

Olive Springs: January 11, 1906: Mr. Bob Brown has returned to the United States Navy, in Florida.

The Literary Society met Saturday night and elected the following officers: Col. J. L. Moore, President; Robert Legg, Vice-President; Miss Belle Rawlins, Secretary; W. R. York, Critic; J. P. York, Choirister; J. O. Wade, Marshal.

Smyrna: January 25, 1906: Mr. John Griggs is making great improvement in his property on the west side of Town. His cottages show up beautifully under their new coat of paint.

Mr. Charley Pace, of Stuttgart, Ark., is visiting his parents, Captain and Mrs. John T. Pace. Dr. W. T. Pace is enlarging his drug store and otherwise improving his property.

The railroad company is putting in several sidetracks at this place, also grading and preparing the site for the new depot.

Rumor has it that there will be great improvements in this old town during this year, and I trust it will prove true, for I do not know a place that needs improving worse. Let 'em come!

Olive Springs: February 22, 1906: A trick of rascality was played on Mr. Plenn Alexander, by a dirty rascal, who pretending to be his friend, persuaded Mr. Alexander to accompany him to Chicago, in pursuit of a lucrative position. When they got to St. Louis the supposed-to-be friend robbed Mr. Alexander of his money and threatened to take his life. Mr. Alexander has returned home. We have not heard what has become of the robber but we hope he will be caught and rigidly dealt with.

80 Years Ago

Smyrna: January 14, 1926: Mrs. W. R. Fleming, age 56, died at her residence in Smyrna, Ga. Thursday night, January 7th. She is survived by sons Eugene, Weaver, Arthur and Tom and daughters Mrs. Marie Gilham and Miss Willie Fleming. Burial was in Maloney Springs Cemetary.

January 21, 1926: Mr. Forest Maner was the Saturday afternoon guest of Mr. and Mrs. Claud Nash of Gilmore.

February 18, 1926: There will be a patriotic meeting held on Feb. 22, 8:00 P.M. at the Smyrna Methodist church. Mr. A. A. Jameson Chief Executive of Atlanta Council Boy Scouts of America will be the speaker of the evening. The meeting is sponsored by the Smyrna Woman's Club.

60 Years Ago

Smyrna: January 3, 1946: Last rites honoring Mrs. Alice Belzola Mayes, 73, were Tuesday at Mayes Ward chapel. Burial was in the New Hope cemetery. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Smyrna and was a native of Cobb County. Survivors are daughter, Mrs. Willie Wright and sons, V.C., Ray, Clarence, E.W., N.N. and A.F..

January 17, 1946: Major Henry Konigsmark,Jr., of Smyrna, has been named commander of Camp Mackall, N.C. succeeding Col L. R. Hathaway. The major entered the Army in January, 1941. His first assignment was with the military personnel division of Headquarters, Fourth Service Command, Atlanta. Prior to going to Camp Mackall in January, 1945, where he has been executive officer since his arrival, he was commandant of the A.S.T.P. school at Emory University. Major and Mrs. Konigsmark and their small son live in Southern Pines, N.C.

Oakdale: January 17, 1946: Out of seven games played last week, Fitzhugh Lee high school basketball teams won six, the boys losing one tilt to Commercial High. Last Thursday night against Commercial High they lost 12-10 with Hogue scoring 7 point. The girls team won 24-22 with Green scoring 12 points.

Smyrna basketball teams lost a double-header to Mableton on the latter's gym Friday night, the boys dropping their contest, 21-27 and the girls 38-15. McDowell was top man for Smyrna with 8 points and Posey dropped in seven points for the girls.

Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Morgan are honeymooning at Silver Springs, Florida. Mrs. Morgan was the former Edna Jones, her marriage was an event of Jan. 27the at Locust Grove Baptist Church.

S/Sgt. Molane Brown has returned from overseas and received his discharge. Sgt. Brown spent 18 months in the Pacific.

Smyrna: February 14, 1946: H. W. Scott, of Smyrna, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for meritorious service as radar operator on a B-29 in the CBI and Pacific theaters. He is credited with 570 combat hours over India, China, the Marianas and Tinian Islands. His longest flight took 171/2 hours and covered 6700 miles from Calcutta to Singapore and back. The entire trip was over water.

Mr. and Mrs. James Matthews, of Smyrna, announce the birth of a son, James Ronald, on Feb. 6th.

Oakdale: February 21, 1946: Hollis Howard has received his discharge from the Navy, having spent 15 months overseas.

February 28, 1946: George Bridwell has received his discharge from the marines, having spent the last year in the Pacific area.

Mr. and Mrs. Joe McCurry entertained at a spaghetti supper last Tuesday at their home on Lee Rd. Present were Mr. and Mrs. Molane Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Jordan, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sentell, and Mr. and Mrs. B.A. Barnette.

The community was saddened this week by the death of Mrs. J. M. Marbut. She was active in church and community activities.

40 Years Ago

Oakdale: January 1, 1966: Little Charles Dwayne Everett son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Everette was the winner of the first annual "First Baby" contest sponsored by the Smyrna Herald and area merchants. He was born at Kennestone Hospital at 1:36 A.M. making him the first born in Cobb County.

Smyrna: January 5, 1966: Cobb County Judge G. Conley Ingram administered the oath of office to seven councilmen and to Mayor George W. Kreeger. Councilmen are C. W. Armour, Bill Stewart , John Porterfield, J. B. Ables, R. H. Wood, Homer Kuhl and Dan L. Mixon.

The annual January bible study conference is scheduled at First Baptist Church, Smyrna, January 10,11,17 and 18th at 7:30 P.M.

Ben Tate, City attorney, says the Home Rule Act of 1965 allows city governments to amend their own charters. Therefore the Smyrna Council plans to amend its own city charter to delete the sentence requiring that the city recorder be a member of the bar association.

David Gilbreath entertained with a holiday party for teenagers at his home on Wayland Court. Those attending were: Judy Reeves, Alec Hamilton, Diane Miller, Johnny & Ronnie Rowell, Bill Carman, Michelle Swigett, Ronnie Braund, Ann Brown, Bob Morgan, Melissa Hughes, Mickey Owens, Gail Woodrief, Billy Atchison, Charlie Siez, Virginia Sears, Marvin Kuhl, Timmy Miller, Steve Ernst and Kathy Wingo.

W. D. (Bill) Bennett, Wills High principal, has been named a consultant and director of publicity for Cobb High School Athletic Association.

Sharon Gayle Eubanks, Smyrna, is one of 74 students named to the fall quarter Dean's List at Tift College in Forsythe, Ga.

Smyrna: January 20, 1966: Lynne Abercrombie and Bobby Potter were named Mr. and Miss Campbell High School in the selection of senior superlatives by the Class of 1966.

Sam Whitfield has been named winner of the Smyrna Jaycees Distinguished Service Award for 1965.

Smyrna: January 27, 1966: Mrs. Gayle Lynn Pence, 19 year old Smyrnan, became Cobb County's eighty traffic victim of 1966 in a two car accident on South Cobb Drive.

Funeral services were held Sunday for Henry Konigsmark, Jr. at Smyrna First Methodist Church. Interment was in New Smyrna cemetery. He is survived by his wife, the former Elizabeth Davis; sons Henry Konigsmark,II, and Reed, both of Smyrna and his father Henry Konigsmark.

February 3, 1966: Jonquil Garden Club held its regular monthly meeting at the Smyrna Library. Hostess was Mrs. Neva Cano.

Hayden A. Cole, 65, died Tuesday. Services will be in the chapel of First Baptist Church, Rev. York Chambless will officiate with burial in Crestlawn Memorial Park.

February 10. 1966: Mrs. Sam Saleba was honored with a stork shower Thursday evening by Mrs. Grady Chaffin and Mrs. Bob Evans.

Smyrna: February 17, 1966: Rites for W. Paul Gresham, president and chairman of the Board of Directors of Cobb Federal Savings and Loan Association, were held Friday at First Methodist Church with interment in New Smyrna Cemetery.

The Georgia Senate Wednesday, approved the annexation of Cobb Center into Smyrna, adding some $10,000 to the city's ad valorem tax intake. The bill now awaits Gov. Carl Sander's signature.

A new sanctuary and educational plant are soon to be erected on Love St. for the Smyrna First Methodist Church. Cost of construction nears $600,000.

30 Years Ago

Smyrna: January 8, 1976: Arthur Bacon took the oath of office as new Mayor of Smyrna at the council meeting Monday January 5, 1976. He was sworn into office by Superior Court Judge Luther Hames.

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Morgan are the proud parents of Smyrna's first bicentennal baby, Melissa Dawn, born Jan. 2nd.

Fire Chief C. C. "Joe" Porterfield retired Dec. 31, 1975 after 17 years of service.

January 15, 1976: After working for the City of Smyrna since 1963, Willouisee Spivey was appointed by Mayor Arthur Bacon as city clerk to replace longtime clerk Les Charles who is retiring.

Smyrna: January 22, 1976: Smyrna Hospital on South Cobb Drive has been sold to the Southern Adventist Health and Hospital System, Inc., after a year and a half in operation. The corporation bought the hospital for more than $5 million dollars.

Jottie D. Brown, 69 died Jan.13, 1976. Services were held Jan. 15th at Locust Grove Baptist Church. Burial was in Riverview Memorial Park. He is survived by wife Lois Nance Brown, son Nance and grandaughter Amber, brothers Glenn, Molane, Ernest and J. T. , sisters Jessie Hampton, Mrs. John Smith and Mrs. Albert Sentell.

Smyrna: February 12, 1976: Mayor Arthur Bacon announced that the Internal Affairs division of the Cobb County police department has completed an investigation into the operation of the Smyrna police department.

First Baptist Church will hold its Sweetheart Banquet Feb. 13th at 7:30 P.M. The theme is "What The World Needs Now Is Love Sweet Love."

Smyrna Optimist Jim Siera and George Kreeger, Jr. were honored at the second quarterly District Conference Awards Dinner.

Smyrna: February 19, 1976: "I was born in this business," H. R. Johnson observed, pointing to the mounds of shoes in his Atlanta Rd. shop ---- old, new, leather and synthetic shoes. He has run a shoe shop in Smyrna since 1938.