100 Years ago in West Jefferson

June 21, 1912

Madison County Democrat — (No West Jefferson news available. It’s interesting to read that while we are in the start of an election year, things haven’t changed too much.) “The ball opens this week in Baltimore and there will be some effort made to make the platform on Wall Street lines, but it will fail, and the candidate who is pledged for reactionary principles will be obliged to take a back seat. The man who fears the people will not be trusted by them. The initiative and referendum cannot be suppressed by saying it is mob rule, and that the people are not intelligent enough to use it properly. We think our officials are our servants and not our masters. The recall is also correct, as a hired man who leaves gates open, fence gaps down, neglects his team, would surely get his discharge and his place filled by a better man by any sensible farmer. Why not recall an incompetent and dishonest man working for the public.” (Rings a bell doesn’t it.)

Part II

The Madison Press, Jan. 19, 1953 — Key West, Florida — Kenneth Kile, seaman, USN, son of Dr. and Mrs. J. C. Kile of West Jefferson, recently completed a six-month course in basic electronics, sonar maintenance and techniques and tactics used in anti-submarine warfare at the U. S. Fleet Sonar School here. He enlisted in the Navy in February 1951 and received recruit training at the U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois.

— The Members of the Harmony Club of West Jefferson, enjoyed potluck dinner at the home of Mrs. Robert Thomas, Thursday. Officers elected for 1953-54 are: Mrs. Frank Wilcox, president; Mrs. Harold Rader, first vice president; Mrs. John Pasicks, second vice president, Mrs. E. O Thomas, recording secretary; Mrs. Robert Gill, corresponding secretary; Mrs. J. H. Hutson, treasurer; and Mrs. Cecil Forrest, director. After the bounteous repast, members responded to roll call by opening of the meeting with “How I spent New Year’s Eve.”

— Mrs. Albert Gregg and Miss Mary Alice Rader left by plane Friday afternoon for Washington, D.C., where they will attend the inauguration ceremonies and visit with Mrs. Gregg’s brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bower.

— PFC Jimmie Murray, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cletus Murray, is home on leave. He has been stationed in San Diego, California, with the United States Marines. At the expiration of his 17 day furlough he will report for duty at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

— Mr. Alpheus Burrell celebrated his 91st birthday, Jan. 7. He is enjoying his rides downtown again after a short illness.

— At the annual meeting of the West Jefferson Library Board, the following officers were elected: Mrs. Charles A. Miller, president; Mrs. Frank Peters, vice president; Miss Helen Murray, secretary; and Mrs. Z. Heston, clerk-treasurer. It was decided to add several new children’s and hobby magazines to the ones that the library has been offering.