79 1226 02
December 26, 1979
Winford Smith (left) was presented the gavel by R. A. Perry.
Others that week: Parties, Jack Leroy, Clarks.
See the Soperton Sign Man's signs on TREUTLEN E-NEWS: http://treutlenenews.blogspot.com
Monday, December 28, 2009
1979 Masons Induction
79 1226 02
December 26, 1979
Winford Smith (left) was presented the gavel by R. A. Perry.
Others that week: Parties, Jack Leroy, Clarks.
1974 Midget and Mighty Mite Teams Honored
74 1225 03, 03b, 03c
December 25, 1974
A banquet was held for the football Midgets and Mighty Mites.
Others that week: TPS students, Sportsmen Club, Sarah Brantley, Soperton Manufacturing Company, basketball, Turpentine Ag classes.
See the Soperton Sign Man's signs on TREUTLEN E-NEWS: http://treutlenenews.blogspot.com
Friday, December 18, 2009
Just Wondering - Sports and Politics
I haven't thought through the subject, and maybe your thoughts would help. Do attitudes about sports carry over to attitudes about politics?
Fans choose sides. Example: UGA fans love their team and consider them to be number one under any circumstance. Actually spending time and money to attend a "don't matter" bowl game. Hate Tech; hate Florida. Would die if the UGA administration tried to hire a winning Spurrier. No criticism here; just characteristics of good solid fans.
Is it the same in politics? Do voters chose one party and stick with it in thick or thin? If a person votes for Obama, do they think that everything he has done is okay. If a person votes for McCain, do they think that everything Obama has done is wrong?
While we're thinking, what do you think about TV wrestling? Is it real, theater, or art? Is it like politics. Never-changing symbols of good and evil? For or against? What about when heroes become villains and vice versa?
As Larry King would ask "What do you make of that?"
See the Soperton Sign Man's signs on TREUTLEN E-NEWS: http://treutlenenews.blogspot.com
Fans choose sides. Example: UGA fans love their team and consider them to be number one under any circumstance. Actually spending time and money to attend a "don't matter" bowl game. Hate Tech; hate Florida. Would die if the UGA administration tried to hire a winning Spurrier. No criticism here; just characteristics of good solid fans.
Is it the same in politics? Do voters chose one party and stick with it in thick or thin? If a person votes for Obama, do they think that everything he has done is okay. If a person votes for McCain, do they think that everything Obama has done is wrong?
While we're thinking, what do you think about TV wrestling? Is it real, theater, or art? Is it like politics. Never-changing symbols of good and evil? For or against? What about when heroes become villains and vice versa?
As Larry King would ask "What do you make of that?"
See the Soperton Sign Man's signs on TREUTLEN E-NEWS: http://treutlenenews.blogspot.com
1979 Treutlen's Big Band Era
79 1219 11
December 19, 1979
As long as Stuart Stanley was working with the local schools, Treutlen High School was known for its outstanding bands. Some people went to the sports events mainly to hear and see the band performances. This picture is of the Christmas Concert in the McArthur Gym.
Others that week: Edmond's church, Santa in church, manger scene in church, pageant, Welcome Center tree, Soperton Manufacturing awards, William Stephens, DFCS, the Braddys, Starr Miller, THS Spanish class, Lions Club, School program, Nursing Home.
See the Soperton Sign Man's signs on TREUTLEN E-NEWS: http://treutlenenews.blogspot.com
1974 White Oak School Becomes Dwelling
74 1217 06
December 17, 1974
Jack and LaGail Barwick bought the White Oak Schoolhouse in the fall of 1973 from his aunt, Mrs. Elmo Smith, and the older pictures were made then. This view shows one side in its natural state except for new windows. The other side had been covered with vinyl siding. The Barwicks moved to Saint Marys, where they still run a very successful Jack's Bait and Tackle.
Also see: http://treutlenenews.blogspot.com/search?q=Jack+Barwick
Others that week: Basketball, education survey, TES students, George Holton's turnips.
See the Soperton Sign Man's signs on TREUTLEN E-NEWS: http://treutlenenews.blogspot.com
Monday, December 14, 2009
1979 Alamo Drivers Meet in Truck-Train Collision
79 1212 04
December 12, 1979
Alamo Drivers Meet in Truck-Train Collision
Two Alamo friends met in Soperton at the GA 46 railroad intersection, one driving the train and the other the truck. There may have been hurt feelings but no injuries. Little damage to train, more to the truck. The bright light above the log car is not the moon, but the Gulf sign at the old gas station (in 2009 site of Flash Foods).
Others that week: Basketball, retiring councilmen, Plant Telephone employees.
Yes, we are still making pictures of the Soperton Sign Man's signs, and we are posting them on
TREUTLEN E-NEWS - http://treutlenenews.blogspot.com
1974 White Oak School Moved
74 1211 07
December 11, 1974
White Oak School Moved
The old White Oak School was one of more than two dozen schools that existed in Treutlen County. After the children were gone the building stood figuratively alone on a high hill overlooking Miller Pond on the road from Soperton. These two photographs were made as the house was being prepared for moving to Lothair. It was turned into a home by Jack Barwick, who is shown with Clayton Stephen at the old white oak for which the school was named. The schoolhouse was on the north side of the road, and the tree was on the south side.
Others that week: Basketball, Christmas parties, 3rd grade, 4-H, B&PW Club, model health care program, Naomi Labon's house burned, THS students, decorations downtown, Soperton Methodist and Baptist churches.
Yes, we are still making pictures of the Soperton Sign Man's signs, and we are posting them on
TREUTLEN E-NEWS - http://treutlenenews.blogspot.com
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
I Believe - Part 2 - The Word of God
In my blog post of November 20, 2009, I quoted words from James: "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." - James 2:14-17 (KJV)
Now we look at another side. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians wrote "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
My goodness, is the Bible contradicting itself? I was exposed to a Sunday School lesson which set up James and Paul like a debate or a day in court. It was a good lesson. We came to the conclusion that God gave us common sense, and all we have to do is to use it. In secular law we use juries, because we expect 12 people to use common sense in reaching a verdict. A judge might instruct a jury to weigh evidence, but the jury has the last word. Thank the Lord that people can arrive at sensible answers regardless of what the law says.
People can argue about the Word of God, and I believe that all scripture is profitable. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Paul wrote it in his second letter to Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. (KJV)
Profitable it says, but it does not say that each piece of scripture is equally profitable. There again, it requires common sense that God gave us. We are taught the Ten Commandments and that's okay. Count hard and you might conclude that there are 12 of them. Is that all? No, not if you are a legalist. A legalist must obey all those many laws to be found in the Book of Leviticus. One of them makes it illegal to eat catfish. Another one against barbecued pork. What southerner wants to give that up? Well everyone has a choice, be an inerrant legalist or live through faith by grace and enjoy the meal unless it causes a brother to go wrong.
Jesus is the way, the truth, the life, the only way to the Father. Grace is the unmerited favor of God through Jesus and His sacrifice. Salvation is a gift, given by God. It cannot be earned. Paul was in favor of good works, as has been established in his letters and preaching, but he knew that a person could never work his way to heaven. It's a gift.
The Bible is profitable, but it can be very confusing. Bible study can be a good thing. But that book with the black cover and red or gold edge is just a book. It is profitable, but it can never replace God and His Son. In the first chapter of the book of John we can find the real Word of God.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."--John 1:1-5 (KJV)
The Word of God is Jesus Christ. Would the Supreme Intelligent God want to hurt us or to confuse us. Jesus taught that God is love and He loves us. Jesus said "My burden is light and my yoke is easy." Jesus took all those laws and wrapped them into just two, to love the Lord with our entire being and to love our neighbors as ourselves. R. A. Perry used to pray that the Lord would help us to love Him supremely, love each other more, and love those about us.
Back when I was young there were tiny, almost stamp-sized, copies of the Book of John. I never knew why they were distributed ahead of the other three gospels. I know now. It comes first for the benefit of the believer and the prospective believer. It starts with Jesus, not at His earthly birth, but before that when He was with God the Father. I believe that the Book of John should be introduced ahead of any other scripture, because it proclaims Jesus and simply. The gospel is simple.
Some people love academics so much that they become professors, doctors, lawyers, and other book-indoctrinated professionals. Some people are smart in other ways, hard-working, and God-loving. They simply follow Jesus and his way. Some people may be more studious than others, but the Bible scholar is no nearer to salvation than any other follower of Jesus. It's not from works, lest anyone boast.
The gospel, the Good News of Jesus, is spiritual and soul-saving. Jesus came to us and fulfilled the law. Scripture and law are profitable, but they are not soul-saving. Only grace, the free gift from God, is able to save us miserable wretches. No way but Jesus's way.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.
William A. Ricks
Now we look at another side. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians wrote "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
My goodness, is the Bible contradicting itself? I was exposed to a Sunday School lesson which set up James and Paul like a debate or a day in court. It was a good lesson. We came to the conclusion that God gave us common sense, and all we have to do is to use it. In secular law we use juries, because we expect 12 people to use common sense in reaching a verdict. A judge might instruct a jury to weigh evidence, but the jury has the last word. Thank the Lord that people can arrive at sensible answers regardless of what the law says.
People can argue about the Word of God, and I believe that all scripture is profitable. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Paul wrote it in his second letter to Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. (KJV)
Profitable it says, but it does not say that each piece of scripture is equally profitable. There again, it requires common sense that God gave us. We are taught the Ten Commandments and that's okay. Count hard and you might conclude that there are 12 of them. Is that all? No, not if you are a legalist. A legalist must obey all those many laws to be found in the Book of Leviticus. One of them makes it illegal to eat catfish. Another one against barbecued pork. What southerner wants to give that up? Well everyone has a choice, be an inerrant legalist or live through faith by grace and enjoy the meal unless it causes a brother to go wrong.
Jesus is the way, the truth, the life, the only way to the Father. Grace is the unmerited favor of God through Jesus and His sacrifice. Salvation is a gift, given by God. It cannot be earned. Paul was in favor of good works, as has been established in his letters and preaching, but he knew that a person could never work his way to heaven. It's a gift.
The Bible is profitable, but it can be very confusing. Bible study can be a good thing. But that book with the black cover and red or gold edge is just a book. It is profitable, but it can never replace God and His Son. In the first chapter of the book of John we can find the real Word of God.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."--John 1:1-5 (KJV)
The Word of God is Jesus Christ. Would the Supreme Intelligent God want to hurt us or to confuse us. Jesus taught that God is love and He loves us. Jesus said "My burden is light and my yoke is easy." Jesus took all those laws and wrapped them into just two, to love the Lord with our entire being and to love our neighbors as ourselves. R. A. Perry used to pray that the Lord would help us to love Him supremely, love each other more, and love those about us.
Back when I was young there were tiny, almost stamp-sized, copies of the Book of John. I never knew why they were distributed ahead of the other three gospels. I know now. It comes first for the benefit of the believer and the prospective believer. It starts with Jesus, not at His earthly birth, but before that when He was with God the Father. I believe that the Book of John should be introduced ahead of any other scripture, because it proclaims Jesus and simply. The gospel is simple.
Some people love academics so much that they become professors, doctors, lawyers, and other book-indoctrinated professionals. Some people are smart in other ways, hard-working, and God-loving. They simply follow Jesus and his way. Some people may be more studious than others, but the Bible scholar is no nearer to salvation than any other follower of Jesus. It's not from works, lest anyone boast.
The gospel, the Good News of Jesus, is spiritual and soul-saving. Jesus came to us and fulfilled the law. Scripture and law are profitable, but they are not soul-saving. Only grace, the free gift from God, is able to save us miserable wretches. No way but Jesus's way.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.
William A. Ricks
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
1979 Sherwin Glass Honored by Chamber
On the 30th anniversary of Farmers Furniture, Founder and CEO Sherwin Glass returned to Soperton. He was presented an award recognizing his first store started in 1949 in Soperton.
Others that week: Garden Club at Welcome Center, Primary kids, basketball, Nursing Home, choir, Honor Roll students.
Yes, we are still making pictures of the Soperton Sign Man's signs, and we are posting them on
TREUTLEN E-NEWS - http://treutlenenews.blogspot.com
1974 Soperton Garden Club Party
Left to right, top: Warnock, Hall, Burke, Williamson, Sessions, Courson, Barwick, Wommack, Peterson. Front: Lawton, Gillis, Mullen, Gillis, Gillis, Kea, Phillips.
Others that week: "Inspirations" gospel group, deer, adult poll, basketball, street decorations.
Yes, we are still making pictures of the Soperton Sign Man's signs, and we are posting them on
TREUTLEN E-NEWS - http://treutlenenews.blogspot.com
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Map Disappears from Archives Website
My e-mail to the Georgia Archives:
Several years ago I was able to download an old map of Treutlen County. I found it in a list of counties and it was the only one available for Treutlen. I made a visit to the State Archives and received digital scans on CD so I feel sure that they should be available as well.
How do I obtain and download digital information? Is it no longer available to the public or am I too virtually challenged?
The Archives e-mailed back:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding Treutlen County maps. We currently do not have maps for Treutlen County on-line. We do still have these maps available for research however you will need to come to our facility to view them. The Georgia Archives is open for research Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Original records are not retrieved after 4 p.m.) We are closed for all state and most federal holidays. When the holiday falls on a Friday or a Monday we are also closed on the Saturday following the Friday holiday or immediately preceding the Monday holiday. For additional information about our location, including driving directions, please see our website at www.GeorgiaArchives.org.
Several years ago I was able to download an old map of Treutlen County. I found it in a list of counties and it was the only one available for Treutlen. I made a visit to the State Archives and received digital scans on CD so I feel sure that they should be available as well.
How do I obtain and download digital information? Is it no longer available to the public or am I too virtually challenged?
The Archives e-mailed back:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding Treutlen County maps. We currently do not have maps for Treutlen County on-line. We do still have these maps available for research however you will need to come to our facility to view them. The Georgia Archives is open for research Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Original records are not retrieved after 4 p.m.) We are closed for all state and most federal holidays. When the holiday falls on a Friday or a Monday we are also closed on the Saturday following the Friday holiday or immediately preceding the Monday holiday. For additional information about our location, including driving directions, please see our website at www.GeorgiaArchives.org.
Blog friends: What do you think about that?
Yes, we are still making pictures of the Soperton Sign Man's signs, and we are posting them on TREUTLEN E-NEWS - http://treutlenenews.blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Our 501st Post
This is our 501st post since we started in
November 2006.
November 2006.
Thank you for your support.
Beginning today, December 1, 2009, the
Soperton Signs will be a part of TREUTLEN E-NEWS.
Monday, November 30, 2009
1979 Football Farm Club Trophies
79 1128 03
November 28, 1979
Coach Gary Brooks presented to TES Principal McArthur the two trophies won by the Farm Club football teams.
Others that week: TPS Thanksgiving program, winning councilmen Bob Sanford, Jack Sweat, and Glenn Wilcher, Extension Service promoted decoration class.
1974 The First Thanksgiving
74 1127 03
November 27, 1974
Mrs. Wimbers third grade English students posted their reports on the First Thanksgiving. See how many of your friends you recognize.
Others that week: Vidalia Christmas Parade, Nursing Home, Neighborhood Service Center, Early Childhood Development Center, Basketball.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Way, The Truth, The Life - But By Him
I Believe
All of us have opinions. We have life stories. We observe life in general and persons in particular. We can be driven by tradition or by change. I believe that God knows us, loves us, and speaks to us for all of our lives. If life is eternal, God is with us all the time, before we are born and after we die.
For a long time I've shied away from the word Christian because it does not mean what it used to mean. The actions, words, and attitudes have changed.
I favor missions but disfavor raw evangelism. The apostle James said: "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." - James 2:14-17 (KJV)
All the kind words and sermons in the world will not compensate for ignoring the physical needs of people. Education, Bible study, preaching are important, but I have seen the results of "missions" which give feet, hands, and hearts to the gospel that is preached and lived.
With that preamble (or maybe just ambling), let's put first things first.
I believe and "believe in" the man Jesus described in the four gospels and by earlier words. I believe because I've seen Him live in people I have known. I cannot accept any other way. Jesus is not a doctrine; he is a person sent by his Father to His children. He lived among the people, high and low. He laid down his life to buy our lives. He saved us. He went to His Father and we will live with Them by and by.
I don't accept the quotation "Everybody is trying to get to the same place." It wastes time to argue about religion. Jesus told a story about a wheat field infested with tares. The workers wanted to uproot and destroy the tares, but the owner said "No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”
To me that suggests we are not to try to eliminate "tares" because Jesus said so. All the religious people, the agnostics, atheists, believers and non-believers are to live together peacefully in the field until by and by.
IF YOU SKIP ALL THE REST, PLEASE READ THIS:
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:6 (KJV)
Jesus said it, and I believe it. In Acts 4, the apostles Peter and John addressed the people including the highest leaders of the Jews, telling them that Jesus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.' Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one."
I believe it. As followers of Jesus we are to love our neighbors and our enemies - to love everybody. That's a tall order!
JESUS, JESUS IS A WAYMAKER. ONE DAY HE MADE A WAY FOR ME!
William A. Ricks
All of us have opinions. We have life stories. We observe life in general and persons in particular. We can be driven by tradition or by change. I believe that God knows us, loves us, and speaks to us for all of our lives. If life is eternal, God is with us all the time, before we are born and after we die.
For a long time I've shied away from the word Christian because it does not mean what it used to mean. The actions, words, and attitudes have changed.
I favor missions but disfavor raw evangelism. The apostle James said: "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." - James 2:14-17 (KJV)
All the kind words and sermons in the world will not compensate for ignoring the physical needs of people. Education, Bible study, preaching are important, but I have seen the results of "missions" which give feet, hands, and hearts to the gospel that is preached and lived.
With that preamble (or maybe just ambling), let's put first things first.
I believe and "believe in" the man Jesus described in the four gospels and by earlier words. I believe because I've seen Him live in people I have known. I cannot accept any other way. Jesus is not a doctrine; he is a person sent by his Father to His children. He lived among the people, high and low. He laid down his life to buy our lives. He saved us. He went to His Father and we will live with Them by and by.
I don't accept the quotation "Everybody is trying to get to the same place." It wastes time to argue about religion. Jesus told a story about a wheat field infested with tares. The workers wanted to uproot and destroy the tares, but the owner said "No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”
To me that suggests we are not to try to eliminate "tares" because Jesus said so. All the religious people, the agnostics, atheists, believers and non-believers are to live together peacefully in the field until by and by.
IF YOU SKIP ALL THE REST, PLEASE READ THIS:
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:6 (KJV)
Jesus said it, and I believe it. In Acts 4, the apostles Peter and John addressed the people including the highest leaders of the Jews, telling them that Jesus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.' Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one."
I believe it. As followers of Jesus we are to love our neighbors and our enemies - to love everybody. That's a tall order!
JESUS, JESUS IS A WAYMAKER. ONE DAY HE MADE A WAY FOR ME!
William A. Ricks
1979 Tony Thigpen's Grocery Run
79 1121 04Nov 21, 1979
The Treutlen County ARC raffled off a Grocery Run, and Tony Thigpen was the winner. A crowd gathered at Harrell's to watch the recipient gather all the merchandise he could load in a shopping cart in one and one-half minutes. After the scramble the cashier announced the total: $269.99!
Others that week: Banquets at the Community House for the Lions Club and the Sportsmen Club, football and basketball, program at TES.
1974 The Ongoing Question of Zoning
74 1120 03
Nov 20, 1974
Kennon Peebles was one of the people surveyed about the possibility of Soperton having a Zoning ordinance. Kennon supported the idea to keep property values up. The County Commissioners passed a Zoning Ordinance a few years later and quickly abandoned it. The debate continues as whether a property owner has unlimited discretion or whether others should be allowed to have a say to protect a neighborhood, a city, or a county.
Others that week: Fowler-Lawton House, football, Charles Hazen, American Cancer Society.
Kennon Peebles was one of the people surveyed about the possibility of Soperton having a Zoning ordinance. Kennon supported the idea to keep property values up. The County Commissioners passed a Zoning Ordinance a few years later and quickly abandoned it. The debate continues as whether a property owner has unlimited discretion or whether others should be allowed to have a say to protect a neighborhood, a city, or a county.
Others that week: Fowler-Lawton House, football, Charles Hazen, American Cancer Society.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Pay the Two Dollars
Have you ever heard that expression?
The meaning is a little like "You can't fight city hall." Battles come to everyone, but the question is which ones do you fight and which ones do you leave alone, or just pay the two dollars.
It comes from an old comedy sketch from the days of Vaudeville, and I saw it on TV a few years ago. I've Googled, searched YouTube, browsed many websites of movies, video, and plays. It took several days and it finally turned up. I don't know why it's not available YouTube? It would teach in a few minutes an important concept of life.
Willie and Eugene Howard played the parts in the original version from George White's "Scandals of 1931." It appears that this particular Scandal just toured the stage, but never made it onto film. The sketch idea came from Finley Peter Dunne, Jr. and Willie Howard wrote the dialogue along with Billy K. Wells.
Here's how the sketch runs, as described in a Google book:
"The sketch commences on a New York subway. Willie plays the sad, inoffensive city toiler whose instincts tell him that the safe life consists of hard work coupled with the good luck not to become known by the authorities. He is with a friend who is a lawyer. This lawyer's personality demands that he challenge authority. He is intransigent and anarchistic. An argument arises between the two. Willie, in and excess of emotion, spits on the floor. The subway conductor directs Willies attention to the sign that declares that there is a two-dollar fine for spitting on the subway. Willie wishes to pay the two dollars and withdraw into anonymity. His lawyer friend sees this as an opportunity. He must not permit his client to submit to authority. It is a matter of principle. There follows and excalation of penalties as the lawyer explores each appellate level. At every step Willie Howard pleads, "Let's pay the two dollars." He knows, with the peasant's perception, that the enforcement of the law is always in the right hands. But the lawyer is obsesses with vindication.
When Willie is sentenced finally to death, the lawyer directs his unabated energies toward obtaining a governor's pardon. Here he is successful. As they return home on the subway, Willie denounces the lawyer for destroying his life. He becomes worked up again and inadvertently spits on the subway. Blackout and curtain."
The description doesn't do justice to the actual sketch. Until there is a downloadable version, you can find it as a part of "Ziegfeld Follies of 1946." Sometimes labelled as 1945. The production started in 1944, most of the work was done in 1945, and the film was released in 1946. Not all that long, considering there was a war going on.
It can be purchased through Turner (TCM) for about 20 bucks, but I got mine from Amazon for half that, including shipping. The Technicolor film was proclaimed the "greatest production since the birth of motion pictures," quite a stretch since "Gone with the Wind" and "Wizard of Oz" had been done over 5 years earlier. But it does have some of the greatest entertainers of the time. Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly together on film the first time, Red Skelton, Lucille Ball, Judy Garland, Lena Horne, Esther Williams and more.
William A. Ricks
Who Needs Herschel?
Nov 14, 1979
It was probably the largest crowd to ever witness a football game in Soperton. Extra bleachers were brought in as required for a play-off. Herschel Walker showed up, but was not really needed, as the super team from Johnson County shut out the Vikings, 40-0.
Others that week: Eastside Motors, east on GA 29 at the city limit (Country Wares and Walden's Way in 2009), was selling lots of cars. Also football, Welcome Center, Carl Gillis, Sub-varsity football, Herbert burns with a beaver trap, and Jon Warnock's spotted deer.
1974 Herbert Clark's Cane Syrup
Nov 13, 1974
What would the South be today if there had never been cane syrup? No tales by Jerry Clower on the Ledbetters vigorous sopping. No scene from "To Kill a Mocking Bird" of the humble worker pouring syrup over his greens. In a time of extreme hard work, biscuits and syrup were a daily staple and source of energy, and nobody got fat.
Herbert Clark and family maintained the tradition of growing cane, grinding out the juice and cooking the syrup longer than most other farm families. His relatives down toward Long Pond in 2009 have produced another cooking, and Rabun Clark's renowned syrup can be bought in Soperton at the local Crow-Mart.
Others that week: Football, I-16 construction, Mistake Beauty Pageant, Mrs. Rita Burke, TES students with Mr. Green and other students in Career Guidance.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A little bit of socialism is not a bad thing.
When Miss Mildred Sessions was teaching government at Treutlen High School we learned about democracy, dictatorships, constitution, and theories of capitalism, socialism, and communism. I don't remember anyone taking sides on these subjects, as they were taught for our general benefit. Miss Sessions came from a family that valued education. Her mother was County School Superintendent. The closest that Miss Sessions came to pushing a personal opinion when she told a funny story about a local teenager.
The young man knew better, but he was out on the town and got ahold of some strong drink. After he had imbibed too much, he didn't have better sense than to go home in his stupor. He caught it bad when he faced his father. "What a disgrace! I've taught you better than this!" On and on he raged.
Finally, in his own defense, the young man said "Daddy, I know I done wrong and I aim to do better, but it ain't as bad as what you done!"
"What did I do that was so bad?" the father asked.
The son answered "You voted for old Hoover!"
Today, I get the idea that some of the younger adults, those in their 50s, didn't get the education that my generation got. I don't know if it's bias in the curriculum or the particular teacher, but somehow a number of students were not taught; they were indoctrinated. They missed a lot of history.
If they had spent two hours studying Hoover and his two predecessors, they would know that excessive capitalism is a bad thing.
If they had spent two hours skimming Roosevelt's New Deal, they would know that a little bit of socialism is a good thing.
If they had spent a little time watching Reagan on TV and the Berlin Wall coming down, they would know that "giant" enemies are not so big when their beards are removed. It showed that the U.S. did not need a land base in Vietnam to fight communism. Hindsight is perfect. The current wars need lots of study, and part of the evidence should be the lessons of Vietnam.
The health care issue is divided into two main groups. One has good insurance that they are assured will never change in what it provides or it costs. Recent history has shown that the trend is set, so that 99 percent of the insured will be swallowed up, too. If there is no health care law, just wait. The other group are those who have been struggling with health care inflation. They can't pay the high insurance rates; they can't pay the inflated medical costs. Some of them are the working poor whose employers do not provide health insurance.
Some people have a fear of "government run" health care, but they ignore the known faults of "capitalist run" health care. When excessive profits dictate the health care of America, we will never be the leader that the world is expecting us to be.
The health care solution is not either-or. It's what has always worked in America: Enough capitalism to make improvements at contained costs with reasonable profits. Enough socialism to provide preventive and emergency health care for everybody. If capitalism can't control costs, and history has already proven that it hasn't, then give socialism a shot at the problem.
William A. Ricks
The young man knew better, but he was out on the town and got ahold of some strong drink. After he had imbibed too much, he didn't have better sense than to go home in his stupor. He caught it bad when he faced his father. "What a disgrace! I've taught you better than this!" On and on he raged.
Finally, in his own defense, the young man said "Daddy, I know I done wrong and I aim to do better, but it ain't as bad as what you done!"
"What did I do that was so bad?" the father asked.
The son answered "You voted for old Hoover!"
Today, I get the idea that some of the younger adults, those in their 50s, didn't get the education that my generation got. I don't know if it's bias in the curriculum or the particular teacher, but somehow a number of students were not taught; they were indoctrinated. They missed a lot of history.
If they had spent two hours studying Hoover and his two predecessors, they would know that excessive capitalism is a bad thing.
If they had spent two hours skimming Roosevelt's New Deal, they would know that a little bit of socialism is a good thing.
If they had spent a little time watching Reagan on TV and the Berlin Wall coming down, they would know that "giant" enemies are not so big when their beards are removed. It showed that the U.S. did not need a land base in Vietnam to fight communism. Hindsight is perfect. The current wars need lots of study, and part of the evidence should be the lessons of Vietnam.
The health care issue is divided into two main groups. One has good insurance that they are assured will never change in what it provides or it costs. Recent history has shown that the trend is set, so that 99 percent of the insured will be swallowed up, too. If there is no health care law, just wait. The other group are those who have been struggling with health care inflation. They can't pay the high insurance rates; they can't pay the inflated medical costs. Some of them are the working poor whose employers do not provide health insurance.
Some people have a fear of "government run" health care, but they ignore the known faults of "capitalist run" health care. When excessive profits dictate the health care of America, we will never be the leader that the world is expecting us to be.
The health care solution is not either-or. It's what has always worked in America: Enough capitalism to make improvements at contained costs with reasonable profits. Enough socialism to provide preventive and emergency health care for everybody. If capitalism can't control costs, and history has already proven that it hasn't, then give socialism a shot at the problem.
William A. Ricks
Monday, November 9, 2009
1979 The Seventh Festival
79 1107 04The Seventh Festival
When gentlemen wore suits to the festival, left to right: Lehman Lee, Slim Glisson, Bobby Lee Gillis, Leroy Gillis.
Others that week: TPS kids, football, Angie and Heather Hooks, THS Halloween, Grady Cammack's 222 pound deer.
1974 Mr. Jim and Mrs. Dicy Kate
74 1106 13November 6, 1974
Mr. Jim and Mrs. Dicy Kate
Election Superintendent Clayton Stephens greeted Mr. Jim and Mrs. Dicy Kate Gillis as they went to the Courthouse in the General Election.
Others that week: Nursing Home, TES programs, THS students, FFA steer awards, Hugh Ricks killed a deer, the second Million Pines Festival including aerial views, football, and the festival sidewalk sale.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Links removed, changed, and added
We're gradually updating our blog.
When we started blogging almost three years ago, we were very interested in veteran affairs, especially medical ones, radiation exposure, and polycystic kidney disease. We are still personally interested in those topics, but we are currently concentrating on more local things. The old photos from our negative files have high priority. Also the Sign Man's signs. And the blog editor is adding more personal comments and essays too large to fit on facebook.
We've adjusted our Local Links to fit our new concept. If you miss any of the old links, drop us a comment.
William A. Ricks
When we started blogging almost three years ago, we were very interested in veteran affairs, especially medical ones, radiation exposure, and polycystic kidney disease. We are still personally interested in those topics, but we are currently concentrating on more local things. The old photos from our negative files have high priority. Also the Sign Man's signs. And the blog editor is adding more personal comments and essays too large to fit on facebook.
We've adjusted our Local Links to fit our new concept. If you miss any of the old links, drop us a comment.
William A. Ricks
Eating Healthy at KFC
Ever since I went to Charleston I've been on a very strict diet of a limit of 50 grams of fat per day. That's equivalent to two spoons of mayonnaise.
When I heard about KFC's new grilled chicken I was thrilled to find a low fat option on the menu. Then I saw the TV commercial with a juicy, shiny, sizzling surface. "That's got to be oil on there," I thought and rejected KGC (Kentucky Grilled Chicken). Even ignored the free sample on Monday recently.
Today I looked up the KFC nutritional chart and found that the grilled chicken breast has just 4 grams of total fat. Now that's really great!
You see, other KFC chicken breasts are too fat for me. Well, I could eat one and do without eating anything else that day. Original Recipe: 21 grams of fat. Extra Crispy: 31 grams of fat. Hot & Spicy: 28 grams of fat. Even Popcorn Chicken for Kids contains 19 grams of fat.
Watch out with the salads, too. A pack of Creamy Parmesan Caesar Dressing has 26 grams of fat. The lighter option is Hidden Valley fat free ranch dressing with absolutely no fat. That's what I use at home, and it is delicious!
THE BEST NEWS OF ALL ABOUT KFC:
An original recipe chicken breast with skin and breading removed contains only 2 grams of fat, half that of the grilled. That's going to be my choice!
Enjoy your KFC! Check their nutrition chart at:
http://www.kfc.com/nutrition/pdf/kfc_nutrition_sept09.pdf
William A. Ricks
INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER GRILLED CHICKEN CHOICES:
Grilled chicken sandwich with chicken, bun, lettuce, tomato, but NO mayonnaise.
Wendy's is the lightest in fat at 3.5 grams. Burger King, McDonalds, Dairy Queen are slightly fatter, but still less fat than hamburger.
Try asking for the chicken in separate container and pat dry with napkins.
Addendum posted Nov. 2, 2009
WAR
When I heard about KFC's new grilled chicken I was thrilled to find a low fat option on the menu. Then I saw the TV commercial with a juicy, shiny, sizzling surface. "That's got to be oil on there," I thought and rejected KGC (Kentucky Grilled Chicken). Even ignored the free sample on Monday recently.
Today I looked up the KFC nutritional chart and found that the grilled chicken breast has just 4 grams of total fat. Now that's really great!
You see, other KFC chicken breasts are too fat for me. Well, I could eat one and do without eating anything else that day. Original Recipe: 21 grams of fat. Extra Crispy: 31 grams of fat. Hot & Spicy: 28 grams of fat. Even Popcorn Chicken for Kids contains 19 grams of fat.
Watch out with the salads, too. A pack of Creamy Parmesan Caesar Dressing has 26 grams of fat. The lighter option is Hidden Valley fat free ranch dressing with absolutely no fat. That's what I use at home, and it is delicious!
THE BEST NEWS OF ALL ABOUT KFC:
An original recipe chicken breast with skin and breading removed contains only 2 grams of fat, half that of the grilled. That's going to be my choice!
Enjoy your KFC! Check their nutrition chart at:
http://www.kfc.com/nutrition/pdf/kfc_nutrition_sept09.pdf
William A. Ricks
INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER GRILLED CHICKEN CHOICES:
Grilled chicken sandwich with chicken, bun, lettuce, tomato, but NO mayonnaise.
Wendy's is the lightest in fat at 3.5 grams. Burger King, McDonalds, Dairy Queen are slightly fatter, but still less fat than hamburger.
Try asking for the chicken in separate container and pat dry with napkins.
Addendum posted Nov. 2, 2009
WAR
Saturday, October 31, 2009
1979 Halloween Carnival
October 31, 1979
Halloween Carnival
Wesley Crowe operated a successful booth at the 4-H Halloween Carnival.
Others that week: Two different rattlesnakes that week, Football and Band, Nursing Home, Scout of the Year David Sanford, Terry Phillips and Danny Shepherd heading for FFA convention.
1974 Cemetery Clean-Up
October 30, 1974
Cemetery Clean-Up
Jimmy Brantley managed a group of younger Scouts in cleaning up the Hobbs Cemetery at Lothair for credit on his climb to Eagle.
Others that week: Football, Soperton citizens on WMAZ-TV, Deborah Stewart and Becky Smith - March of Dimes, FHA, Mighty Mites, George Busbee on the gubernatorial campaign trail in Soperton.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
How much do you like your preacher?
I read in a church newsletter some suggestions to show thanks to the ministers during Clergy Appreciation Month. October is drawing to an end, but any month is a good time to be grateful to all clergy and others who go out of the way in their service.
• Pray for your pastor every day.
• Send him a greeting card with a personal message inside.
• Give him a hug.
• Stop by the church and wash some windows.
• Take his wife to lunch.
• Make yourself available to teach a Sunday School class or work in the nursery during a service.
• Mow his lawn or shovel his driveway.
• Send a letter to his son or daughter who is away from home.
• Call his wife and ask what kind of pizza they like. Order it, pay for it, and have it sent to your pastor’s home.
• Smile a little during his sermon.
• Call him at an appropriate time and say, “In my bible reading this morning I read that _________. What does that mean?”
• After a sermon, don’t tell him it was a great sermon. Pick out something specific from the sermon and comment directly on that. So many people tell him his sermon was “great” that he realizes their comment is the same as an American asking, “How are you?” We don’t really mean it …
• Support your church financially.
• Get a group of people together to fast and pray for your pastor.
• Let his family use your cottage or timeshare.
• Take him golfing.
• Buy his entire family tickets to a sporting event.
• On Sunday, ask him what you can pray about for him this week. Then next Sunday ask him how things went regarding what you prayed for.
• If time is given during a service or event for public sharing, talk about something positive your pastor did recently that few people know about.
• Defend him against critics.
• Ask someone other than the pastor to pray before the next church meal.
• ”Adopt” one of his children as someone you pray for, encourage, and support.
• Listen openly to his ideas for change.
• Sing your heart out at your church worship service.
• Keep track of his, his wife’s, and his children’s birthdays as well as his wedding anniversary.
• Tell him you appreciate him … and why.
• Write a letter of pastor appreciation to your church’s denominational headquarters.
• Never publicly criticize him. If you have a concern or complaint, speak directly to him about it, or better, forgive him and forget it.
You may notice that many of the things would not cost a dime.
• Pray for your pastor every day.
• Send him a greeting card with a personal message inside.
• Give him a hug.
• Stop by the church and wash some windows.
• Take his wife to lunch.
• Make yourself available to teach a Sunday School class or work in the nursery during a service.
• Mow his lawn or shovel his driveway.
• Send a letter to his son or daughter who is away from home.
• Call his wife and ask what kind of pizza they like. Order it, pay for it, and have it sent to your pastor’s home.
• Smile a little during his sermon.
• Call him at an appropriate time and say, “In my bible reading this morning I read that _________. What does that mean?”
• After a sermon, don’t tell him it was a great sermon. Pick out something specific from the sermon and comment directly on that. So many people tell him his sermon was “great” that he realizes their comment is the same as an American asking, “How are you?” We don’t really mean it …
• Support your church financially.
• Get a group of people together to fast and pray for your pastor.
• Let his family use your cottage or timeshare.
• Take him golfing.
• Buy his entire family tickets to a sporting event.
• On Sunday, ask him what you can pray about for him this week. Then next Sunday ask him how things went regarding what you prayed for.
• If time is given during a service or event for public sharing, talk about something positive your pastor did recently that few people know about.
• Defend him against critics.
• Ask someone other than the pastor to pray before the next church meal.
• ”Adopt” one of his children as someone you pray for, encourage, and support.
• Listen openly to his ideas for change.
• Sing your heart out at your church worship service.
• Keep track of his, his wife’s, and his children’s birthdays as well as his wedding anniversary.
• Tell him you appreciate him … and why.
• Write a letter of pastor appreciation to your church’s denominational headquarters.
• Never publicly criticize him. If you have a concern or complaint, speak directly to him about it, or better, forgive him and forget it.
You may notice that many of the things would not cost a dime.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The only thing we have to fear.....
You can finish the sentence because you know it from history. A critical time in our history. The masses of people in America had seen unending hardship, as they worked on small farms or unskilled jobs. Poverty was the everyday thing. They worked hard, but loved life, family and friends. Many old-timers have said "We didn't know we were poor."
The roaring twenties are glamourized in the arts: music, movies, dancing the Charleston. But farmers began to lose the land that had been in families for generations. Tenant farming doubled in a decade. After three uncaring Republican Presidents, the country was in a mess. Good capitalism had run amuck. "The rich got richer, and the poor got poorer."
The people all over the land rejected Hooverism and elected a man from a leading, rich New York family later known simply in three initials, FDR. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The news media were the newspapers, magazines, and radio. Television hadn't raised its dangerous head.
In his inaugural address the new President set the pace for his four elected terms of popular success. The people were suffering and FDR knew it. They were worn down with. They were afraid, more than they had ever been afraid of losing everything they had worked and prayed for. FDR was more than a man, he was a man with a heart. He summed it up right off the bat.
"So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days."
FDR was a man of the people and for the people, and he knew that the government had to be by the people --- all the people.
In 2009 people again are afraid. No wonder! We are scared of the deficit, the wars, the foreign terrorists, the home-grown terrorists, insecure jobs and wages, cost of education, health care and health care insurance, demons and blood-suckers, and rushes in the tree-tops, and howls in the wind.
Polite discussion has given away to extremism. Left and right, the fighting continues. Can't we all drink Pepsi and Coke without taking a public stance. Can't we all get along. The current President needs support by the people to guide him just as Roosevelt needed it. The campaign is over. The President is elected. Are we going to sit and whine while the situation gets worse. When something is broken, it's time to fix it. Waiting won't help.
The Greatest Generation met severe problems head-on and solved them. FDR was the leader. What would have happened if the people hadn't followed him? What will happen if too many people agree with one person's wish "I hope he will fail."
Take time to read or listen Roosevelt's speech on this link:
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5057/
William A. Ricks
The roaring twenties are glamourized in the arts: music, movies, dancing the Charleston. But farmers began to lose the land that had been in families for generations. Tenant farming doubled in a decade. After three uncaring Republican Presidents, the country was in a mess. Good capitalism had run amuck. "The rich got richer, and the poor got poorer."
The people all over the land rejected Hooverism and elected a man from a leading, rich New York family later known simply in three initials, FDR. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The news media were the newspapers, magazines, and radio. Television hadn't raised its dangerous head.
In his inaugural address the new President set the pace for his four elected terms of popular success. The people were suffering and FDR knew it. They were worn down with. They were afraid, more than they had ever been afraid of losing everything they had worked and prayed for. FDR was more than a man, he was a man with a heart. He summed it up right off the bat.
"So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days."
FDR was a man of the people and for the people, and he knew that the government had to be by the people --- all the people.
In 2009 people again are afraid. No wonder! We are scared of the deficit, the wars, the foreign terrorists, the home-grown terrorists, insecure jobs and wages, cost of education, health care and health care insurance, demons and blood-suckers, and rushes in the tree-tops, and howls in the wind.
Polite discussion has given away to extremism. Left and right, the fighting continues. Can't we all drink Pepsi and Coke without taking a public stance. Can't we all get along. The current President needs support by the people to guide him just as Roosevelt needed it. The campaign is over. The President is elected. Are we going to sit and whine while the situation gets worse. When something is broken, it's time to fix it. Waiting won't help.
The Greatest Generation met severe problems head-on and solved them. FDR was the leader. What would have happened if the people hadn't followed him? What will happen if too many people agree with one person's wish "I hope he will fail."
Take time to read or listen Roosevelt's speech on this link:
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5057/
William A. Ricks
Thursday, October 22, 2009
1979 Top Math Students
79 1024 06
October 24, 1979
Top Math Students
These Treutlen Elementary math students went to Hawkinsville and won the first place award among several schools in the Gifted Math Students Workshop. Left to right: Mrs. Hortense Driggers, Phaedra Stephens, Brad Kelley, Cathy Brinson, Robby Ware, Stacey Geiger, and Mrs. Glenda Pannell.
Others that week: Football, NSI $5 million expansion, Homecoming, Hallowen carnival promoted (in the old Daley Pharmacy and Powell Shoe Store), Primary kids, THS Y Club, time change.
1974 They Fed You!
74 1023 03
October 23, 1974
They Fed You!
Other than your parents, who provided more meals for you than anyone else? If you ate school lunches, thank the ones who designed and prepared the meals. It was a special day at TES with school officials and parents attending to celebrate the lunch program and the growing breakfast program.
Mrs. Mary Lou Davis, Dietician; Mrs. Alma Lee Brinson; Mrs. Ruthie Mae Ashley; Mrs. Matilda Williams; Mrs. Mary Lou Thigpen; and Mrs. Mary Ely.
Others that week: Football, a little witch, nursing home, Sound Off pix.
Signs from the Sign Man 09 1020-1103 signs
The signs are sold out until the election November 3. Also reserved for Festival Weekend.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
1979 Big Yams
79 1017 04
October 17, 1979
Big Yams
Conditions were just right for growing giant sweet potatoes. Bruce McLendon showed off a couple of three-pounders. Also, J. D. Webb had six that had a combined weight of 24 pounds.
Others that week: Band, football, pomegranate, Jimmie and Eulie Keen with big squash and persimmons, FHA new members, R. A. Perry retirement, ARC officers, FFA, Herbert Burns, Rev. Willie Edmond.
1974 Always first in line!
74 1016 02
October 16, 1974
Always first in line!
Scout parent Gene Bowers at a chicken barbecue at the Scout hut followed his Lions Club tradition of being first in line.
Others that week: Midget football, hanging festival sign across Main Street, THS photos, Sidney Smith, Jerry Walden, football, homecoming.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
1979 The Price Is Right
79 1010 12
October 10, 1979
The Price Is Right
A moment in history: Lawrence C. and Blanche Hunter appeared on the Price Is Right game show with Bob Barker.
Others that week: Forestry Pageant, TG&Y, Sam Dixon Ford, football, show hogs, Primary kids, Clayton Stephens congratuate Wendell Foskey for cemetery clean-up.
(Today, October 8, 2009 Bob Barker donated $3 million to assure a medical facility for brain injured veterans.)
1974 Recreation Grant
74 1009 06
October 3, 1974
Recreation Committee Chairman Richard Dennard and Mayor Frank Radford with papers representing the $45,000 DNR grant for recreation.
Others that week: 4-H exhibits at Swainsboro Fair, Williams Street fire, football, Mrs. Davis & Mrs Raley and TES lunchroom staff, big yam. double-grape, yard work at Fowler-Lawton house.
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