65 years ago, July 8, 1954
“Sidney Head and Bill Lampton of Columbia were named on the Dean’s List for the second semester at Millsaps College. … Sidney Head is the son of Sidney Head of Mt. Olive and the late Mrs. Head of Columbia. Bill Lampton is the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Ben Lampton of Columbia.”
“Jill Applewhite of Columbia was among the group of 90 well-trained young musicians who left the Mississippi Southern College campus early Sunday morning determined to make an outstanding showing in international band competition slated in New York City, July 7-10.”
60 years ago, July 9, 1959
“This is the weekend of Bargain Days in Columbia. Most of Columbia’s merchants have gone all out to make this annual sales event bigger and better than the previous Bargain Days. The parking meters will be on vacation Friday and Saturday and shoppers can shop without worrying about getting a parking ticket or having to run back and feed the kitty.”
“V.W. Yawn, Area Forester for the Mississippi Forestry Commission in Marion County and County Tree Farms Committee Chairman, said today that Marion County tree farmers now numbered 33 and that their tree farms covered some 40,978 acres in the county. In addition to these, there are about 30 Tree Farm applications pending, Yawn said.”
“Marion County’s 4-H Junior Dairy Judging team placed first in the state-wide contest held at Mississippi State University July 1 and 2. … The team is composed of Larry Bean, Martin Bean, Hal Jarrell and Bill Jarrell.”
“Friends of the Prentiss Normal and Industrial Institute, Negro school at Prentiss, are making contributions toward the rebuilding of the boys’ dormitory which was completely destroyed by fire on March 1. Actual work on the reconstruction of the dormitory will begin in a few days. … The school begins its 53rd school term on Sept. 14.”
50 years ago, July 10, 1969
“Changes in Highway Patrolmen and duties in this area were announced this week. Griffin G. Flynt has been promoted from Patrolman to Assistant Inspector of the Hattiesburg district, and Jimmie Stringer of the New Hope community has been transferred to Columbia as a Highway Patrolman in Marion County.”
“The Mayor and Board of Aldermen members were sworn in for the current four-year term at a 10 o’clock ceremony Monday morning at City Hall. Administering the oath of office was Cody Buckley, Chancery Clerk of Marion County. Mayor E.D. McLean Jr. and Alderman Frank Matulich, Ward 2, were sworn in for another term. New Aldermen were Dan McKenzie, Ward 4; W.H. (Hobby) Stringer, Ward 1; Bobby Crain, Ward 3; and Willie Ray Selman, alderman at large.”
“The First Baptist Church conducted a note burning ceremony and dedicated the sanctuary Sunday morning. … Building fund efforts toward the new building were begun in 1955, when the church voted to apply fifth Sunday offering toward the construction of the new sanctuary. … Total cost of the building and furnishings was $495,315.63. … The building was opened and occupied on Sept. 25, 1960, at which time 1,417 people were actually counted in attendance at the worship service and 1,000 attended Sunday School. The first Baptismal service was held that evening. Linda Sue Saul was the first to be baptized, followed by Marianne Graham, W.C. Webb, James Thurman Harrison, Marty Hitt and Johnny Wood.”
40 years ago, July 12, 1979
“Nancy Powell, Route 1, Box 189, Kokomo, was named as the winner of the Mississippi Confederate Rescue CB Radio Club’s recent contest. She won a CB radio and antenna with her number of 377. The selection was made at a meeting in the home of Kermit Dyess on July 3, with James Randolph (Jigsaw) doing the drawing. Also at the selection were Ray Wallace (Flying Eagle), S.J. Waldrop (Daddy Rabbit), President Hardy Franklin (Big Dog) and two deputy sheriffs from Prentiss, Gary Smith and Rick Burrow.”
“Children ages six to 13 participated in swimming contests at Columbia Country Club July 4. Winners in the diving contest were Bart Ferguson, first; Stephanie Pennington, second; and Trey Carley, third.”
20 years, July 8, 1999
“A long-time professional wrestler and recent Columbia resident is working his way up to the top of the United Wrestling Federation. David Heart won the Mississippi State Heavyweight Wrestling Championship last month in Lumberton, making him the top contender for the UWF heavyweight title. Heart said he hopes to capture that title July 17 in Purvis, when he’s scheduled to meet the current UWF champion, Wade Garrett.”
Pictured Above: In this photo from 40 years ago, July 12, 1979, the 1979 Dizzy Dean City Park champions were the Carter-Mullins team. Team members include, front row, from left, James Dunaway, Charles Fairly, Darren Barrow, Doug McElroy, Kevin Forbes and Keith Sullivan. Back row, coach Mark Strum, John Oglesby, Mark Pritchard, Greg Ellzey, Larry Blansett, Barry Serie, Wayne Pittman and coach Jim Kearshner.
