My friend Elizabeth Almond has shared with me a special 16-page "Souvenir Section" of the Brinkley Argus dated Oct. 11, 1951. The occasion was the "Annual Monroe County HD Club Council Achievement Day" on Oct. 12. Here are a few of the news items detailing life in Holly Grove at this time (many make reference to accompanying photos):
The Leader Features Ready-to-Wear: Miss Helen Boals has for several years successfully operated a ready-to-wear store in Holly Grove, and has been very successful in her business. The Leader has been headquarters for many shoppers from miles around who appreciate nationally advertised lines at modest prices.
B.J. Lambert Firm Is Old Standby: The B.J. Lambert firm in Holly Grove is one of the best known and appreciated business firms in all Monroe County. You've really felt that you've been to Holly Grove when you have been "to Lamberts." And in speaking of the firm being appreciated, friend far and wide have through the years appreciated all the Lamberts, what they stand for and the high type American citizens they are -- all of them. Here's hoping Holly Grove always has lots of citizens like them.
The Abramson Gin (with photo): This splendid gin located just south of Holly Grove is known far and wide as "The Abramson Gin" and among farmers, merchants and cotton buyers alike, the cotton that is ginned by it demands tops in price because it is always top quality and a top product. The ginning equipment is a pride of that Holly Grove citizen, Ralph Abramson, and naturally he couldn't buy any better for he gins his own cotton at this gin.
Williamson Grocery for Choice Eats: The purpose of this section of the Argus this week is to publicize Holly Grove and tell of the good things this commuity has. All the good things wouldn't be complete without mention of the Williamson Grocery, owned and operated by Hinton Williamson. The Williamsons have two lovely children, Richard and Robert, and that adds sunshine too.
Franks Gro. Opened in October 1932: On a Saturday morning back in 1932, a new firm opened in Holly Grove, and today it continues to be a very prosperous business, operated by a couple who are tops as Christians. We speak of Mr. and Mrs. G.L. Franks. Mr. Franks has been associated with Holly Grove business circles since about 1910. Their grocery and market is a credit to their community.
The New Home of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Abramson: One of the finest new homes in Monroe County is that of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Abramson of Holly Grove. Constructed on a lovely tract of ground that is almost a park in itself, it is shown in this picture during last winter's snow. It would take columns of type to describe all the modernistic and labor-saving features of the cozy home, its heating and water system, etc., and its various "homey" rooms. But it will suffice to say that no cost was spared by the Abramsons, the architects and the contractors in the construction of the home. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Abramson and two sons enjoy it to the fullest, and the writer might add that our delighted friend, Grandmother Rue Abramson, who lives nearby, enjoys it too and enjoys seeing her son and family enjoy it.
Dial Wholesale Supplies Needs: The Dial Wholesale Grocery is a valuable asset to mercahnts doing business in Holly Grove. Their salesmen and delivery trucks offer prompt service to doors of every store in Holly Grove, and they enjoy a big business with the added advantages of always having their prices right. The Dial firm was established in 1933, and the Dial family has long been identified with Holly Grove business circles. L. Dial, proprietor of the firm which has its warehouses in Brinkley, was born and reared in Holly Grove, as was his brother, Jere Dial, who is also connected with the firm. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.G. Dial, are Holly Grove pioneers, having been in business here many years. The Dials are all appreciated for their loyalty and success.
Butane Plant Services Holly Grove Area: The butane storage plant of the Monroe County Butane Co., is appreciated by many Home Demonstration Club ladies of the south end of Monroe County, for from it comes their gas for heating and cooking the year around. The Monroe County Butane Co., with offices at Clarendon, serves the Holly Grove-Clarendon area with butane gas and appliances. The firm is operated by Mr. and Mrs. Tex Ashford.
Home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kirkpatrick: This home is one of the many homes in Holly Grove that has been constructed during recent years. It is a beautiful addition to the residence section of Holly Grove and enjoyed by the Walter Kirkpatrick family.
A Progressive Firm Lee & Company Is: Another of Holly Grove's Chinese firms is that of Lee & Co., and these people have the distinction of keeping one of the very cleanest stores, grocery and markets in this section. The head of this firm came to Holly Grove from New York about 5 years ago, his wife and children coming just recently fom China. They have 3 children, James, George and Virginia.
A Holly Grove Landmark - The City Pump: You don't have to be very old to remember the part this old town pump played in the history of Holly Grove. Just 25 years ago it was a watering place for the hundreds of teams that came to Holly Grove, bringing thousands of bales of cotton and other products of the rich farms to market each year. But not so today -- 1951. The pump and pump shed is being maintained now almost as a tradition. It is located in front of the R. Abramson Co. and W.J. Earnest stores. Just w hen it was first put into operation the writer was unable to find out when we asked several of the old timers. But all of these old timers agreed that this section of the Argus would not be compele with a picture of the old landmark the city pump. When first installed on the main streets of Holly Grove this pump not only supplied water for the horses and mules that traversed the streets but water for thousands of people shopping in Holly Grove. Then the merchants and people living within two or three blocks carried their water from the pump. The days of supplying water have long passed for the pump. A few hundred yards away the big city water tank now stands almost touching low passing clouds, as if looking down on the city and commending the old city water pump for days of faithful service. Alongside the old hand pump you can stoop down and turn a faucet, and the city-owned water system supplies the unlimited supply of palatable water you will find at your disposal. Not only have the farms of the Holly Grove territory become to a large extent mechanized, but also travel on the highways. Good roads all over the trade area lead a few hundred yards to gravel or paved roads, leading into Holly Grove. Thus a farm is not completely equipped without the usual number of trucks and autos. Hundreds of them may be counted parked on Holly Grove streets around or near the old town pump. But nevertheless, the old town pump "lives on" ....
Home of Mr. and Mrs. P.M. Dearing: This is another of the newer home s in Holly Grove which make Holly Grove a city of beautiful homes. It is the home of Mr. and Mrs. P.M. Dearing.
One of County's Largest Garages: The Holly Grove Motor Co., owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Thompson, is one of the largest in the county. The Thompsons have just recently more than doubled the space occupied by their garage, and are constantly improving their service. Some of the most modern garage equipment in Eastern Arkansas is to be found in the plant of Holly Grove Motor Company.
Serv-U Cafe Has Splendid Business: In an effort to keep this setion of thie paper strictly Holly Grove, it wouldn't be complete without a mention of the good fortune our Holly Grove people enjoy in having Mrs. Donna H. Hill and her Serv-U Cafe. Mrs. Hill features good foods at a reasonable price and enjoys a nice business.
Offers Friendly Esso Service: The corner Esso Station in Holly Grove is now under the management of J.L. Webb, and is supplied with Esso products daily by W.P. Jackson, bulk dealer. Mr. Webb says he enjoys a nice business and gives personal attention to the needs of every customer.
W.J. Earnest Has a Large Store The W.J. Earnest store in Holly Grove is one of the larger firms of Monroe County. The proprietor is recognized for his public spiritedness, takes part in all community activities and is liberal in his support of the better things for Holly Grove Community. The Earnest family is composed of W.J. and his wife and four children, W.J. Jr., Judy, Monty and Tom.
Cotton Ginning Always County Record: The prosperous little city of Holly Grove has long been recognized as the "Cotton Metropolis" of Monroe County, comment always being that "Holly Grove gins more cotton each year than all the rest of the county put togehter." This year, 1951, up until Oct. 5, Holly Grove had ginned about 3,500 bales as compared with 900 bales last year. The 1950 crop was produced under the Government reduced acreage allotment. But Holly Grove gins, merchants and farmers took the drastic cut in their cash crop as it came. This year when the Government asked for a 16 million bale production, no section of Monroe County rallied to this job more or better than Holly Grove.
Thompson Drug Firm Does Big Business: The Thompson Drug Store in Holly Grove is a drug firm that maintains a business that would be a credit to any large city. The firm is a Rexall store, and Mr. Hamp Thompson, proprietor of the firm, came from Helena seven yearas ago. He has a fine family, one daughter, Carol Jean, and two sons, Donald Carr and Michael Lee. Visitors to Holly Grove are always welcome at the Thompson store.
The Style Shop Ready for Fall: The Style Shop, owned and operated many years by a young business lady with a lot of friends, Mrs. Roy Johnson (Maybelle to her friends), is a Holly Grove store that has large displays of new fall merchandise. Your visit to Holly Grove is never complete until you have visited the Style Shop.
They Say "The Best for Less": W.A. Johnson & Son, one of the leading firms of Holly Grove, is featuring Hickok belts, Jarman shoes, Dobbs hats, Adams hats, Story Book Shoes, Airman shirts and jackets, and Big Smith work clothes this fall. When you visit the Johnson store you are sure to recieve a cheery "call again" and that's what you'll do.
Senator Alf Brown to Conduct Parcel Post Auction: Senator Alf Brown of Clarendon will again this year conduct and be the auctioneer for the parcel post packages that will be offered, unopened, for sale as the last feature of the day, tomorrow, Friday, at the Holly Grove County Council Meeting. This will be the third year that Mr. Brown has rendered this service for the Home Demonstration Club ladies. The parcels were sent to Monroe County club ladies from points all over the U.S. are sold unopened, and therefore just what they contain will not be known until after the auction when they are opened.
Independent Gin Serves Many Farmers: This big gin, located just a few miles north of Holly Grove and near the center of Monroe County, is again this year giving farmers good service on their ginning. Manager Chas. Reddig, who realizes the opportunity a gin has to serve its customers, always pays highest possible prices for seed, and offers a market at highest prices for cotton. Mr. Reddig says that his gin was never in better shape to give his customers a higher quality staple than this year.
King Motor Co. Serves Motorists: This firm is one of the "service landmarks" of Holly Grove and is personally managed by Mr. and Mrs. E.G. King. There are a lot of nice things that could be said about the Kings and their business in fact, you could just not say too much. They conduct their business with the idea of rendering the same service that they would appreciate if they were the customer.
This New Holly Grove Gin Talk of the County: This fine new gin has just been completed at Holly Grove for this season's cotton crop. When you ask whose gin it is, they point out to you the pioneer old firm of Mayo & Mayo and at this busy place they'll tell you "There's the president of the gin company," and you look over and see a delightful friend, Mr. Will Mayo. The gin is the very latest thing in plants for taking care of cotton. Cleaners, dryers are added to the modern 4-stand 80-saw gin. A lot of pleasing reports on its performance comes to Mr. Mayo. Speaking of Mr. Mayo's connection with the gin, you might like to know that one thing he regrets is the fact that this new gin was not built on a railroad track. For many years his old gin had shipped cotton and seed out of Holly Grove by rail. But now all the seed and cotton from this new gin goes out by truck. "I'm sorry about that" is what he'll say.
Holly Grove Has Rail Transportation: Besides its fine highways, Holly Grove has dependable rail transportation also. The Missouri Pacific branch line from Helena to Clarendon runs through Holly Grove and trains operate both ways each day. Timber, cotton, cottonseed, and farm products in general go out by rail. Tractors, farm tools, furniture, seeds, clothing, groceries and other needs for a city and community move in by rail. The railroad contributes taxes to their schools, maintains their depot and freight station, and is an important part of their city.
The Walls Gin: Typical of the old and new in Holly Grove is the pioneer "Walls Gin." This splendid gin has given a number of years of good service and has been modernized every year with some of the finest late inventions for care of cotton.
New Home of Mr. and Mrs. Drady Miller: This is the new home of Mr. and Mrs. Drady Miller, just north of Holly Grove on the new paved highway leading to the city. The beautiful exterior appearance and the interior appointments mark it as one of the more modern homes of the Holly Grove Trade Area.
Ladies Who Head Monroe County HD Clubs: Monroe County has a large number of Home Demonstration Clubs, and their location and name of president thereof, are as follows: Allendale, Mrs. Geter Miley, president, Brinkley Route 1 Banner, Mrs. William Kelly, Brinkley Route 1 Blackton, Mrs. Cecil Powell, Blackton Brinkley, Mrs. Lonnie Parchman, Brinkley Route 1 Clarendon, Mrs. Earl Tweedle, Clarendon Duncan, Mrs. Carl Boals, Holly Grove Route 3 Dyer, Mrs. George Poole, Holly Grove, Route 2 Holly Grove, Mrs. George Young, Holly Grove Laurenceville, Mrs. Woodrow Hill, Holly Grove, Route 1 Monroe, Mrs. W.P. Meacham, Monroe Park Grove, Mrs. Chas. Reddig, Holly Grove, Route 2 Pine Ridge, Mrs. O.M. Deaton, Clarendon, Route 2 Richland, Mrs. R.A. Banks, Cotton Plant Pleasant Valley, Mrs. James Carroll Jr., Moro White Oak, Mrs. Monroe Dunlap, Brinkley.
Mayo & Mayo Firm Has Rich History: Some day when this newspaper published an edition that calls for a lot of historical information about Monroe County, the pioneer Mayo & Mayo firm will certainly supply a lot of that information. The writer is sure that our friends of the Mayo & Mayo firm will allow us to slip this as a bouquet to that fine old friend, Mr. Will Mayo we just naturally think of him as a most important part of Holly Grove. He's gifted, too, in gathering around him to run this big business, some of the outstanding citizens of our county.
Brown Lumber Co. Does Lot Building In a small city the size of Holly Grove where there are as many new homes as in Holly Grove, you might know that there is a progressive building supply firm. Holly Grove is proud of their Brown Lumber Co. firm. The family who own and operate this firm are naturally deeply interested in Holly Grove's growth and future and you'll find them going out of their way to assure that.
Albet Seetoo Firm Came from Marvell: One of Holly Grove's reputable Holly Grove Chinese merchants is the Albert Seetoo firm. Albert and his wife and little daughter Shirley came to Holly Grove last year from Marvell. Albert enjoys a nice business with his inviting store and says he likes to live in Holly Grove.
Geronin Firm Was Established in 1896: If you think Holly Grove is an old town of the "Old South" remember that the S. Geronin firm was established in Holly Grove in 1896. They feature a large stock of ready-to-wear, shoes and goods. The S. Geronins, senior members of the firm, have two children, a son, Herman of the store, and Mrs.(?).B. Bensinger, daughter of Memphis.
Wall Firm Serves in Holly Grove: If you live in the Holly Grove trade area, and on your visit to Holly Grove have the priviledge of saying "Hello, Mr. Bully Walls," you enjoy a pleasure in life. Mr. Walls (Milton Walls to business friends) represents a family who have been associated with the business interests of Holly Grove for many years. You'll think of him when you see the picture of "The Walls Gin" elsewhere in this special section of the Argus, commemorating the meeting of Monroe County Home Demonstration Clubs in Holly Grove for their Fall Achievement Day.
The Home of Mrs. Louise Thomas Recently Completed: This new home is a distinct adition to the new homes of Holly Grove, having just recently been completed by Mrs. Louise Thomas. It is modern in every respect and features plenty of windows and the new corner window arrangement.
Joe Smith & Son. Have Nice Store: "Just tell them that we are happy to invite them to Holly Grove and to visit us across the street from the Legion Hut," said Mr. and Mrs. Joe Smith of the Smith store at Holly Grove this week as plans were being made to hold the Annual Achievement Day of Home Demonstration Club ladies in Holly Grove. The Smiths have a large store, give long hours of their time to serving their customers.
Holly Grove Furniture Co. Leading Firm: "Business will come where it is invited, and say where it is well treated" could be the motto of Holly Grove's furniture firm the Holly Grove Furniture Store. The firm sells most everything in home furnishings, electrical appliances, radios, etc., and the kindnesses shown their customers usually bring them back.
Holly Grove's Colored School One of State's Best: The Holly Grove colored school is recognized as one of the finest colored schools in the South. Their reputation is widely known. This school serves all colored children in the Holly Grove school district and these children are provided with good transportation to and from school. These school grounds and buildings are very beautiful and well kept. The very best in educational courses are offered. They have a very good home economics department with a well trained supervisor; the boys are also fortunate in having a well-equipped agriculture department with trained directors. The lower grades are also equipped with the best of teachers. The buildings on this campus are very new. The main administration building is the utmost in modern architecture. The sportsmanship of this school is also outstanding. They always have a very good basket ball team that has brought them high respect for their ability to play but also for their good sportsmanship shown while playing. This school also maintains their own high school band. Each year the floats for their queen are very outstanding. The faculty, students, parents and backers of this school are all very proud of it. Holly Grove is glad to say we have a very good school system for our colored as well as our white children.
Rodgers Shoe Shop Does Good Work Mr. and Mrs. Delmar Rodgers operate a shoe repair business in Holly Grove, and like most other Holly Grove citizens give a nice service. The Rodgers are always supportive of everything that is for the best interest of Holly Grove.
The New Home of Mr. and Mrs. John Sidney Calloway: This is one of Holly Grove's newest of the "new" homes, it having just been completed during the past few months and occupied by the family of Mr. and Mrs. John Sidney Calloway. The view above is from the front. The rear of the home, a playground court and other unusual arrangements make the entire home one of convenience and "topmost liveability."
Holly Grove Has Rich Methodist Church History: In 1928 the congregation of the Methodist Church decided to build a new church building and subsequently it was authorized at a meeting of the quarterly conference presided over by Rev. Fred R. Hamilton, Presiding Elder, with Rev. C.E. Gray, pastor in charge, a committee composed of Mrs. O.M. Washington and D.H. ****e was appointed to canvass the members for a monthly subscription toward the building fund and in 1932 a sufficient amount has been collected and the following were appointed on the building commitee: F.C. Nolen, L.T. Claiborne, Secy.; D.H. ****e, treas; P.C. Mayo, H.D. Swayze, Mrs. Ada Dial, Mrs. O.M. Washington, and the contract was let to McCollum Construction Co., of Little Rock, Ark., for the erection of the building. The old church building and site was sold to the Holly Grove School District and a new site was purchased from the Dr. J.F. Taylor estate. Dr. Taylor had for a long time been a member of the board of stewards of the Methodist Church. The first Methodist Church was founded in 1875. Most of the money was raised during the pastorate of Rev. C.E. Gray and the building was erected while Rev. J.W. Moore was pastor. In May 1933 the building was dedicated by Bishop Hoyt M. Dobbs, A.N. Storey pastor. In 1947 a Hammond organ and chimes were donated by Mrs. P.C. Mayo and dedicated by Bishop Paul E. Martin. Ceiling fans were also doanted by Mr. and Mrs. G.L. Franks, a bulletin board was donated by Mrs. G.W. Webster and a pulpit light donated by Mrs. Mayola McDougal. The old parsonage was sold and a new one erected near the church building.
Presbyterians Had First Church Building in 1866: Before the Civil War this community never had a church of its own. Methodist preachers preached in school houses and private residences until 1866 at which time the Presbyterian (Cumberland) built a church at Macedonia Cemetery, one and one-half miles southeast of Holly Grove wehre the Methodists worshipped until the church was burned in 1871. In 1872 the Arkansas Central railroad was built from Helena to Clarendon and completed in 1873. Mr. James Kerr, a pioneer settler of this community, gave the lot for the first church and he, Issac L. Pride, J.M. Kerr, R.L. Kerr and others built the first church in 1872 in the town of Holly Grove. The church stood until Christmas 1883 when it burned (caught from a Christmas tree). Rev. R.R. Raymond who was pastor that year began building a new church. It was completed in 1884. The records of the church burned in 1883 and we have no records further back than 1878. Thomas Craig preached here in the late 1860s, then Rev. Baker in 1870. Holly Grove Presbyterians organized and built a church in 1881 with 15 charter members. Dr. Palton obtained permission from Synod. Rev. Richardson preached here in 1898. Rev Brown in 1900. C.W. Johnson, 1907. J.H. Morrison, 1917-24. Rev. Smith, 1925. Rev. George Mason, 1926-33. Rev. Pruitt, 1935-50. We do not have a pastor at present but are repairing the church and manse and hope to have a pastor soon. The Presbyterian Church bought in 1938 from the Baptists their church, which we use as Sunday School rooms for the Junior Division of church.
The Annual Achievement Day Will Be Held at the New Legion Hut: Holly Grove Post 87 of the American Legion was organized in 1945 with fifteen Charter Members and the following officers elected: Sammy Feldman, commander; H.L. Williamson, vice-commander; Beverly Lambert, adjutant; Buddy Reed, finance officer; Ernest McCastlain, service officer; J.L. Franks, chaplain; Jas. Sylar, historian; and R.B. Beard, sergeant-at-arms. Realizing in the beginning that a permanent home was essential to good work and attendance, a building account was set up with a goal of $10,000.00 to be reached with which to build a Hut. To reach that goal was the aim and purpose of each administration; together with the support of the entire membership. Much work and many activities such as plays and shows were staged in order to raise funds. Fast but seemingly slow progress was made and by the fass (sic) of 1949 the building account had reached more than $7,000.00. With the goal so near and yet so far a public subscription campaign was put on among the Post members and citizens of the community in order to reach the $10,000.00 goal. The goal was reached and it was voted to build a Hut costing $15,000.00 with the Trustees empowered to borrow the balance. A building committee was named with instructions to have plans drawn and the contract let. The contract was given to Baxter Miles Construction Co. of Lonoke. Arkansas with work to begin April 3, 1951 and to be completed by August 1st. The building was completed on time and the dedication service held shortly after with visitors from the state office and many other posts. Leonard Moody, past department commander, gave the principal address.
The success of the Home Demonstration Club work in Monroe County is due in a large extent to the untiring efforts of Miss Ethel Bennett, County Home Demonstration Agent. The annual Achievement Day each fall is planned by her for her club women, and a number of awards will be made at the Holly Grove Achievement Day to those doing outstanding work in their respective clubs this year. It is hoped that this section of the Argus will be a compliment to Miss Bennett as well as to the Holly Grove HD Club, and the county club women in general.
Holly Grove Schools Among Finest in the State The Holly Grove High School is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, therefore it is an accredited High School. It serves the children and patrons of a large area, due to the consolidating of various school districts. In addition to the Superintendent, it employs 21 teachers. This includes two teachers for the Veterans' Administration, 11 elementary teachers, there are only five who do not hold either an A.B. or B.S. Degree. The school is fortunate in having teachers who are both well qualified and experienced. The school plant and grounds are attractive and well kept throughout the year, and the town of Holly Grove takes great pride in this. We have five buildings used for instructional purposes. These are the Main Building, the Agriculture Building, the Home Economics Cottage, the Primary Building and the Gymnasium. In addition to these buildings the district also owns a garage and workshop used for the daily care of the buses, a Teacherage for the use of out-of-town teachers, and the Superintendent's home. We feel that we are doing a better job of teaching in the grade school than we have ever done. We are trying to hold the number of pupils, as near as possible, to 30 or 35 in each class. In the field of sports, Holly Grove has been fortunate in having coaches who believe in instilling the principles of good sportsmanship, fair play and healthful living into the lives of our boys and girls. We have always been able to look on our competitive teams with a sense of pride, knowing that the wearers of the black and gold are going to play a good game -- win or lose. Not only in the field of sports are our students a credit to us. The Beta Club, the Student Council, the FFA, the FHA and Glee Club have each won recognition in their own way wherever they have gone. One might ask, how has all this been made possible during these days of trouble and unrest? How does it happen that we have a nine months school when so many schools of the state have had to close at the seventh or eighth month? My answer to this would be three fold. First, our district has been guilded and directed by a school board composed of good business men who are progressive and far-sighted. Second, our district has been blessed by having good administrators who have had the well being of the schools, its pupils and the community at heart. Third, the patrons of the district have had a keen interest in the school. They support its causes and activities wholeheartedly. You take these three factors plus the energy of the 500 eager students plus the leadership of 21 conscientious teachers and you have a good school. Don't you agree? We, the people of Holly Grove, are proud of our school. May it continue to grow and go forward in the future as it has in the years past.
-- Edited by Danyelle McNeill Fletcher at 19:30, 2008-02-26
