The Selma Centennial - Sept. 1967

The Selma Centennial - Sept. 1967

Selma Centennial Parade - Sept. 1967

Town of Selma Centennial 1967

A PREMATURE CELEBRATION

A Chamber of Commerce sponsored get-together to celebrate the completion of the new school and plans for a modern Union Depot was held on April 14 in the new school’s auditorium. A portion of the jubilation proved premature, however, for records show that throughout 1922 and much of 1923 litigation went on between the State Corporation Commission (representing Selma’s interests) and the Railroads who refused to build a new station. It was not until February of 1923 that Judge E. H. Crammer issued a writ requiring the Southern to proceed with cooperating with the ACL to build a Union Station; and in April of that year the Supreme Court upheld the decision.
Just a week after a fire damaged the old Ward Home on February 14, 1922, and George Brietz was injured while fighting the fire. a volunteer fire department was organized. Twenty-two men made up the company, equipment was purchased, and the town agreed to install an electric siren system.
From the History of Selma - Centennial Program.

EARLY MAIL CARRIER

Bing Photo

Mr. B. B. Lee, who is the oldest contributor to this history, moved to Selma in 1915 as a mail carrier. For seven years he made his 24 mile round trip by horse and buggy. Later the route was expanded to 65 miles and Mr. Lee drove a Model T Ford. Because of the terrible condition of the roads, especially at one place, two boys, Carl Bagley and Arnold Pittman, met Mr. Lee each day with a team of mules and pulled his car from the mud hole. Although Mr. Lee retired on January 1, 1942, he still goes down town regularly and enjoys visiting friends in the stores.
In 1917 a new public school was built on Richardson Street. A year later another newspaper began publication here when Mr. N. E. Edgerton became publisher of the Johnstonian, and Dr. l W. Mayerburg was practicing Medicine here. In 1919 the Church of God of Prophecy was organized. With these events, Selma entered the Roaring Twenties. .
From the History of Selma - Centennial Program.