Dale County AlArchives Photo place.....Courthouse Demolition, Jan. 4, 1968 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Christine Thacker http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00033.html#0008100 May 28, 2004, 9:30 pm

Source: The Southern Star
Photo can be seen at:
http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/dale/photos/gph407courthou.jpg
Image file size: 99.8 Kb

 Reprint of Jan.4, 1968 Southern Star, Jan. 7, 1998 pg 17.

        CONTENTS of CORNERSTONE At COURTHOUSE REMOVED TUES.

  After lying for almost 70 years in the darkened recess of the cornerstone of 
the Dale County Courthouse, the contents placed there when the stone was laid, 
October 31, 1901, were revealed, Tuesday afternoon.
  Workmen of Madison Con-structlon Company chiseled the brick work from the top 
corner, and exposed the place where several items had been placed that day for 
posterity.
  The items had been'placed in a metal lock box, but unfortunately the effects 
of water seepage had completely rusted the box away, with nothing but rusty 
giblets remaining. However, its contents were not completely destroyed.
  Old newspapers, a glass dish of old coins, a history of Dale County, stamps, 
letters, and business cards were in varying degrees of preservation.
  Adrian Skelton, vice president of Madison Construction Co, who has the 
contract for the demolition of the 67-year-old courthouse, and the con-
struction of the new building said everything but the old coins would be turned 
over to the Dale County War Memorial Library to be preserved in its historical 
section. He added that the coins would be retained by the comnany
  Three issues of the Southern Star, dated December 4, 1901, December 20, 1893, 
and January 3, 1894 were among the newspapers found in the cornerstone. Joseph 
H. Adams, the father of Probate Judge Kirke Adams, was editor of the Star 
during this period.
  A newspaper no longer in publication was also found: The Dale County News, 
published in Ozark by W. H. Simmons, dated October 10, 1901,was among the four 
newspapers.
  The fourth newspaper was the December, 6, 1901 issue of The Weekly 
Advertiser, published in Montgomery.
  In addition to the newspapers a Bible, and a publication called the Masonic 
Herald was among the collection of items chosen to be placed in the cornerstone.
  Of perhaps the most important historical significence is a history of Dale 
County, written in long hand In a composition book. A number of the pages are 
no longer legible, as the water has faded the ink, and around the top and 
corners of the pages, the paper has rotted away. The author of this history is 
reportedly the late Judge J. M. Carmichael. A quick scanning of the history's
contents, shows a listing of elected officials in Dale County in the years 
prior to the War Between the States. A more detailed account of this book will 
be published at a later date.
  Most of the business cards were not legible, but one that was carried the 
title, Sollie and Kirkland, Attorneys  at Law.
  Several calling cards bearing the name, Miss Stella Blackman, were among the
items found.
  A leather container for carrying cards, or small notes was put out by the 
Planters and Merchants Bank, and listed their officers, Dr. Lewis Sessions,   
president; William Garner, vice president; H. M. Sessions, cashier, and L. B.
Martin, assistant cashier. The bank's capital stock was listed as $125,000.
  Of interest to coin collectors, the coins and their denominations included 18 
Indian head pennies, dated from 1890-1901, seven "V" nickles two quarters, 
dated 1899 and 1901, four dimes, a one cent piece, almost as big as a current 
half dollar, a silver dollar, dated 1901, and a coin that was good for 2 cents 
as a trading token at Cullens Drug Store.
   Judge Adams said it is hoped that the cornerstone can be placed in the new 
courthouse.
  Skelton said demolition of the courthouse was proceeding on schedule, despite 
bad weather this week, and that baring unforeseen delays, the job of tearing 
the building down should be completed in about two weeks.               
  "If anyone questioned the condition of the courthouse building, they could 
get a good idea of the shape it is in now". Skelton said. "While the exterior 
is in fair shape, the inner structure is completely dilapidated, and it is a 
miracle that it didn't burn years ago".
  Skelton stressed the importance of curiosity seekers to stay away from the 
building as it is extremely dangerous to walk around the building as debris is 
being thrown from the roof and upper floor.
  The mechanism of the clock has been salvaged, including a solid brass bell, 
and is stored at Madison's warehouse. The Company said it was available to 
anyone that wish to purchase it.



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