Whitfield County GaArchives History .....Chapter VII - History of Whitfield County 1936 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 October 1, 2004, 11:34 pm ---------------- p. 154 CHAPTER VII Modern Whitfield With the dawning of the new century, the modern history of Whitfield county and Dalton may be said to have had its real beginning. In the city, modern lighting, water and sewer plants were installed. Many of the manufacturing plants that have made Dalton prosperous had been long established and several new ones were well under way. There were no paved streets, no sidewalks except rough brick on Hamilton street, but the citizenry was becoming alive to the need of modem improvements and the copies of "The Dalton Citizen" of the years immediately after the beginning of the century were full of projected changes and it was not long before many of the improvements advocated became things accomplished. It is impossible to tell of the many enterprises attempted which are no more, but while some business houses have faded into oblivion and many have changed their names with changing owners or merged with others into larger enterprises, there has never been a time that Dalton and the county have taken a step backward or removed their hands from the plow. One of the most helpful forward steps taken was the employment of a county demonstrator and a county agent as soon as the state law made this possible. A general improvement in agriculture in the county has been the result and while Whitfield can never compete in quantity production with the level stretches of land along the river bottoms in some other portions of the state, the fact remains that the prize for the best farmer in the state, given under the direction of the State College of Agriculture, went to Hillard Seaton of this county in 1929. The county demonstrator by the promotion of the 4-H clubs, poultry raising, good vegetable gardens and contests in home decoration, house furnishing and flower growing has added immeasurably to the comfort, plenty and beauty of our country homes. ---------------- p. 155 The 4-H club of Whitfield county is part of a nation-wide organization, designed to interest the growing girls of rural communities in home building, and to instruct them in the domestic arts. For some years the girls belonging to this organization in the county have made an annual exhibit of their work, always creditable, and in many cases surprisingly so. Another important innovation was the organization in 1913 of the Whitfield County Medical Society by Doctors Ault, Erwin, Hariris, Kennedy, McAfee, Rollins and Sams. It was chartered by the Medical Association of Georgia in 1915. At present the following doctors compose its membership: Doctors Ault, Bradley, Broaddrick, Easley, Erwin, Kennedy, McAfee, Rollins, Shellhorse, Starr, Steed and Wood, of Dalton, and W. J. Green, of Ringgold, Georgia. An extension of the health work of the county was made by the employment of a county nurse in 1925. It was her first duty to come to the rescue of the many cases of tuberculosis which could not otherwise have had proper care. Funds for this work were supplied jointly by the national government under the provision of the Shepherd-Towner bill, the City of Dalton and the county. Miss Beulah Carrington was the first county nurse, and when she gave up the work to take a similar position with the Westcott Hosiery Mills, she was succeeded by Miss Kate Wright. HAMILTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL An institution that has been of the greatest service and comfort to the people of Dalton and vicinity is the Hamilton Memorial Hospital, built in 1920 as a memorial to the late George W. Hamilton, president of the Crown Cotton Mills at the time of his death. The stock of the hospital association is all owned in Dalton, much of it by the Crown mills and the several physicians of the city. Various organizations furnished many of the rooms as memorials. The building is of cream stucco in Spanish style and has twenty rooms, including four wards, making it possible to take care of thirty-two patients. There is a fully equipped X-ray room, operating room and all the conveniences and facilities for comfort and sanitation found in the largest city hospitals. The ---------------- p. 156 shows a photo of HAMILTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ---------------- p. 157 building within is sanitary to the last degree and the management is proud of spotless corridors, the almost sound-proof rooms, and the beautifully arranged and equipped kitchens, as they have every reason to be. On November 1, 1935, the Dalton Civitan Club leased the hospital from its owners and it is now operated by a Civitan Hospital Board, Inc., composed of Dr. P. K. Sims, president, Paul B. Pite, vice-president, 0. C. Alley, treasurer, T. S. McCamy, G. L. Westcott and John A. Looper. Miss Dorothea Thompson, R.N., is superintendent. The Charles C. Maples Memorial Association made it possible, by donation of part of the necessary funds, for the Board to erect as an addition to the hospital an emergency room which has been named "The Charles C. Maples Memorial Emergency Room.'* Among the health work and charitable institutions of Dalton, none has done better work for more people than the Empty Stocking Fund. This fund was begun by Dr. F. K. Sims and T. S. McCamy then local editor of The Dalton Citizen, and was sustained for a number of years by purely voluntary contributions. Later a substantial sum was bequeathed by the late Herman Fox, long a respected and charitable business man of the city, the interest to be used to relieve distress among the poor. This sum has been increased and is yearly augmented by large sums for immediate distribution. The fund has been administered for twenty-five years by Dr. Frank K. Sims, pastor of the First Presbyterian church. The Red Cross organization and the county nurse also have funds for relief at their disposal. The following is culled from an article written by Harlee Branch, then a reporter on the Atlanta Journal, and appeared in the issue of December 12, 1924: "Dalton is destined to be one of the principal industrial cities of Georgia, and that at no distant day. Already it has taken its place in the forefront of the small industrial centers of the state and is making such strides that one can very easily visualize it as a city of 25,000 within the next twenty years. "However, Dalton is not a 'factory town' as one understands that term. It is a city of fine homes, beautiful churches, parks ---------------- p. 158 and thoroughly creditable improvements. In its population of more than 10,000, ninety per cent of which is white, it numbers scores of outstanding civic leaders and its public-spirited citizens run into the hundreds. "Thus Dalton has a spirit that one senses as soon as he gets near the corporate limits. This spirit translates itself into tireless and enthusiastic activities which perpetually proclaim the city's progress and virtues and which go out after new citizens and new industries. "On every hand can be heard the hum of wheels. People are busy and happy and prosperous. No wonder they have the utmost confidence in the present and future of their town. "Among the important industries located here and which are now paying nearly $3,000,000 a year in wages and salaries are the following: "Crown Cotton mills, 50,000 spindles, manufacturing duck; Dalton Hosiery Mills, manufacturing 750 dozen pairs of silk hose a day and shipping a large part of its output to Cuba and South America, Duane Chair company, which ships its products to Chicago and other western furniture centers; Dalton Brick and Tile company, which manufactures shale face brick and building tile. Four big lumber manufacturing concerns, Farrar Lumber company, Cherokee Manufacturing company, Brooker Lumber company and Acme Lumber company; Smith Tent and Awning Manufacturing company; two ice plants; Barrett, Denton & Lynn company, flour mills; and the A. J. Showalter company, commercial printers, binders and publishers, which is one of the largest concerns of its kind in this part of the country. Another distinctive and extensive manufacturing plant here is that of the Monly Jail Works. This concern specializes in jail cells and convict cages, but also actually builds jails. It sells its products in all parts of the country. Some of the other industries are: Three foundries and machine shops, two marble and granite works, two cotton gins, three steam laundries, two bottling works, etc. "The list of industries and pay roll distribution does not include the plant of the American Thread company, a very large plant, but only one-third the size it will be when completed. "Excellent sites are offered new industrial plants. Plenty of p. 159 cheap hydro-electric power and plenty of industrious, intelligent native labor can be had. The main supply lines of the Georgia Railway and Power company run through the city. "On top of Mount Rachel, which is in the outskirts of the city, is located the big municipal waterworks reservoir. The city owns its gas plant and electric system, although it buys its current from the Georgia Railway and Power company. "Dalton is situated 778 feet above sea level; it has annual rainfall of 57 inches, a mean temperature of 61.5 degrees; highest temperature in summer, 93 degrees; lowest in summer, 50 degrees; highest in winter, 65 degrees; lowest in winter, 12 degrees; birth rate 29.41 per 1,000; death rate, 11.17 per 1,000; 2,500 factory workers, three banks with deposits of $3,000,000; annual postoffice receipts, $50,000.00; motor fire department; two miles of paved streets, 15 miles paved sidewalks, a white way, a hospital with forty beds, costing $85,000, and a new and modern hotel with 50 bedrooms, six stores and a barbershop, that was erected at a cost of more than $200,000. "This hotel, known as Hotel Dalton, was sponsored by the Civitan club which is the leading civic organization here, and the stock was all sold to local people. H. J. Smith, a leading and public-spirited citizen, was chairman of the hotel committee, and not only looked after the sale of the stock, but also supervised the construction and furnishing of the building. W. C. Bowen is now president. "The county of Whitfield, with the sympathetic and hearty co-operation of the business interests of Dalton, is making rapid progress with its agriculture, dairying, cattle, hog and poultry raising, and with improvements to its roads and schools. "Fifteen years ago the normal cotton crop was 3,000 bales. Before the boll weevil came the normal cotton crop was 6,000; then it went as low as 4,900. Tn 1933 the crop was 7,500 bales, which is a high record. "The farmers of Whitfield county are also engaged extensively in the growing of hay, grain, potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, corn and other crops. Hay, potatoes, tomatoes and corn are shipped to various markets in quantity, and 80 cars of peaches were shipped this year from Cohutta orchards. "Dalton was the home city of the late Will N. Harben, noted ---------------- p. 160 author; the late Robert Loveman, famous poet, and the late A. J. Showalter, who was one of the country's leading sacred song composers." Other authors that Dalton can claim are Mrs. Frank K. Sims, Jr., now of Charlotte, N. C., and Mrs. Sylla W. Hamilton, of Athens, Georgia. The late Mrs. Gertrude Manly Jones was another writer, whose negro dialect songs and stories gained for her a reputation as an author. Mrs. Lilian Whitman Carter has written many short stories and is a well-known contributor to many periodicals. Miss Jessie Baxter Smith, another writer whom Dalton can claim, contributes regularly to papers. One of the industries not mentioned by Mr. Branch deserves a paragraph of its own, partly because it is distinctively a Whit-field county industry, and partly because in these lean recent years it has brought a steady stream of outside money into the county. This is the tufted bedspread industry which is carried on in a large way by a number of firms which ship the spreads and bath-mats in quantity, and by at least a dozen other firms which ship to a limited and exclusive clientele. Originally all the spreads were made on unbleached sheeting with natural colored yarn, but later interior decorators began asking for spreads tufted in colors. This brought new problems to those engaged in the business, but they were successfully met and connections were made with reliable firms to dye the yarn any desired shade. While many men are now engaged in the industry, it is woman's work, and commercializing it has brought to hundreds of county women a financial independence thoroughly enjoyed. Reliable figures show that receipts for spreads shipped from Whitfield county in 1933-34 exceeded the total value of the county's cotton crop which ran into large figures. Colonial hooked rugs are also made in the county and shipped by hundreds. These are in most cases made from the old designs our grandmothers loved, hand-hooked into a burlap background, and in their lovely texture and color harmonize perfectly with the early American furniture now so much used. The industry also brings a handsome sum yearly into the county. ---------------- p. 161 THE DISASTROUS FIRE OF 1911 In April, 1911, Dalton experienced her first major catastrophe in a fire which devastated the heart of the city and swept away property to the value of a quarter of a million dollars. These included the old Hotel Dalton, the Opera House, the A. J. Showalter company and the Dalton Buggy Company buildings. In the hotel building there were several retail stores, the stocks of which were a total loss. From this shocking catastrophe the city was quick to recover and within the week most of the firms burned out were doing business elsewhere. The Opera House has never been replaced. Two modern picture shows have taken its place. During the war years no attempt was made to replace the hotel, but in 1923 the present modern building of the new Hotel Dalton was erected on the site of the old one. Dalton's reaction to the war alarm in 1917 was what might be expected. The classes for the first training camp were hardly announced before there were applications for membership from three Dalton boys, including James A. McFarland, R. M. Herron, Jr., and W. B. Farrar, all of whom finished the course with credit and were duly commissioned officers. Later training camps also had several Whitfield county boys; twelve officers in all being commissioned from this county. At the first call, numbers of boys enlisted so that the first draft quota for the county was only six men, the remaining number of the quota were already in service. In all Whitfield county sent six hundred eighty-three men to wear their country's uniform and follow her flag, and there is no record that any one of them failed in his duty. Many "fought the war" in cantonments in this country, but that does not detract from the fact that they did their best, and it is written that "They also serve who only stand and wait." The first casualty among the county's quota was John F. Slaton, killed by shrapnel while on sentry duty on the night of April 13, 1918, and buried at Rourvois the following day. Sixteen other Whitfield county boys gave their lives in the service and in their honor the Governor John Milledge Chapter, D. A. R., assisted by other organizations, erected a monument on the post office grounds shortly after the war was over. It is a granite block with a handsome bronze marker, standing under the flag they died to protect, and bears the following inscription: ---------------- p. 162 Whitfield County pays tribute to these, her sons, who died for Liberty John F. Slaton Elmer Chester Lewis Hopkins Spartan Crow Robert Lanham George Cupp James E. McDougal Melvin Dill Aaron Pangle Roy Eslinger Scott Prothro Guy Felker Adlai Stephenson Samuel Frazier Claude Richardson Clarence Grant William Wear Amos Hardin John Wimpey And to those others who served with the colors during the World War. The list of all the soldiers who gave Whitfield county as their residence at the time of enlistment is given in the appendix. There were many others, natives of the county, who enlisted elsewhere but their names cannot be obtained. Of the civil service rendered by the citizens of the county, too much cannot be said. The Red Cross was the first of the organizations formed though many women had been knitting for the Navy League under the direction of Mrs. George P. Mills some weeks before the Red Cross formally began work. This first knitting consisted largely of sweaters made for the sailors on the battleship, Georgia, but when they were supplied. all later knitting was done through the Red Cross by the request of the Secretary of the Navy. THE RED CROSS The work of the Red Cross chapter is best shown in the report made at the close of the first year, as follows: "The chapter showed a membership, including both senior and junior memberships, of 5,216, and 51,499 different articles have passed through the ladies' workroom. Officers for the year were elected as follows: "W. C. Martin, chairman; Mrs. M. E. Judd, vice chairman; Miss Kate Hamilton, secretaty; T. D. Ridley, treasurer; Mrs. R. M. Herron, director of woman's work; F. K. Sims, chairman membership and extension; W. C. McGhee, chairman war work and finance; T. S. McCamy, chairman publicity; Mrs. Alfred Brown, workroom instructor; F. F. Farrar, chairman home service; Mrs. Julian McCamy, chairman canteen; B. A. Tyler, ---------------- p. 163 chairman conservation; J. J. Copeland and J. H. Watson, chairmen county and city Junior Red Cross; W. C. Martin, Mrs. M. E. Judd, Mrs. R. M. Herron, Mrs. P. B. Trammell, Mrs. W. C. Martin, F. F. Farrar, B. A. Tyler, H. J. Smith, C. C. Maples, J. D. Hammond, Josiah Crudup, F. K. Sims, Mrs. Julian McCamy, Mrs. G. P. Mills, Miss Willie White, J. G. McLellan, T. S. McCamy and H. L. Erwin, executive committee." Classes were held for making surgical dressings at the work room on Crawford street, and three groups of women qualified as instructors, and worked throughout the summer. These were under the supervision of Mrs. Alfred Brown, instructor, and Mrs. R. M. Herron and Mrs. W. C. Martin, executive chairmen. When the campaign for War Savings Stamps was initiated, Mr. E. P. Davis,* vice president of the First National Bank, wa* made chairman for the county, and under his efficient leadership the committee so thoroughly organized the work that by July 4th, the total amount of the quota of $339,400 was raised, this being one of the first ten counties in the state to report "over the top." The Whitfield County Liberty League was organized in July, 1918; all members pledged themselves to do any kind of war work when called upon. The plan followed was that under which Mr. E. P. Davis had conducted the War Savings Stamps campaign to such a successful issue. J. G. McLellan* was president of the organization and F. S. Pruden, secretary. Another organization that did valuable service was the local branch of the American League for Women's Service, organized by Mrs. M. E. Judd. This group specialized in making clothing to be sent to France and Belgium for the relief of the civilian population of those war torn nations. Thirteen hundred garments are of record but many more were made later. The war over, the citizenry settled down to rehabilitation work; the Dixie Highway claimed much attention. This highway extends the length of the county, and is a link in the road connecting Chicago and Detroit with Miami. Agitation and influence were brought to bear and the concrete highway is now complete in the county. ________ *Deceased. p. 164 The public library, founded by the Dalton Woman's Club, deserves mention. This is housed in the old Robert Loveman home, "The Robin's Nest", which is the home of the club, and is maintained as a memorial to the poet. The library is supported by private subscription and the county board appropriates a certain sum for children's books regularly. Some four thousand volumes are in circulation and Miss Cora Henderson is the librarian. Dalton boasts two trees of unusual significance; the John Eason oak which owns itself, a magnificent forest tree of unknown age but certainly antedating the expulsion of the Chero-kees in 1838. And the Liberty tree standing on the post office lawn which was planted in 1924 as a war memorial, with the assistance of the local council of the Junior Order of American Mechanics and the Daughters of America, an affiliated order of women. At the ceremony of planting, each state was represented by a young lady and each county of Georgia by a boy or girl, appropriately dressed, who were received by Uncle Sam, Miss Columbia and Georgia. In many cases the soil sent for the planting was from some place that has a part in the history ---------------- p. 165 of the locality sending it, such as Stone Mountain, the grave of Alexander Stephens and Faneuil Hall. The soil from Vermont was sent by the father of President Coolidge, Judge John Coolidge. This plan was originated by Honorable W. M. Sapp, then senator, and all the detail of securing earth from each state in the union was arranged by him. Dalton's retail stores of every kind deserve appreciative mention. Hamilton Street, the main business street, has four blocks of business buildings and others are on the various cross streets intersecting Hamilton. There are six thriving drug stores of which Fincher & Nichols antedates all the others, having been in the drug business since 1882. The furniture business is also represented by three firms. Of general merchants and dealers in groceries and meats, there are a generous number, and both the privately owned groceries and the chain cash-and-carry do a thriving ---------------- p. 166 business. The drygoods trade of the city and county is thoroughly well cared for by a dozen or more clean, bright stores carrying not only the usual staples, but also ready-to-wear and millinery of satisfactory quality and price. Dalton boasts of three novelty stores which carry a wide range of nickel and dime items though none of them are restricted to articles of that price. The Routh store is the oldest and has branches in several near-by towns. There are four hardware stores also. Three seems to be the favorite number in Dalton's retail district as there are that number of cleaning establishments also. The city boasts of three modern steam laundries, an adequate ice plant, and at least a dozen restaurants, all doing a thriving business. Dalton is particularly proud of the fact that there has never been a really bad business failure during its history. This is in a large part due to the three strong banks that handle finances for this and surrounding counties. The first of these in point of time is the Hardwick Bank ---------------- p. 167 and Trust Company, established by the late Frank T. Hard-wick in 1873 as a private bank, with a capital stock of $15,000 and under his fostering care it became one of the strong financial institutions of this section. Mr. Hardwick died in October, 1921, and was succeeded as president by his son, W. M. Hard-wick. The late T. D. Ridley, who was cashier for several years, remained at that post, and in February, 1922, the bank was reorganized as a state bank and continued to flourish. The bank became an associate of the Hamilton National, of Chattanooga, in September, 1930, with the late Mr. Ridley as president. The bank is housed in a beautiful modern building, erected in 1925. Their capital stock is $100,000.00 and the surplus $200,-000.00. The slogan adopted years ago: "Safe, Sound and Constructive Banking" continues to be their guiding star. The First National Bank was organized in 1888, as told elsewhere. Paul B. Trammell re-organized it and became president under the new regime, which office he held until his death in 1925. Associated with him were W. C. Martin, first vice-president,* E. P. Davis, second vice-president, and J. G. McLellan, cashier. On Mr. Trammell's death, Mr. Martin was made president, Mr. Davis, first vice-president, and ---------------- p. 168 Mr. McLellan succeeded him as second vice-president. After Mr. Davis' death in 1925, Mr. McLellan succeeded him as first vice-president and three years later, S. J. Head was made cashier. This office he held until the death of Mr. McLellan in 1932, when he succeeded to the office of the first vice-president, which office he still holds. Lee Jones is now cashier and trust officer, Walter Jones, Jr., and John B. McCarty, assistant cashiers. The bank has a force of ten persons including officers; a capital of $100,000.00 and a surplus of $125,000.00 and resources in excess of $2,000,000.00. It is a member of the Federal Reserve System. The bank is housed in a beautiful marble bank building which is one of the handsomest buildings in the South. The men who have made the First National have wrought well and the work of their hands stands as a monument to their sane and conservative ability. The Bank of Dalton was organized as a state bank in 1911 by Buell Stark and Dennis Barrett. After some years, in 1918, it was reorganized with W. C. Martin as president, J. C. Cope-land as cashier and Arthur Broadrick as assistant cashier; all continue to hold these offices. The capital is $50,000; the surplus, $10,000, and the bank has resources in excess of a quarter of a million dollars and serves more than one thousand five hundred customers, owning its own building adjoining the post office, and fills a real place in the financial structure of the county. Several years ago civic pride bestirred itself and the jail, which adjoined the court house on one of the most prominent streets in the city, was moved to a less conspicuous location. The new jail is built of Dalton brick and last year was mistaken by a party of tourists for a hotel. The court house was rebuilt at the same time, and modernized in various ways, and standing as it does, in a whole square of lawn, with beautiful forest trees surrounding it, is a building of which any county may well be proud. DALTON BUILDING & LOAN ASSOCIATION The Dalton Building & Loan Association is the oldest and one of the largest Building & Loan Associations in Georgia, founded in 1889, and is now larger than ever in its history. Its ---------------- p. 169 chief purpose is and has been to stimulate savings and assist in the building of houses, and in both it has been an important agency. During its existence it has paid out to its stockholders in matured stock and divirends over a half million dollars. Its present officers are—W. C. Martin, President; W. C. Bowen, Vice-President; S. J. Head, Secretary and Treasurer, and John McCarty, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer. Directors: W. C. Martin, W. C. Bowen, J. S. Thomas, S. N. McWilliams, Lee Routh, S. J. Head, W. M. Jones, Jr., John B. McCarty, and John McLellan. In 1933 the Civitan Club appointed a committee to locate and mark in a suitable manner some of the most noted historic places on the Dixie Highway in Whitfield County. John S. Thomas was appointed chairman of this committee, assisted by Frank Manly, Walter Jones, George Hamilton, Miss Willie White, Mrs. R. M. Herron, Mrs. Clarence Fraker, Mrs. W. C. Martin. Handsome bronze markers were placed on the following sites, the Huff house on Selvidge street, headquarters of General Joseph E. Johnston; Tibbs house on North Hamilton street, at one time headquarters of General Joseph E. Johnston; Dug Gap battlefield marker placed on South Thornton avenue; home of Drowning Bear on the creek of that name. Battle of Mill Creek Gap; at the intersection of Cleveland and South Thornton avenue, marking site of Indian race track, and the Indian ball ground nearby; Battle of Resaca in South ---------------- p. 170 Whitfield County, erected by Dr. H. L. Erwin in memory of his father, Lieut. H. C. Erwin, 4th Georgia cavalry, who fought and was wounded in that famous battle. The Whitfield county of today with its American born population, its healthful climate, its beautiful valleys and rugged mountains, its winding streams, its diversified soil, its splendid schools, its many churches, its fraternal orders, its efficient officers and its spirit of peaceful progress, is a great county. NEGRO POPULATION From the days before the war the negro population of Whitfield county down to the present day has been exceptionally good. During those trying times in the war between the states they showed loyalty and devotion to their "white folks." The two races have lived side by side through the ensuing years in peace and harmony. No friction or racial troubles that have occurred in other sections of the south have been known here. Some splendid types of the negro race have lived in thia county, respected by both white and colored. Additional Comments: From: OFFICIAL HISTORY OF WHITFIELD COUNTY, GEORGIA BY WHITFIELD COUNTY HISTORY COMMISSION File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/whitfield/history/other/gms193chapterv.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/ File size: 29.7 Kb