Morganton News
Submitted by Donnie PickardVan Buren County Democrat, Oct 4, 1929
Many Old Relics at Morganton Fair
One woman wears dress made 71 years ago. While another exhibits quilt 300 years old
By our Regular Correspondent (name not listed)
One feature of the community fair held at Morganton last week that attracted unusual interest was on exhibition of numerous relics and keepsakes. Uncle Sam Neal exhibited a gun that has been in his possession for many years and which is known to have been made more than 105 years ago.
Several relics were exhibited by Mrs. R. L. Lesley, one being a quilt known to be 300 years old. Another was a song book dated 1814 and still another being a pick bought in 1816.
Mrs. John Walley had several old relics on exhibit, among others being a rum bottle bought by some of her ancestors at the beginning of the Civil War. She wore a dress that day that was made 71 years ago.
J. A. Neal exhibited some coins that he wore around his neck when he was "cutting" teeth, and that was 63 years ago. Mrs. Effie Neal exhibited some very old relics. Henry Vaughan had on exhibit a watch that was made back in the 60's. Mrs. Humphrey Griggs wore a ring that was made from gold found in California in 1848 at time fo the "California Gold Rush."
As a whole the fair was much better than could have been expected. The long spell of dry weather cut all corps and truck short and then farmers were so busy trying to get their cotton picked that they didn't have much time to assemble exhibits as many of them could have provided.
The home of Mr. of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Lesley was destroyed by fire between 9 and 10 o'clock Saturday morning, the fire starting from a spark falling on the roof. They succeeded in saving most of their household effects in the front of the house, including their bedding, but lost everything in the kitchen.
Prof. Archie Ford superintendent and Smith Hughes instructor of the Morganton school, reports a good enrollment considering the fact that farmers are rushing to get their crops gathered and many need help of their children. He is being assisted by Miss Mary Johnson as high school teacher, Everett Bradford, intermediate and Miss Annie Witt as primary teacher.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Ramer on Sept. 25 a fine boy baby.
Mrs. R.F. Lesley and son, Cecil, D. J. Graddy, Peel Linn, Wiley Gardner and Clarence Gardner visited at Heber Springs Sunday.