Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

This week in 1954, The Greenville Advocate covered a variety of events, from local achievements to groundbreaking developments on the international stage. Highlights include President Eisenhower’s pioneering use of atomic technology for peaceful purposes, a young man’s first day at school, a beauty queen and booming Buick sales at a local car dealership.

Eisenhower Ushers in Atomic Age for Peaceful Use: President Dwight D. Eisenhower activated a power shovel in Shippingport, Pennsylvania, from a Denver TV studio using a radioactive wand. The event marked the groundbreaking ceremony for the world’s first full-scale atomic power plant for electricity production. During the event, Eisenhower announced an agreement to establish an international agency dedicated to developing new atomic technology for peaceful use, with five nations joining the U.S. and others, including Russia, potentially joining the initiative.

Buick Sales Soar at Kierce Buick Company: Buick sales at Kierce Buick Company in Greenville surged, as residents were drawn to the brand’s promise of “more automobile for your money.” The lineup, including the low-priced Special, the high-powered Century, the spacious Super and the custom-built Roadmaster, attracted customers with record-high V8 power, roominess, comfort and sportiness. The new Buick models started at $2,375.38 with local delivery.

Butler County’s Maid of Cotton Announced: The sixth annual Alabama Maid of Cotton Contest, a key attraction at the 1954 Alabama State Fair in Birmingham, prepared to crown its new queen. Miss Betty Tippins, a sophomore at Auburn University and daughter of Mrs. J. R. Tippins, would represent Butler County. The winner of the contest would be crowned by the reigning queen, Hope White, and will be dressed in high-fashion cottons before embarking on a statewide tour and competing in the National contest finals.

Greenville Nursery School, Kindergarten Opens: The seventh annual session of the Greenville Nursery School and Kindergarten commenced at nine o’clock at its building on Leysath Street. An open house was held the previous Sunday afternoon, where patrons and friends were invited to view the facilities and equipment and enjoy refreshments as they prepared for the new academic year.