This week in history: 1947

Published 7:44 pm Monday, December 2, 2024

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The following stories come from the pages of the Thanksgiving edition of The Greenville Advocate published this week in 1947. Among highlighted headlines Mack Liveakos encouraged locals to let him handle their Thanksgiving turkeys, while the community debated challenging Greenville’s claim as “The Camellia City.” 

Thanksgiving dinner made easy:

Mack Liveakos, chef at The Alabama Grill, announced a special Thanksgiving offer for the residents of Greenville. Liveakos promoted expertly baked turkeys with dressing, fresh cranberry sauce and a complete stock of holiday essentials for take-home or dine-in options. “I love to cook. Let me cook your Thanksgiving dinner!” he declared in an advertisement. He also encouraged families to order quickly to ensure a stress-free holiday experience.

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Greenville Defends its Title as “The Camellia City”: R.A. Beeland Jr. wrote a letter to The Greenville Advocate editor J.G. Stanley in response to Stanley’s bold challenge to Mobile camellia growers to compete against Greenville in the city’s annual Camellia Show. Beeland praised Greenville’s abundance of camellia plants and its well-earned title as “The Camellia City” but expressed caution about competing with Mobile’s extensive variety. Stanley replied in the editorial pages, standing firm in his challenge and inviting Mobile growers to showcase their blooms at the event, stating, “We have the varieties, the quality blooms to compete with theirs.”

The Harmony Boys to perform in Greenville:

The Harmony Boys, winners of the Renfro Valley All-Southern Quartet Contest, were set to perform at the Greenville High School auditorium on Dec. 3. Sponsored by the Will Frank Williams Post of the VFW, the program also included performances by the popular radio team “Pop, Jr., and Tutt” and the renowned “Reverend Sad Sam Jones.” The Harmony Boys, known for their spirituals, Western songs, and sacred numbers, promised an evening of unforgettable entertainment.

Revolutionary washer hits the market

City Appliance Co. introduced the Thor Automagic Washer, an innovative machine that could wash clothes and double as a dishwasher. This two-in-one appliance promised to revolutionize household chores, offering convenience at the flip of a switch. The system, complete with attachments, was priced at $269.45, marking a significant step forward in home technology.