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Highlights from The Greenville Advocate this week in 1963, showcase a mix of local industry, agriculture and personal connections across vast distances. Article topics include the booming pecan business in Butler County and a quarantine on cattle for disease prevention.

Pecan industry thrives in Butler County:

The Thagard Pecan Company processed over $100,000 worth of Butler County pecans in 1963, with operations now nearly fully automated. The company’s modern facility on North Chestnut Street shipped thousands of pounds of pecans across the country, including shipments to Miami, Florida and El Paso, Texas. With a weekly payroll of $1,800 and 43 employees working two shifts, the plant produced 12,000 pounds of shelled nuts daily. Owner James Thagard estimated that Butler County could produce up to $500,000 worth of pecans in a good year.

Inuit girl sees flowers for the first time:

Sallie Crenshaw, a Greenville resident, sent a box of camellias to her 13-year-old pen pal Edith Pikok in Barrow, Alaska, marking the first time Edith had ever seen flowers. Sallie organized a “Flowers for Edith” campaign with support from local community members, including the Camellia City Florist and the Chamber of Commerce. Although no direct response had been received from Edith at time of publication, confirmation from Alaska indicates the flowers arrived safely.

Butler County cattle quarantined for disease control: Dr. J.G. Milligan, Alabama’s State Veterinarian, announced a quarantine on Butler County cattle effective Dec. 23, 1963, to eradicate Brucellosis (Bang’s Disease). Movement of cattle in and out of the county was restricted, with exceptions made for specific conditions, such as immediate slaughter or prior vaccination. The program aimed to establish Butler County as a certified Brucellosis-free area.

Earl Tucker named honorary citizen of Greenville: Humorist, author and columnist Earl Tucker of Thomasville was selected as an honorary citizen of Greenville during a City Council meeting. The resolution cited his contributions to local entertainment through his column “Rambling Roses and Flying Bricks,” as well as his well-received public speaking engagements. Tucker’s unique humor and insights into Southern life have made him a beloved figure in the community.