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By Kris Harrell

In 1958, The Greenville Advocate readers were able to read headlines, view advertisements and photos aimed to bring in Christmas cheer. The headlines that ran Dec. 25, 1958 featured stories of Christmas shopping, inaugurations and more.  

Butler County Band, Float Inauguration: County to be represented at the inauguration of Patterson and Boutwell

Butler county was represented at the inauguration of Governor John Patterson and former Greenville resident Lieutenant Governor Albert Boutwell.

The county was represented by a float in the parade, built in Greenville with the aid of the gardening clubs. Additionally, Greenville High School’s band was in the parade performing. 

Also in the parade were the commissioners’ court, probate judge, city officials and legislative representatives, as well as Miss Greenville, Miss Georgiana and Miss McKenzie. 

Cates to head Butler campaign: Named County Chairman, heart fund drive for 1959 campaign. 

It was announced that Major Eric O. Cates Jr. of Greenville was to lead the 1959 Heart Fund Drive in Butler County. The announcement came from state chairman Major General Walter J. Hanna and co-chairman Richard S. Brooks of the Alabama Heart Association’s Annual Drive. 

When discussing Cates’ acceptance of the position, Hanna mentions his leadership in the community and civic endeavors. Cates explained the inspiration for his involvement.

“There is scarcely a home that has not had a personal bout with some form of heart disease among its members, and it is alarming to me to realize that children as well as adults of all ages are tragically affected by these diseases,” Cates said.  

Jaycees Christmas Shopping Tour 

The Greenville Junior Chamber of Commerce organized their second shopping tour for Butler County children, ending in a Christmas party and gifts from Santa Claus. 

Each year, the organization invited children to shop for toys, clothes or gifts. In 1958, 50 children were given four silver dollars each to shop. 

Children were selected for the tour by the local pensions and security office. 

Ritz to feature ‘The Badlanders’ and more 

With this Advocate issue, the Ritz Theatre advertised many films for the week. 

On Thursday and Friday, the theater was showing “Damn Yankees” in technicolor, plus the cartoon “Happy Go Ducky.” Saturday was a double feature, with “The Persuader” and “Chase A Crooked Shadow.”

Sunday and Monday had “Houseboat” in technicolor, starring Cary Grant and Sophia Loren. Tuesday and Wednesday featured “The Badlanders” in cinemascope. Finally, “The Last Hurrah” was shown on Thursday and Friday.