This Week in History: 1947
Published 1:00 pm Monday, February 3, 2025
File Photo | Some parade floats boast an educational theme.
File Photo | Chief Justice Lucien D. Gardener administers the oath to Gov. James Folsom.
File Photo | On Butler County’s entry to Gov. James E. Folsom’s inaugural parade pageant, the words “Greenville, The Camellia City” are spelled out in living white camellias on a background of red and pink blooms. On the float are pictured (from left to right) Caroline Poole, Ivy Pope, Lucille Butler, Sara Winter, Margaret Moorer and Bobby Jean Pope.
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By Kris Harrell
In the Greenville Advocate, readers could see headlines and pictures featuring new businesses in the Greenville area and discussions on a youth center. Here is what was happening Jan 30, 1947.
Big Jim becomes Governor James E. Folsom and The Camellia City Float
On Jan 20, 1947, Butler County was one of the many counties in Alabama to enter the pageant at the inaugural parade in Montgomery to celebrate the inauguration of Governor James E. Folsom, with his theme of youth, education and the future represented in many of the floats.
However, the float for Butler County emphasized the development of Alabama’s beauty spots as tourist destinations. During the inauguration, The Greenville Advocate reported that this was the largest crowd to ever gather for an inauguration in Montgomery.
New Businesses and Industries Come to City
In 1947, several new business houses and industrial plants were planned, hoping to be open for business soon. The development included a new industrial plant, a quick freeze plant, a whole-sale bakery, new grocery store, new restaurant and service organizations.
While the city was growing in business and industry, new homes were also under construction with more being planned.
Butler 4-H’er Wins War Bond
A 4-H member, Julius Wilson, was awarded a $25 War Bond in recognition for outstanding garden work and was one of the state winners in the 4-H Victory Garden Contest. This $25 War Bond if sold by today’s economy would be equal to $366.98 today, according to the CPI Inflation Calculator.
The honor marked the third state 4-H contest in which the Butler County 4-H member was a winner.
Youth Center plans discussed
On Jan. 30, 1947, a committee was chosen to investigate the possibility of a youth center for Greenville. Afterwards, their investigation, committee members would report to Greenville citizens.
The Committee was headed by Wes Laney as chairman and Charles Thompson as secretary-treasurer. Members included Claribel Parsons from the Pilot Club, Garland Rainey from the Lions Club, Jeff Beeland Jr. from the Rotary Club, J.C. McNeeley from the Kiwanis Club and Wm. H. Fields Jr. from the Chamber of Commerce.
