This Week in history :1989
Published 6:00 am Thursday, August 8, 2024
Students from Butler County participate in the state 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest. Team members are (left to right) Brian Stanford, Slade Piggott, Leander Pickens, Jason Stephenson, Mark Hanks and Associate County Agent Ronny Williams.
Candy (right) and Christy (left) Hitson attend the Heart of Dixie Halftime Camp at Auburn University.
Don White is crowned as the 1989 King Rat. Pictured are (left to right) Mack Russell, campaign manager for Father Adrian Cook, and MacDonald III; Carla Cook, Don White's campaign manager; Don White; Mrs. Floyd Bozeman, representing her daughter Judy Manning; and Cody and Whitman Wesley.
James Earl Jones, who portrays Vernon Johns in the “West 57th” docudrama, discusses a scene with a member of the production staff during the crew's one-day shoot in Greenville.
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This week in 1989, the Greenville Advocate covered a range of local events and achievements. Highlights included a state wildlife judging contest and a CBS TV shoot which transformed downtown Greenville into a 1949 scene. Here are some of the key stories from that week:
State 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest: The State 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest was held at Livingston University on July 12t featuring 15 county teams from Alabama. The competition included habitat evaluation, judging aerial photographs and choosing wildlife foods. Butler County secured third place in the event. Dr. Lee Stribling, Alabama Extension wildlife specialist, presented the award.
CBS TV docudrama filming: Portions of downtown Greenville were transformed into a 1949 setting when a CBS TV crew came to town. Streets were filled with lights, booms, actors, vintage automobiles and spectators for the filming of a TV docudrama for the network’s “West 57th.” The show, starring James Earl Jones, focused on Vernon Johns, a Montgomery preacher, with scenes shot at The Alabama Grill, Diamond’s Barber Shop and the jail. James Arthur, owner of The Grill, mentioned the crew worked from 4 a.m. until after 11 p.m., using props from the restaurant’s basement. He noted, “Sure, I’m in the movie, but I’m a lot younger and better looking than I am now,” referring to a young actor from Mobile who portrayed him.
King Rat is crowned: Don White was crowned as the 1989 King Rat of Butler County after raising $5003.00 for the American Cancer Society. Collectively, the Rat candidates raised $12,838.37 to support the fight against cancer.
Hitsons receive honors: Candy and Christy Hitson, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hitson of Georgiana, attended the Heart of Dixie Halftime Camp at Auburn University. Candy earned Superior Plus ratings and Christy received Superior Minus ratings. Candy served as the feature twirler at Fort Dale South Butler Academy football games, while Christy performs at the Junior High games.
