The Ellaville Sun Friday, February 18, 1938 No. 34 HORNADY BUILT FIRST RURAL PHONE LINE Ellaville-Americus Line, Erected Forty-Three Years Ago, First Rural Project In State; Early Incidents Recalled Georgia's first rural telephone line was built in Schley County 43 years ago by Ed Hornady, widely known local business man who now lives in retirement at Oakdale Farm in Andrew Chapel community. Desiring to place Ellaville in direct communication with distant points, Mr. Hornady in 1895 launched an effort to erect a line to Americus via LaCross. He recalls the movement received strong support from Ellaville and Americus business men and met early success. The line was completed within ten days, being attached to telegraph poles. The marvel of the transmitted word captivated the public immediately, and many persons actually found it difficult to believe, Mr. Hornady remembers. He mentions the amusing remarks made by "Uncle Hamp" Mayo, one of the county's most colorful negro characters of that day, after being persuaded to talk to Americus. Shouted the amazed darky into the phone: "Fo God, is you in dat thing sho' nuff." Only phones in Ellaville during the early months of service were at Mr. Hornady's residence, now owned and occupied by Dr. and Mrs. J.R. Jordan, and his store situated at the present Murray's Pressing Club. Colonel Henry Singletary was the LaCross subscriber. Early in its service the telephone system helped solve a sensational robbery at LaCross. Mr. R.S. Greene, prominent Andrew Chapel farmer, then clerk at Colonel Singletary's store, called to Ellaville one summer night spreading an alarm that the firm had been robbed, he was locked in the building and the bandits were threatening to burn it. Colonel Singletary, learning of the looting, overtook the robbers and was shot by one of the pair. A general alarm was broadcast and next day the bandits were discovered between Leesburg and Smithville. One was slain and his partner gravely wounded. The latter recovered and later was given a 20-year prison sentence. Colonel Singletary recovered. Mr. Hornady discloses merchants paid $25 per year, private subscribers $10, and the LaCross subscriber $75. He sold the exchange to B.L. Bridges, now superintendent of Sumter County Schools, about 1900. TONDEE'S STORE WITH BLUE FRONT W.T. Tondee's this week became "the store with the blue front" as he continued his program of refinishing his store and adding stock. He calls attention to his ad appearing on page four of today's Sun. BRIDGE MAY BE OPENED TODAY A temporary bridge over Buck Creek, Concord, replacing the one which collapsed February 7 while a log truck was crossing, was to be opened to traffic today. A survey is expected to be begun next week to determine the advisability of eliminating the sharp curve on the present road crossing the creek. OUT OF THE PAST 25 Years Ago---1913 The Ellaville baseball team already has begun work on preparation of the diamond for the approaching season. A new site, situated between Dr. Jones' house and the American Oil Company's gin, has been secured at a great deal of expense. Practice will begin soon, and many interesting games are promised. Mr. T.J. Murphy, 79, one of Schley County's pioneer citizens, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. H.A. Mathews of Fort Valley, Wednesday morning, February 26. The W.C.T.U. held its regular monthly meeting at the home of Mrs. Addie Munro February 24. CONCORD NEWS Mr. David McMickle Given Surprise Birthday Party Mr. David McMickle, who resides with his daughter, Mrs. W.S. Johnson, was feted with a surprise birthday party last Monday, Feb. 7. The unexpected guests arrived at the noon hour with well filled baskets of lunch. A table was placed in the yard and was soon laden with good eats. The party joined in pleasant conversation for a while and soon departed wishing "Uncle Dave" many more happy birthdays. CONCORD SCHOOL STAGES PROGRAM Georgia Day was observed at Concord school Friday afternoon. The following was rendered: History of Georgia--Mary McMickle Reading, "Georgia"--Marion Colquitt Information about Georgia--James Wilkes A Toast to Georgia--Vernon Dillard, Deane Nelson, Nanelle Wilson, Mannie Lee Hobbs Song, "Georgia Land" by the school "Where Georgia Leads,"--Virginia Nelson "State Flower"--Ann McMickle Georgia's Natural Wonders bu Christine Grimsley Song, "Sweetest Little Fellow," by the school end # 34