Time capsule
As reported in The Columbia News 48 years ago on Thursday, Sept. 9, 1954.
Griffin elects governor without runoff race
Lt. Governor Marvin Griffin has won a clean-cut victory in the first primary in his bid for Georgia governor. Columbia County cast it's two unit votes for M.E. Thompson in Wednesday's Democratic primary, which Griffin won.
Columbia County gave Thompson, 809; Griffin, 482; Gowen, 160; Hand, 106; Linder, 97; and Barfield, 2. Neeson and Thomas received no votes.
Ernest Vandiver carried Columbia County in the race for Lt. Governor. The count was Vandiver, 817; Barrett, 555; Greer 57; and Dean 30.
Judge Grover C. Anderson, of Waynesboro, won re-election to the Augusta Judicial Circuit Wednesday on the basis of incomplete returns over John C. Bell, Richmond County representative in the General Assembly.
The count was Anderson, 1,020; Bell, 502.
Voting in Columbia County for other state races included:
Comptroller General: Cook, 1,227; Thigpen, 112.
Treasurer: Hamilton, 1,020; Swint, 338.
Commissioner of Agriculture: Byrd, 200; Campbell, 913; Clower, 21; Gaines, 115; Stone 58; Tillman, 52.
Labor Commissioner: Huiet, 1,177; Stewart, 184.
Public Service Commissioner: Huff, 172; Pilcher, 1,042.
Judge, Court of Appeals: Nichols, 1,011; Oliver, 108, Whelchel, 141.
Harlem to get new flower shop
A new florist shop will open in Harlem soon.
Mrs. William Griffin, of West Forest Street, is making preparations to open an up-to-date floral supply business to provide flowers for all occasions including anniversaries, weddings, receptions, remembrances, all types of social occasions and funeral offerings.
A refrigeration system has been installed in her home, and Mrs. Griffin is preparing to take orders for arrangements.
She plans to visit Atlanta this weekend for a course at Harper's School of Floraculture to further her skill and knowledge of floral arranging and design.
W.G. Reese, of Martinez, dies
William Gordon Reese, 65, the husband of Mattie Waters Reese, died at 1:45 p.m. Aug. 31 at his residence.
Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon at the Evans Baptist Church with the Rev. W.D. Whiddon officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
Mr. Reese was a native of Lincoln County.
Survivors included his wife; a daughter, Mrs. B.R. Strom, Martinez; two sons, Walter David Reese, McBean, and Clinton Reese, Huntington, Pa.; a sister, Cora Young, Appling; two brothers, Robert Reese, Harlem, and Ben Reese, Grovetown; and five grandchildren, a great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers included Edward Hardy, Percy Hary, Edward Hicks and Frank Sprouse.
Claude Jennings studies for priesthood
Claude Jennings, Harlem, entered the Holy Ghost Missionary College, Cornwell Heights, Pa., this week to study for the priesthood. He is the son of Viola Jennings, Harlem, and the late Claude Jennings.
Jennings is a graduate of the Immaculate Conception Church in Augusta.