Time capsule

As reported 37 years ago in The Columbia News, Dec. 15, 1966:

Christmas programs set

Churches throughout the county have set the dates for their Christmas activities, plays, suppers and special music.

A special family Christmas program will be given at Advent Lutheran Church beginning Sunday, Dec. 18, 1966. The program will follow the theme of the life of Christ, beginning with his incarnation and seen through the use of Chrismons prepared by the ladies of the congregation.

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The annual Christmas program of Kiokee Baptist Church will be Dec. 18, 1966, at 7:30 p.m.

The adult choir of Martinez Methodist Church, accompanied by the children's youth division of Sunday school, swill present the cantata, "The Night the Angels Sang," Sunday.

Martinez Methodist Church will present "Holy is His Name," a Christmas service in scripture, song and pantomime, performed by the youth and children of the church.

Safe-crackers hit Harlem

Safe-crackers invaded Harlem Monday night and left five Harlem merchants wondering if they had ever been taught "it is better to give than receive."

Hit were Kay's Pharmacy, E.J. Doolittle, Fulcher Seed and Gas Co., Georgia Natural Gas Co. and Columbia Cleaners.

City police discovered that the cleaners had been entered at approximately 4 o'clock Tuesday morning and upon investigation found the other places entered.

All of the establishments entered are located on the west side of the railroad tracks that run through the center of town.

Fire destroys home

The Martinez Fire Department has been kept pretty busy during December.

Dec. 14, 1966, the home of Jack O'Hara on Davis Road burned and was a total loss. The roof was falling in at the time the fire department arrived, and the walls collapsed shortly thereafter.

Firefighters also answered a call Dec. 5 to the home of Movelia Young. Upon arrival they found a house gutted by fire. It was a total loss along with its contents. Origin of the fire is believed to be faulty wiring in the ceiling.

On Dec. 9, a call was answered to the Evans High School gym. Approximately $150 in damage was done. The origin of the fire in a wall was not determined.

Dec. 10 brought the fire department to Petersburg Road and Baston Road where a car had caught fire. The only damage was a burned-up tire and fender of the car.

Beautification program

An organized movement to promote beautification of the CSRA Trail in Columbia County got underway here las Thursday when 42 residents met at the county courthouse.

Margie Bennett and W.C. Tye, Columbia County agricultural agent, were named co-chairmen of the drive and Mrs. Calvin Polatty was elected secretary.

Forest fires low

All Georgians are assisting in holding forest fires to a minimum. County Forest Ranger Lonnie O. Morris commends all Columbia Countians for their fire prevention efforts over the Thanksgiving holidays. In Columbia County, there were only 6 wildfires burning just 15.6 acres.

Miller, Fleming win

Two-hundred thirty-one Harlem residents braved the elements last Monday to elect two councilmen for terms in city government. Elected were Henry L. Miller, bank cashier, and Guy Fleming Jr., insurance executive. They replace M.W. Luckey and J.M Fulcher on the four-man governing board.

Christmas dinner

The Martinez Community Club held its annual Christmas dinner last Tuesday night prior to its regular monthly meeting.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of a beautifully decorated cake to J.E. Gibbs honoring his 75th birthday. The cake was baked and donated by the Frances Hugueinin Bake Shop.