Time capsule

As reported 50 years ago in The Columbia News, Jan. 14, 1954:

Seed-peddler warning

Columbia County farmers are warned that during 1954 they will likely be visited by a seed peddler, a person who goes from farm to farm selling seed.

These seed peddlers are a real menace, and the farmers are urged in this county not to buy seed from them.

The typical seed peddler is a stranger to the community and he has not any interest in the community. Often the name and address of the company the peddler claims to represent are fictitious.

The peddler tries to sell what he calls a new miracle variety of seed that will soon become popular throughout the state. He tells the farmer that he can tremendously increase production and income on the farm by using this new variety.

Farmers should consider using only certified seed for 1954 and avoid buying from seed peddlers.

Arkansas Travelers

Hazel Walker and the Arkansas Travelers will meet the Harlem Athletics basketball team at the Harlem Gym Jan. 23, 1954.

Hazel Walker always stresses ability, appearance, showmanship and a first-class brand of basketball, and with the services of Mary Alice Robbins, this year, she will have it.

Concert enjoyed

The group from Harlem who enjoyed the delightful concert at Bell Auditorium were enthusiastic in their reception of the wonderful violinist, Alfredo Campoli, touring America for the first time.

The presentation of the Greek pianist, Gina Bachauer, in December proved one of the most outstanding performances in the history of Augusta civic music.

Small world

Recently when Jake Pollard Jr. was regretting that his assignment to duty would take him to Korea, Columbia County Extension Agent W.R. Tye was talking with him and mentioned that his sister-in-law from Georgia is a missionary in Pusan.

Another Korean veteran recently returned home, and remarked that he had met a missionary from Georgia. Upon being asked the name, he replied Clara Howard, who is Tye's wife's sister.

Fees set

The city of Harlem passed an ordinance providing for a business and occupation tax within the city and establishing fees. Annual fees for 1954 include:

Automobile dealers, $25; banks, $25; barber shops, $10 for each full-time chair, and $7.50 for each part-time chair; beauty shops, $15; blacksmith shops, $7.50; building contractors, $25; corn and feed mills, $15; dye houses and pressing clubs, $15; garment manufacturers, $25; job-printing offices, $7; dealers in coal and wood, $15; dealers in soda and bottled drinks, $15; dealers in patent medicines, $15; coin-operated musical phonographs, $15; restaurants, $7.50; undertaking businesses, $25.