According to some internet Web sites those who blog and post news via this media may have to cough up money to keep these services intact. It also means those of us who read and who surf the Internet daily would also have to pay for these services. Right now Internet use is free of charge.

There seems to be a lot of discussions ongoing in Washington and abroad about this. Wouldn’t it be a crying shame if we are forced to pay to use the Internet? Perhaps we will learn more about it later on. If it does come to pass possibly those of us who operate Web sites would have to shag more commercials to keep these sites intact. And, we would we be required to revamp out budgets to insure our Web sites stay alive. You really wonder how the internet can accommodate so many activities such as streaming video, music, movies, ball games, gossip columns, ego social networks, which allow many to brag of their non accomplishments, tabloid style news etc, etc, etc. Many commercial bloggers have no trouble selling ads for their Web sites. That advertiser possibly having to revaluate and sustain advertising budgets and priorities would be the problem.

For sure, in my opinion, and not exactly when, but changes are coming in this rapidly growing business.

Now let’s take a look at some news from the year 1954.

A group of Atmore area young women organized a “traveling” basket ball team in 1954. They called themselves “The Red Devils”. Playing in a semi-pro league they played teams from Cantonment, Pensacola, Baldwin county and Mobile. Fans always came out to watch them play because they were all very good ball players. The Mobile and Pensacola newspapers often wrote of their accomplishments.

The taller, rebounding players were Lorain English and Voncille Madison. Playmakers included Pauline McCall, Helen Hoehn, Marie Faircloth, Mary Lou Nall, Shirley Amerson, Thelma Pitts, Glennie Wiggins, Polly Cooper, Rita O’Ferrel and Betty Jo Smith. Delbert Copeland was the team manager and E.C. Copeland was the chief referee.

They played in an era prior to TV growth and fans found these games offering good entertainment back then.

Ladies discovered a sale on hair dos in early 1954. Elsie Rhodes and Alley Taylor, who operated Atmore Beauty Salon, ran a special on permanents for $7.50 each.

Strand Theatre, which was the longest running advertiser in the Advance, came up with a free grocery giveaway for everyone who came to the “picture show” on Friday nights. Many times there were not enough available seats to accommodate all those moviegoers.

Twentieth Century Business College announced plans to begin a school here in town. It would afford many the opportunity to earn high school certificates and learn an assortment of business trades such as speedwriting and shorthand. Representatives were stationed at the Burton Hotel and the Chamber of Commerce Office. That hotel was located near where United Bank is now located. It was either a two or three story sprawling frame structure that towered skyward.

Area farmers got a big scare when a virus swept over sweep potato growing lands. Actually, a quarantine was placed on the yams. Fortunately our farmers escaped it as it extended from south Baldwin County to near Perdido.

Also, back then Adams Coffee Company ran neck in neck in sales of their popular coffees. A&P Grocery Store was the hub for the Eight O’Clock brand and Adams countered with its Dixie Blend. Most coffee shops and cafes served both brands in an effort to keep all customers happy.

In The Advance “Personals” there were these items of interest….Mr. and Mrs. Odus Wise and two daughters visited relatives near Samson…Rev. P.T. Taylor was called as pastor of Bay Minette Southside Church….Pvt. Allen O’Neal visited his parents Mr. and Mrs. Bill O’Neal. He was serving in in the army and was stationed in Camp Kilmer, N.J…. (Mr. O’Neal was famous for his advertising slogan at Johns Cleaners “When clothes are dirty call 230”)…Mr. and Mrs. R E Myrick moved to our community from Ashville, N. C. Mrs. Myrick was the sister of Mr. C. E Bachelor…Jessie Wood was home from his ministerial studies at Howard College visiting his parents and friends and family the Lottie area was saddened at the untimely death of Mr. A.C. Jones.

And, here’s something to leave you with. Do you believe the ESPN monopoly is ruining football? I hope new contracts with other networks will occur next signing period. I believe this network would have better flourished back in the 1940s when Phil Spitalny’s ‘The Hour of Charm” radio show was so popular.

Next week I’ll more news from the year 1954.

“…yes…it always whispers to me…those days of long ago…..”

Lowell McGill is a historical columnist for The Atmore Advance. He can be reached at exam@frontiernet.net