A Look Back: Hartselle schools, churches, civic clubs

  • Nov. 9, 1933John J. Sparkman, a Hartselle native now residing in Huntsville, is governor-elect of the Alabama Kiwanis district. He is now in attendance at the annual civic club’s council meeting of Kiwanis International in Chicago. 
  • March 10, 1935Mrs. J. O. Burleson is a proud member of the Sunday school class taught by her son, Prof. F. E. Burleson. 
  • Jan. 27, 1936—The Students’ League of All Nations from Bible School Park, N.Y., presented a program in the auditorium of the First Christian Church this morning. 
  • July 23, 1937The Hartselle Rotary Club members’ wives enjoyed a barbecue and swimming party at Moss Spring lake. Judge Seybourne Lynne of Decatur spoke on “Movements Toward a Promotion of International Understanding.” 
  • May 14, 1939—The Morgan County Training School choir appeared in recital tonight at the First Methodist Church. The vocal group has taken top honors in county, district and state competitions recently. 
  • Aug. 18, 1940—F. E. Burleson was very hospitable, besides being an exceptional Bible teacher whose class invariably had the largest enrollment. Gen Burleson entertained about 100 of his Sunday school class at his home on Burleson Mountain this afternoon following the worship service at the First Methodist Church. The pièce de résistance was watermelons from his famous Cold Cave, cut in generous slices for all of his very appreciative guests. 
  • 1941—On the eve of their departure for a year’s military training, the members of Company C, Hartselle’s National Guard Unit, were honored tonight with a banquet at the First Methodist Church. The event was sponsored by the men’s Bible class of the church, taught by Professor F. E. Burleson. Professor Burleson was captain of the company from 1927-1931. He made a forceful take in which he praised the record of the local company and told the men that Hartselle was immensely proud of them. (Later this year many of the men would be called into active duty following the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese.) 
  • Sept. 1, 1941—The Rev. John R. Havener of Chaneyville, Louisiana, arrived in Hartselle today to assume his new position as minister of the Hartselle Christian Church. 
  • Jan. 1, 1942—The Hartselle Rotary Club held its first meeting of the new year at the First Christian Church. Prof. F. E. Burleson, head of the Hartselle Elementary School, visited the club on this occasion. Professor Burleson spoke about his work with the War Emergency Board of the Red Cross. The title of his talk was “The Citizen’s Responsibility in a War Emergency Campaign.” 
  • May 17, 1942—F. E. Burleson delivered an inspiring patriotic address this morning at the First Methodist Church as recognition was given and honor was paid to the members of the church who are serving the country in the armed forces. A star represented each man who is currently engaged in the war against Japan and Germany. Flanking the service flag was an American flag and a Christian flag. Mrs. Coy Stephenson played “God Bless America” as an organ solo. 
  • Aug. 6, 1959—In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Civitan International, the Hartselle Civitan Club will strive to attain a membership of 40. The club now has 28 members. 
  • Oct. 30, 1963—Prof. F. E. Burleson, retired principal of the Hartselle Elementary School, was the honored guest tonight at the meeting of the Hartselle Kiwanis Club. Professor Burleson was given a plaque by the club.  

Prof. Burleson was principal of the elementary school for 33 years. It is the largest K-6 school in the Morgan County system and has been for 41 years.  

Dr. Houston Cole, president of Jacksonville State College, spoke on “Are You Happy?” At one point he turned his attention to the honored guest: “The happiest man in the audience is Professor Burleson. His many years of happiness have been brought about by rendering service.” 

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