Choctaw County

Choctaw County Celebrates 100th Birthday 
South Union Campground 
October 13, 1933 

 

The people did not let the depression prevent their celebrating the one hundredth birthday of Choctaw County.  The major ceremonies took place at South Union Campground on October 13, 1933. The Choctaw Plaindealer reported that “several thousand people journeyed there in wagons, buggies, automobiles, and on foot” in recognition of the anniversary.

Professor Hugh Reed, former sheriff, then principal of Fentress School, was master of ceremonies. Histories of various schools in the county were read and later published weekly in the Plaindealer. Hon. W.F. Bond, State Superintendent of Education, was the chief orator at the morning exercises. This was followed by “dinner on the grounds” which, depression or no depression, was plentiful. In the afternoon Rev. James T. McCafferty, prominent Methodist Minister and native of Choctaw County, spoke on the history of the county, entitling his address:  "Progress of Choctaw County.” Later, Miss Dora Hoyle Quinn won the beauty contest and was named “Miss Choctaw County.”  Her sister, Miss Catherine Quinn, was awarded first prize for the best school history presented that day. 

I have copies of the school reports read that day from:  Ackerman School District, Bond Consolidated School, French Camp School District, Chester School District, Fentress School District, Reform School District, and Progress School. 

Found in “Ye Olde Scrapbook: A Portrait of Choctaw County Before the World Changed” by Mrs. Virginia Carlisle