It’s time again to revisit the news from The Baldwin Times of yesteryear.

This week in 1896, The Times had a local focus. For instance, Bay Minette correspondent “H—x” reported the plan of fellow resident J.H. Moore to start a small working vineyard.

“He has some choice varieties and can justly feel proud of the summer’s growth,” the correspondent wrote. “It will be but a year or two when he can supply Bay Minette and the surrounding neighborhood with choice fruit.”

It seems the 19th century mood in Bay Minette was a festive one, as H—x also reported a then recent performance by the Dolive String Band in the city.

Another report by H—x was more harrowing. According to the article, Stockton resident Tom Richardson barely escaped death when stepping off a train, on which he was making a return trip from Mobile.

“(He) walked right up the railroad tracks right into the face of an approaching train and was struck and knocked off the track,” H—x wrote. “His escape was miraculous.”

An additional item by the correspondent had a grimmer outcome. According to H—x, the body of Dr. Jordan of Columbus, Ga., who had been reported missing and then spotted near Bay Minette in May of that year, was found earlier in the week.

“Poor fellow,” the correspondent wrote. “There is nothing left of him but his bones and fragments of clothing, a fine gold watch, chain and charm answering the description of the one worn by the doctor, is all there is left to identify him.”

In Point Clear, the mood turned patriotic, as correspondent “Warsaw” reported on festivities for  Decoration Day, the original name of Memorial Day that was established to honor Civil War veterans. According to the correspondent, the community’s Ladies Memorial Society presented a program at the local cemetery, which drew 400 attendees.

“The children proceeded to lay wreaths over the ground where rest many brave sons of our beautiful southland,” Warsaw wrote, adding that the program included a devotional and march to the cemetery.

Another item by Warsaw indicates that at least one Point Clear merchant appeared to be flourishing. According to the correspondent, butcher Charles Nelson bought a large refrigerator with the intent of opening a market at the entrance to the Grand Hotel, which was built in 1847 and still stands today.

“We will now have as choice meat as city folks,” Warsaw wrote.

 Commerce appeared to flourish in other parts of Baldwin County at the time, as well. For example, Magnolia Springs correspondent “A Reader” reported that fellow resident Captain Roberts planned to add to his store.

“Which gives evidence of his success in trade,” A Reader wrote.

The day’s political scene appeared to be going strong, as indicated in a report that gubernatorial candidate Joseph F. Johnston, who would go on to win the position, planned to make a speech in Baldwin County.

It seems that Baldwin County was full of activity this week in 1896, both upbeat and solemn.

That’s it for this edition. Check back next week for more news from The Baldwin Times of yesteryear.