This week in history, The Luverne Journal front page was scattered with local and national news showcasing information on new organizations, new businesses, and local crime. 

Brantley Bank & Trust Co. Opens

The Brantley Bank and Trust Company opened for business in Brantley on March 6, 1946. The Luverne Journal published a notice that week, declaring that citizens were happy that the bank was coming to Brantley, as there had been the need for a bank for years.

Upon opening, bank officers included J. H. Hollis, president; F. B. Lloyd, first vice-president; W. A. Butler, second vice-president; J. F. Weed and J. S. Layton, directors and W. L Woodall, cashier. 

The Monday after opening, Hollis said that deposits so far had totaled $175,000, which would be around $3,037,837 in today’s economy according to the CPI Inflation Calculator. 

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Organized in Luverne  

A post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States was organized in Luverne to serve the local community. The post was one of a chain of over 5,500 Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Posts across the U.S. 

“All men who have served honorably in the United States Armed Forces on foreign soil or in hostile waters during any war or campaign under the American Flag are eligible for membership in America’s exclusive overseas veterans’ organization,” said deputy chief of staff for the department of Alabama, Faughender. “The VFW Post in Luverne will participate in many civic activities as well as the service rendered to returning veterans and their families.” 

Everyone who was eligible for the VFW and had yet to join were urged to do so at the next meeting, where officers would be elected and business would be discussed. 

Local Policemen Seize Moonshine

The Luverne Police Department found moonshine whiskey based on a tip-off they received, with the handler turning himself in. Chief of Police, Ellis, stated that they had received reports of Brady Bryant handling moonshine a quarter of a mile off the highway. These reports were true, as they had found seven and a half gallons of moonshine. 

Afterwards, Ellis stated that Bryant came to his house on that Monday night and admitted that the whiskey was his. Bryant was set to attend the next term of court at time of publishing.