This week in 1962, The Luverne Journal headlines featured many different campaigns; from government positions and school fundraisers for schools, to a literary memorial project. Here’s what happened during the week of April 4, 1962. 

Rural Carrier Retires After 42 Years

Arthur P. Carter, a local rural mail carrier, is featured in The Luverne Journal for his 42 years of service to the area. He was honored at a reception sponsored by the Crenshaw County Rural Letter Carriers Association and the Luverne Post Office, where he was presented with a Retirement Certificate and letter of commendation signed by the Postmaster General J. Edward Day. 

VFW launches library project

Luverne’s Giddens-Capps Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post and Catrett Post 6620 in Brantley joined other posts across Alabama in a book campaign. 

The goal was to raise $50,000 for a veteran’s memorial collection of books on Russia, communism and the East. The books were to be placed in the Auburn University Library. 

VFW members received letters asking for personal contributions to help reach this goal. Additionally, VFW posts across the state planned local events to complete the fund.

“We have begun this drive because we believe that the more we know about communism, the better we can halt its spread and the better we can appreciate our American heritage,” said Ravee Hughes, the state commander of the VFW. 

Various projects swell school science fund

Luverne schools raised over $2,000 for the local science department through organizing various events.

The local science department was on probation due to the lack of proper teaching aids. This includes a lack of modern furniture and teaching aids for junior and senior science classrooms. 

Thanks to the $2,005.81 raised, Luverne Schools planned to bring the science department up to date, relieving the school of the probation status. Additionally, the federal government matched this amount raised, aiding the schools further. 

Wallace Wages vigorous campaign 

In 1962, Judge George C. Wallace entered the race again for the role of Governor of Alabama. 

The article discusses his past as an Assistant Attorney General and in the Alabama legislature. It also features his previous run in the 1958 governor’s election, where he finished as a runner-up. 

Additionally, Wallace’s goals were discussed, including the want for more job opportunities, education, better roads and highways, and honesty in government.

“Alabama has been blessed with great human and natural resources,” Wallace said. “Dedicated leadership can take full advantage of these and let us move ahead. Alabama should be and can be the center of a prosperous, industrial South.”