This week in history, new initiatives began throughout Luverne and in Crenshaw County. From fundraisers to giveaways, here is what happened April 17, 1963.

Pond Opening Benefits Disabled Children’s Fund

A Luverne physician, Dr. James Ray opened his private lake for fishing as a fundraiser for the Crenshaw County Chapter of the Alabama Society for Crippled Children and Adults.

The lake, located a mile out of Luverne, was opened for the first time in two years, as it had been closed for renovation. All proceeds of admission fees went to the county chapter to help meet their $2,000 quota. 

Ray hoped to open the lake as an annual event and stated that the occasion gives people the opportunity to fish, and to help serve disabled children and adults. 

“I think Crenshaw Countians and people of this area will enjoy this event,” said Assistant County Agent and County Chairman Glenn Handley. “Fishing now should be excellent.” 

Luverne Library Object of Special Promotion

To promote Luverne’s library facilities, three programs and a special project were scheduled by the Luverne Library Board. 

“Many Luverne citizens and young people are unfamiliar with the library facilities we have,” said G.E Turner, a Regional Library Board member. “Too few fully understand the relationship of the local library and board to the city, the county, the region and the state.” 

Three programs explaining library finance, operation and library visits were held with members of the Luverne Rotary Club, Lions Club and Garden Club. 

Additionally, Crenshaw County students were encouraged to visit the local city library in addition to their school library through a project with the high school English staff. This project highlights material in the library to supplement the curriculum of different classes in high school. 

Businessmen Supporting Home Trade

The Luverne Journal began a “Trade at Home” series, which contains a full page of advertisements from local businesses and merchants. 

The “Trade at Home” series carried ads from 31 merchants and businesses in the Luverne area, and a different merchant was highlighted at the top with photos and a small story written about the business. 

With each issue containing the series, there were 31 names scattered across the bottom of the page. Those individuals named received free passes to the Crenshaw Drive-In Theatre. Additionally, a contest was to be held every three months where the individual who wrote the best letter on why they enjoy trading in Luverne was to receive a $25 Savings Bond. 

For this week’s issue, the first business highlighted was The Western Auto Associate, an auto store selling tires, batteries, auto accessories and more.