This Week in History: 1957
Published 6:00 pm Wednesday, June 11, 2025
In the Luverne Journal on June 5, 1957, residents of Petrey invite others to visit their new community house, which had originally been a junior high school.
As a token of appreciation to Al Tarver for helping start the Industrial Board in Luverne, Rue Shoe Manufacturing Co. Inc presents him with the first pair of men’s moccasins manufactured in Luverne.
This week in history, the June 5, 1957 issue of The Luverne Journal featured the Town of Petrey celebrating a new community house and shared the story of its origins alongside coverage of Crenshaw County 4-H events and more.
Petrey’s new community house
A structure once used as a junior high school in Petrey was transformed into a community house after being closed down and set to be removed.
After the school was closed, the title of the building and land reverted back to the Alabama Board of Education, with the Crenshaw County School Board authorized to remove the building and sell the land to the highest bidder.
The Ladies Civics Club met with the town council to discuss purchasing the assembly hall and the grounds. The town council voted in favor of making an offer, with the school board acting as intermediary.
In total, the Town of Petrey spent $4,365.35 on the project, including the deed to the property, remodeling, painting and equipping the building with a complete kitchen. The original stage and dressing rooms were left intact, with seating for around 300 people.
Al Tarver presented first pair
The Rue Shoe Manufacturing Co. Inc. presented Al Tarver with the first pair of men’s moccasins manufactured in Luverne in 1957. The shoes were given as a token of appreciation to Tarver for working to get the Industrial Board started in Luverne.
County’s best beef calves to be on parade Friday at Luverne Auction Company
Farmers and 4-H club members from around Crenshaw County assembled at the Luverne Auction Company to exhibit and auction 160 beef calves for prizes.
The show was sponsored by the Crenshaw County Extension Service, Crenshaw Cattlemen’s Association and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.
Crenshaw 4-H Club members stay three days at grandview
Crenshaw County 4-h members, 138 to be exact, attended a summer camp at Camp Grandview in Elmore County. The clubbers took part in activities such as softball, swimming, crafts, ping pong and other recreation.
Additionally, there were competitions for girls softball, boys softball and swimming, with winners published in The Luverne Journal.
