A Look Back: Century Christmas In The 1930’s

December 25, 2015

Here’s a look back at Christmas past for the Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company and what is now Century.

In the top photo, Mr. James H. Jones is seen giving out presents to Alger-Sullivan Lumber Co. employee children in the 1930’s. By the 1940’s, this practice had been discontinued, but Mr. Hauss always sent some families a tin of dates from California. The company always seemed to be interested in keeping families together and satisfied, although when it came to the job, it was hard-nosed about making sure the workers gave a day’s work for a day’s pay.

The picture  below depicts a scene in December 1936 from one of the logging camps in the woods where races were mixed on the job, despite the attitude towards segregation. Here you see two of the bosses, Fred Gilmore and Mr. Luke Earl (with glasses), a somewhat beloved woods foreman, and a group of workers and children observing Santa Claus as he holds a little boy at their Christmas gathering. Several of the children are clutching their little bags of goodies, probably candy and some trinkets, that Santa had passed out earlier. It’s not know what purpose the wash pot, if any, played in the festivities.

Photos courtesy the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society (top) and Photo by Fischer (bottom) for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

3 Responses to “A Look Back: Century Christmas In The 1930’s”

  1. BaeBae on December 26th, 2015 8:50 am

    Must not have been cold during Christmas time in these pics….some are wearing short sleeves…no coats etc…good photos of the old Century…

  2. marcelle perritt on December 25th, 2015 9:14 am

    Love seeing pictures of Century. My Mama(Alvis Archer Reeves) grew up there and we spent every Christmas with her Mama (Ora Archer). Her brother Edgar Archer had a big store across the road from Granny’s house. Her other brother Simmie Archer also lived in Century. Would love to catch some of my family in some of these old pictures.

  3. Dp on December 25th, 2015 3:05 am

    I love learning about what used to be. Info about all escambia and santa rosa county is nice. History excites me. Thanks william.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News