Voice of the People

The Voice of The People VOL.I. Methodists Welcome The Evangelist Laurel, Miss., July 26, 1926- The Rev. J. J. Jamerson and wife were met with a hearty welcome at Allen Chapel A. M. E. Church. Although he was delayed on account of a taxi driver, but on time to fill the space. He did not outline his subject. "I'm glad to be rere," he said, "My subject to you is to keep the way clear. Do not let anything get between you and Jesus Christ. The devil's aim is to hedge up your path and to hinder the progress of your soul, but my message to you, one and all, keep the way clear, nothing between." LOOK! LOOK! LOOK! The contest will soon be over. I am sure your pastor will get that suit of clothes. I know you have fought well and are anxious whether your pastor has been victorious or not. Since all cannot win, but will make those ahead break the record. We expect to make that a big get-together of pastors and members of various churches the day the contest closes between the churches mentioned in previous issues of this paper. There will be a number of other things going on at the store. Bargains on groceries and dry goods, the best quality at prices that you will think they were given to you. Come down to the busy corner and help put over the program. Read the Voice of the People and you will know how we are getting along. Yours for the Business JNO. H. SMITH. —COMING— SAM MORGAN OF NEW ORLENAS, LA. With his eight-piece band will appear at the OLD POOL ROOM AUGUST 4, 1926. Come one, come all! and bring your friends. LAUREL, MISS., AUGUST 2, 1926. OUR FOUR AGENTS BY V. OVERSTREET Mr. W. H. Lenoir is yet with us and is doing splendid work with the agents of the National Benefit Life Insurance company here in Laurel. Mr. R. B. Reid is yet on the job with his eyes open. He is a little talkative but is a thinker too. Mr. W. A. Chapman is humming a new tune this week. You will learn the words of his song in the Voice next week. "We are out to do all we can" says Mr. Houston, "that our policy-holders may be pleased." Mr. Houston is singing that old-time song. The words read like this: "The time is not like it used to be." Now I have a lot to say but time will not allow us to deal along the subject which rests on my mind most, so I will save my voice until a later date. Just let us write you some insurance that you may know us. Do not ask an agent of another company to explain our policy to you. Just ask us and we will do that for you. We do not ask you to take a policy with us just because our company is for the colored only, but it is because it is the best company for you. Remember this, that all other insurance companies of this country go down in mourning when the National Benefit Life Insurance company is introduced and no other company who is better than she will ever try to knock here. It is the best company in Laurel for the colored. See us today. Office over Laurel Colored Drug Store., 426 Front street, Laurel, Miss. Jackson, Miss.— Miss Ethel Moman entertained, in honor of Miss Alma Huddleston of Laurel, a number of the summer students of the normal there. Among the many guests present were Prof. Daucey, of New Orleans and Prof. J. E. Ship, a trustee of Lane College, of Jackson, Tenn. Prof Ship was the escort of Miss Huddleston and therefore a special guest alos. When he and Miss Huddleston left in his new Oldsmobile six the party was over and all agreed that with the beautifully decorated home and the fittingly served delicious repast, the Momans are ideal hostesses. Come and Go To WAVELAND (VIA NEW ORLEANS) WEDNESDAY, AUG. 4, 1926. NO.21 Young Minister Passes Reverend R. E. Powe, a young Baptist minister of this city, passed away early Tuesday morning, July 27. He had been ill for over two months but was thought to be recuperating. His death came as a shock and a surprise to all his friends. He leaves a sister in this city and a host of other relatives and friends here and lsewhere to mourn his going out. He was a progressive young minister and know by all asaconsistent Christian. He was pastor of Oak Grove Baptist church; Curry Settlement; Pleasant Grove at Vossburg; and Queen's Chapel, this city. His first funeral rites were held from East Jerusalem Friday morning—Reverends Gray, Laws, Overstreet, Greer and others officiating. From there the body was sent to Waynesboro for interment. Undertaker Christian has charge of arrangements here. Cincinnati Gets Prize for Health Tuskegee Institute, Ala., July 29 Cincinnati, Ohio, has been awarded the first prize for the most effective health work done during the annual observance of National Health Week, according to an announcement today by Albon L. Holsey, secretary of the National Negro business league. Atlanta, Georgia, was awarded the second prize, and Baltimore, Md., the third prize. The prizes, which are donated by the National Clean-up and Paint-up Bureau of New York City, will be presented by Dr. Robert R. Moton during the twenty-seventh annual session of the National Negro Business League of which he is president and which meets at Cleveland, Ohio, August 18, 19 and 20. The National Negro Health Week was inaugurated by the late Booker T. Washington in 1915 and has been an important factor in health among the negroes. The judges in the contest this year were: Dr. Algernon B. Jackson, director of Public Health Education, Howard University, Washington, D. C.; Dr. Clyde H. Donnell, secretary of the National Medical association; Mr. C. F. Richardson, editor of the Houston, Texas, In- (Continued on page four) PAGE TWO The Voice of The People Published Weekly at Laurel, Mississippi. Office Over Laurel Drug Store. G. H. CLARK Editor H. L. POLK Associate Editor W. L. McWillie Associate Editor MISS RACHEL SMITH Circulation Mgr. P. A. CHRISTIAN Business Manager Write ups, ten cents a line, six words to the line—Ads, Subscription Rates: 25 Cents Per Month. RANDOM Laurel, City Beautiful, is the largest city in south-east Mississippi and the largest lumber center in the world. It is very productive and inductive, healthful location and unlimited opportunities. Laurel is the most powerful city in Mississippi. It has solidity of granite when it comes to business enterprises. It is the fastest growing city in the south. It may be called, if I were to describe it, as the garden spot of the world. With its wonderful scenery and magnificent buildings make it one of the wonders of the world. One would not believe me if I were to give them a little history of this city, a city that is known all over the world. A few years ago Laurel was covered with pines and bushes and was looked on as one of the excluded spots of Mississippi until our good friends coming from "a land of milk and honey" looked on this vast tract and molded a vision, a policy, an idea, a system, backed with vim and thought and put over a program. With the present look and the future outlook, the program was beautifully outlined. It was the idea of these men who cleared the forest and bushes and fashioned this spot into the form of beauty and utility to gratify the ever-increasing necessities of life. We are aware of the fact that a few of these men are gone. They are sleeping. They are not dead. They yet live and have instilled the idea in the younger in form of tradition that it may last throughout the ages. I do not believe that these men knew what wonders they had performed. They did not realize that they had opened a "vineyard" where men could make an honest living, and a fountain where their workmen could drink of the living stream of knowledge. I imagine when they came here the people were almost savages and without training. After constructing a wonderful plant or firm where men could receive a little training and were successful after giving their men information on work and how to save. THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE Some of them are gradually learning to honor and dignify common labor, and put skill and training in their work. These men are commended for putting over their wonderful program. They paved the way, others are coming. They lead in everything. If they do not lend a helping hand to any concern, that concern in this section is not very much. They are interested in the welfare of my people, and I am afraid they do not catch the idea. They want to and will help you, if you will only try to help yourself. You may travel east and west north and south but you will find no place like Laurel. Sorry to say they are doing more along all lines to help us than we are to help ourselves. As I was wandering along a deserted path, which by its sides once inhabited fruitful trees and fruitful plants; a thought of serious consideration came to my mind after looking at the remains of these. It seemed to me that carelessness or the like of thought brought about death to the plants. The keepers failed to bear in mind that nature was the life of the plants which at times to be assisted by man to prolong life. It was a foolish idea nature runs out, gets tired when it sees nothing to help it help the other fellow. So it is with the working man today. What are you going to do in this big garden? Are you going to abuse your opportunity? What are you going to do when you can not run to this big concern and get a dollar when you are in need, and received your pay the previous day? I'm giving the spendthrift an idea about what might happen. The fruit in the garden is ripe and plentiful, preserve and can a few jars. MUSINGS BY THE OBSERVER On the convention trip, Thursday, 5:10 p. m., Red Buick left the Laurel Drug Store. Messers Jesse Childres, Jas. T. Thigpen, H. L. Polk, and D. H. Hair, Occupants. Stopped o ncorner of Meridian avenue and Central and took in Mr. A. C. Chatman. Argued about the most feasible route to travel. Chatman finally had his say and we started on the Waynesboro road. Said he'd walked from Waynesboro to Laurel many a day. Also from Waynesboro to Shubuta. Thigpen doubted. Childres suggesting occasionally. Polk lost. Gravel ends. Pretty good roads, but up hill and down hill. Long hills and short hills. Gravel road again. Three miles from Waynesboro. Chatman ordered the chauffeur to turn to the left. Childres and Thigpen suggested that is seemed we were going back to Laurel. Road swings and (Continued on page 3) WELCOME ST. ELMO BAPTIST Sunday School----9:30 A. M. Services first and third Sundays---- 11:00 A. M., 3 and 7:30 P. M. Prayer meeting, Wednesday night. Conference first Friday night in the month. Bible Class every Sunday afternoon. REV. N. CARTER, Pastor. PROVIDENCE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH N. Laurel Services first and third Sundays. 11:00 a. m., 3:00 and 7:30 p. m. Sunday School, 9:45 a. m. Rev. J. W. Wheeler, Pastor Foster Ruffin, Church Clerk. P. A. CHRISTIAN UNDERTAKER and EMBALMER 503 South 5th. Ave. LAUREL, MISS. Phone 199 "The Price of Funerals is a Matter of Your Own Choice." Motor Equipment—Out-of-Town Patronage Solicited. Office Phones 523-J, 523-W Home Phone 619 T. J. BARNES, M. D. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON Office Over Laurel Drug Store 426 Front Street Office Phone 523-J Home 563 H. L. BROWN, M. D. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON 428 Front Street LAUREL, MISS. --- DR. E. A. PHILLIPS DENTIST 428 Front Street LAUREL, MISS. WHEN YOU NEED A CARPENTER —SEE— J. C. POPE First Class House Carpentering Building Repairing, Remodeling Screening, Paper Hanging and Painting. 1031 N.4th Avenue Laurel --- MUSINGS we feel safe. Thigpen wonders if Chatman knows where he is going. Chatman says he does but says it rather slowly. Says the roads have changed somewhat since he was last over them some dozen years ago. Thigpen thinks as much. Polk thinks so too, but does not venture to mention it. Very rough roads, very narrow, very sandy, very hilly, few houses, no colored people. Thigpen begins to think Director Chatman is rather loafing on the job. He doubts his efficiency. Chatman begins to doubt it himself. The roads have changed, so was his excuse. Stops and asks a good white person how far it is to Shubuta and is this the way. He says "yessir" (how strange) and it is about 12 miles. It was only 18 miles about 12 mile sback, but we thanked him kindly and moved on. About four more miles. Stops and asks a nice white lad of about fifteen the distance and the direction. About 15 miles, yep, right way. Tells him it was 12 miles back yonder. Tells us its 15 now. Warns us kindly that we'd better go when we sees three gentlemen coming toward us with a shotgun, and coming fast. Hair didn't quite understand. Thigpen did and urged Hair to heed the injunction at once. In the same breath he explained that we were only going to the association—we were really on the way to the convention but in the flurry "sosation" came out. Childres sought the floor of the Buick for protection and we moved and moved fast in spite of the rough way. Overtake a gentleman and he is going almost to the church, its about six miles, he says. He lives near there and would like to ride with us. Gladly. Gets off at his house. The church is only a few miles. Overtake our first colored man. We must be near the church. He rides with and shows the way. Reached the church at 7:20. Something over two hour's drive. Hair remarks that we made it rather quickly. All think so. Childres thanks his maker for letting him get there safe and whole. All say Amen. Find a nice crowd there. All the big leaders. Bros. Barlow, Lindsey, Perkins and other divines. Bro. Beverly, pastor, reigning supreme. Profs. Owens, Reese and Randall, Thigpen, Hair, Lindsey, Barlow, Jordan made out the other big figures. Had a good session. Raised big money. Plenty to eat. Good preaching. Too much for that kind of a meeting. Good typical country people. Left Sunday evening at 5:20. Came back by Vossburg. Good roads. No trouble. Stopped at Shady Grove near Vossburg and socialized a bit. Big revival there. Reached Laurel about 8 o'clock. Very tired but knew that we had enjoyed ourselves, all things taken together. Miss Vernon McGowan of Meridian is ivsiting Mrs. Daisy Williams on South 5th avenue. THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE LOCALS LOCALS Prof. Johnson, on his way to Hot Springs to attend the national Negro Teachers' association, stopped over for an hour or so in Laurel on business with Prof. Polk and some of the trustees of the school. He will leave Hot Springs and meet his singers in Iowa. Mrs. Maxie Emmanuel of Shreveport. La., is visiting her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. S. G. Wilson. Mr. Alex Spencer left last Saturday night for Eutaw, Alabama, to attend the funeral of his brother-in-law. Piney Woods, Miss.—A crowd left Jones county to attend the short course at Piney Institute, Miss., of which Prof. L. C. Jones is principal. Jones county leads and she expects to do the same. That is, she is well represented this year. Our counyt agent will give us the vital details next week. Many Laurelians heard Nelson's Black Four at Howard's Hall, Meridian, Tuesday last. The Black Four made and everlasting impression. Misses Janie Jamerson and Augusta Bragg have returned from the Normal at Meridian and Russell. While there they were the guests of Mrs. Clara Kennedy, the aunt of the former. Prof. R. H. McAllister, manager of the South Western Christian Advocate stopped over to spend the night with old classmates and friend, Mr. P. A. Christian, while on his way to the district conference in Ellisville last week. Mr. Ernest Blakeley and (The Voice) motored to Meridian last Tuesday on Business. While there the Voice visited Rev. R. N. Jones, North Carolina In. Co. and the National Benefit Life Insurance offices. Miss C. Perkins of Yazoo City is visiting all the Havenites, and is a special guest of Miss Nancy J. Houston on Hickory street. Miss Mabel Johnson of McLain is visiting relatives and friends and is a special guest of Miss Lela Woods on South 8th avenue. Miss Daisy Kidd of Meridian is visiting Mr. and Mrs. Keys of North Laurel. A large crowd witnessed the surprise birthday party given by Mrs. Alice William in honor of her husband, Mr. Alonzo Williams, at her home, 1110 N. 4th avenue, Monday, July 26, 1926. --- Page Three Guests present were Misses Mabel Johnson, of McLain, Daisy Kidd of Meridian and C. Perkins of Yazoo City. All present seemed to have enjoyed themselves. A delicious repast was served. Music by E. Nelson's Black Four. Mr. W. A. Chapman, who is agent for the National Benefit Life Insurance company is sending in his resignation today as agent of said company. He declares that this will be effected August 9th.1926. We are expecting to hear from Mr. Chapman later, as he will line up with some other colored business here in Laurel. Mr. C. H. Dabbs, 123 Bay Street, is visiting relatives and friends in Hattiesburg. The farms around Jones county look very promising. One farmer states that he expects fifteen bales of cotton from fifteen acres of ground. He holds that he will raise at least three hundred bushels of potatoes, and two hundred and fifty or more bushels of corn. This farmer looks very progressive and independent. I was very surprised to see one with such vigor and pluck. Mrs. Rosa Windham of Birmingham is visiting her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Kalip Dill on South 6th avenue. Miss Jones, 908 So. 6th avenue, expects Dr. Sherman, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist church, Rev. Harris and Deacon C. H. Chapman, at home Sunday, August 1, at 6:30 p. m. for lunch. The following attended the Sunday school convention at New Zion Baptist church, Shubuta, from Thursday, July 22, to and including Sunday, July 25: Fron St. Elmo, Mrs. L. P. Reid, Mr. J. D. Brown; from Second Baptist, Miss Bessie Beale, Reverends A. C. Beale, N. J. Jordan, Mr. N. M. Perry and Mr. A. C. Chatman; from Pleasant Valley, Mr. Thomas Robinson, Miss Pearlie Lewis, Pastor J. T. Flynn; from Queen's Chapel, Mr. Jesse Cfiildres, and Prof. H. L. Polk; from Bethlehem, Miss Beulah Trammel and Pastor Sherman; from East Jerusalem, Mr. R. B. Reid. Pastor N. Carter, though he lives near Shubuta, was there, representing in his way, St. Elmo. Messers Hair and Thigpen, both officials of the convention, were also there from St. Elmo. On Friday Pastor M. L. Gray, Mrs. Warren Kelley, Mrs. Jack Murray and Mrs. Jesse Childres motored over to the convention from Queen's Chapel. ATTORNEY AT LAW Dennis Building Laurel, Miss. TRY THIS ON YOURSELF If you cannot save something you are a financial failure and will remain one. Open a savings account. Deposits of $1.00 and up accepted in savings accounts. Resources Over $4,000,000 LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI SIGMAS DEDICATE THEIR NEW HOME Philadelphia, Pa., July 30, 1926—The local chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity dedicated their new home, 806 So. 16th Strreet, with religious services, program and reception in keeping the frat. This fraternity is the youngest of its kind and the first college organization of our group to establish a home in the city. Uncle Bim saw the Ball Head Rambler peeping at the Voice. Look Out, Voice, the Ball Head Rambler has his eyes on you. The Ball Head Rambler resigned as president of Ramblers association to live in solitude. Uncle Eim saw a rambler down on South 8th. His car No. was 38—and something. That same rambler cripple, and was walking behind a gentleman one night and said "You doesn't need me, does you?" CINCINNATI GETS PRIZE (Continued from page one) former; Dr. H. M. Green, president National Hospital association, Knoxville, Tenn.; Dr. W. H. Harris, grand secretary Good Samaritans, Athens, Ga.; Miss Eva D. Bowles, executive secretary Colored Y. M. C. A., New York City; Mr. Monroe N. Work, editor Negro Year Book, Tuskogee Institute, Alabama. COLORED FAIR The Colored People's Fair will be held in connection with the White Fair beginning September 27-Oct.2,1926. We are to put on exhibit all domestic science, canning and farm produce. No TRY THIS O If you cannot save something you remain one. Open a savings account. Deposit savings accounts. THE FIRST NATION WALTZ MAYVILLE PAGE FOUR THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE live stock will be accepted. We are on trial, if we make a good showing we will probably be able to have one of our own next year, showing everything that should be shown at a fair. P. S. For further information see: D. H. Hair. R. B. Reed. T. J. Barnes. COME TO ALMON WATT'S BARBER SHOP 222 So. Pine Street The home of good Barbering Satisfaction Guaranteed Hand or Electric Service Ladies' Bobbing a Specialty Hair Cut 35c Shampoo 35c Shave 15c Massage 35c First Class Shoe Shine 10c WAUSAU SOUTHERN LUMBER COMPANY LAUREL, MISS Hardin's Barber Shop 604 East 11th Street, Kingston. WELL EQUIPPED AND READY FOR BUSINESS Men's Hair Cut 35c Boy's Hair Cut 25c Shave 15c Massages 35c Shampoo 35c Hair straightened for men that will Treatment $1.00 Second Treatment .50 The late "Style Bobbed" for ladies a specialty. We will appriciate your patronage. IN YOURSELF you are a financial failure and will ts of $1.00 and up accepted in AL BANK OF LAUREL --- U. S. McINNIS UNDERTAKER Licensed Embalmer Courtesy and Efficiency Guaranteed. Day and Night Service Phone 960-W 915 Meridian Ave. EARNEST BLAKLEY FINE TAILORING Cleaning, Pressing and Altering of All Kinds Neat Workmanship. Reasonable Prices. Goods called for and delivered promptly. 140 Elm Street Laurel, Miss. If it is help or work that you want, why worry yourself when the Chapman Employment Bureau is at your service? First class help and jobs furnished. Call on us. Chapman Employment Bureau 426 Front Street (upstairs Phone 523-W Laurel, Miss. NATION-WIDE INSTITUTION- J.C.Penney Co. DEPARTMENT STORES YOU KNOW WHERE VALUES ARE Every person who is acquanited with our Values knows how worthwhile they are. Folks who buy here regularly know and other folks know from their friends. You can't keep Good news back. N. C. Mutual Life Ins. Co. The largest Negro Life Ins. Co. in the world. Has the growth of the oak; the solidity of granite." VIGOR MASON, Agent LAUREL, MISS. FOR— Furniture—Victrolas AND Musical Instruments SEE Laurel Furniture Company A. D. Peden, Manager Phone 297 408, Central Ave. Your Credit is Good ---