Junes past, 75 years ago.

From LaGrange Daily News, 1940.

Front Page News

LaGrange is City of 21,995, Preliminary Figures Show — The 1940 population of LaGrange today (June 11, 1940) was placed at 21,995 in the first statistical figure released by District Supervisor Howell C. Brandenburg.

Public officials have expressed disappointment with the total of the first figure and urged citizens of LaGrange who have not been contacted by enumerators to communicate immediately with Mr. Brandenburg at the Griffin Hotel in Griffin, Georgia.

Mayor R. S. O’Neal pointed out that he believes the population of LaGrange should at least be between 22,500 and 23,000, and President W. F. Jarrell of the Chamber of Commerce said he expected the census to show a 24,000 to 25,000 figure.

The preliminary figures for Hogansville were 3,887 and West Point, 3,592.

LaGrange Corps Champions for Sixth Consecutive Year — The LaGrange Junior Drum and Bugle Corps stepped lightly through the streets of Augusta, thrilled the American Legionnaires at the annual state convention, won the hearts of Augusta residents, and were crowned champions of Georgia for the sixth consecutive year Tuesday afternoon.

The gaily bedecked corps won first place without serious competition in the contest and was awarded a cup and $500 emblematic of supremacy among the Legionnaire junior corps of the state.

The local All-Girls’ Band took second place in the contest sponsored by the various corps. The Waycross girls’ band took first place, and it was stated that the LaGrange girls, participating for their first time, made a hit with their snappy uniforms and pushed the winning outfit to a final judging.

New Water Pipes to Replace Mains Laid in 1893 — The new cast iron water mains now being installed in the LaGrange water system, are replacing cement lines placed in this community in 1893.

City Engineer Henry Sargent today said the old mains are in good repair, generally, however the new pipes are being installed to insure against a recurrence of breaks in the past winter.

A total of 1,344 feet of new main is being laid along Bull, Church and Broad streets, and on West Court Square. The project is expected to be completed within the next week.

Application of Bus Line Given City Council Approval — The City Council on Friday approved the application of The LaGrange Coach Company, petitioning for a franchise to operate a bus line in LaGrange.

Stanley Green, head of the company, revealed that the operation of buses tentatively will begin in late August and schedules will be arranged to accommodate all residents, regardless of working hours. Schedules should be announced withing the next few weeks.

The bus line is said to operate in numerous small localities. The bringing of a bus line to LaGrange opens a new chapter in the city’s history. It is the first time that city-wide bus transportation will have been provided.

Homing Pigeons Released Today — Amid the flutter of wings, 300 homing pigeons were released in LaGrange this morning. After circling about the A. B. and C. Depot, where they were freed, they disappeared in the northern skies bound for their home, Washington, D.C.

The birds have been trained for government work and each was marked with state and serial number identification tags. The faster pigeons are expected to reach the national capital at sundown this evening.

Editorial

Preparedness Program Emphasizes Need of Municipal Airport for LaGrange — Members of the Chamber of Commerce and other interested citizens are convinced that LaGrange should have a municipal airport. With the national preparedness program in the offing, it seems quite certain that the federal government will make large investments in improvement of community owned airports, place training schools at good airports and do everything possible to encourage young men to learn to fly.

Fortunately LaGrange has a privately owned field, which can be acquired by the city if the people of the community desire. The Callaway field contains some 240 acres with as much again acreage available. This is ideal in location and in lay of land.

Our belief is that the city should take immediate steps to purchase the airport. City officials cannot be expected to take action until it is clear to them that the majority of our citizens are of like mind in regard to the project.

A good airport, operating under the wing of the federal government, would be a real asset to this community. If you agree, tell members of the City Council. The time to act is now at the very beginning of the national preparedness program.