Newspaper Page Text
Free Press-News & Farmer, Thurs., August 7, 1969
6
A SALUTE TO RIVERDALE
Mayor Lamar Hutcheson Os Riverdale & HISTORY OF RIVERDALE
The outstanding growth of
Riverdale can certainly be at
tributed in part to its progres
sive leaders. As mayor of
Riverdale, Lamar Hutcheson
has the responsibility of over
seeing all major developments
and plans of his city.
Lamar Hutcheson was born
July 24, 1920, in Clayton Coun
ty, the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Frank Hutcheson. The Mayor’s
mother still resides in River
lale. Mr. Hutcheson’s wife is
the former Edna Phillips of
Hartwell, Ga.
Besides having his duties as
Mayor of Riverdale, Mr. Hut
cheson Is engaged bi the Real
Estate and Insurance business
in Riverdale.
Mr. Hutcheson is assisted
In his duties as Mayor of Riv
er lale by the City Council and
various assistants. Mr. Lee
Williams is a councilman and
also serves as Mayor rro
tem. Also serving as coun
cilman are Mr. Charles Rot>-
ert. , Mr. Truman Weaver and
Mr. Lawrence Earnest. Serv
ing as administrative assistant
to the mayor and council is
.Mr. Joe Adams. The council
is scheduled to meet once per
month but recently has met
about three times per month.
Judge of the City Court of Riv
erdale is the Honorable How
ard Wallace. Many various
duties of the city are taken care
of l v the city clerk, Mrs. Ellza
botii Eller. Mr. Bill Lott ser
ves as the Fire Chief of Riv
erdale and Mr. Melvin Hunter
as the Police Chief. Mr. Hunt-
B & K TV
Sales Service
OFFICIAL PHILCO
REPAIR CENTER - WE REPAIR
ALL MAKES AND MODELS
6380 HIGHWAY 85
RIVERDALE
478-6577
J & R MEN'S SHOP
FACTORY PRICES
COMPLLTI LINE OF MLN'S SUITS,
SPOR TCOA TS, AND SLACKS
ROYS RACK TO SCHOOL II IAR
6380 HIGHWAY 85
RIVERDALE
478-7505
LAMAR
HUTCHESON
Insurance And Real Estate
605 VALLEY HILL RD. RIVERDALE
SALUTES
Progressive Riverdale
Merchants,
Civic Clubs, Citizens,
And Local Government
er is assisted in his duties as
Police Chief by four full time
policemen and three part time
policemen. The Police Depart
ment also has two cars in which
to provide protection to the cit
izens of Riverdale. Mr. Ken
neth Kilpatrick serves River
dale as city attorney.
Each community has certain
senior citizens of which It Ls
proud. Riverdale is proud to
have as its oldest living resi
dent Mr. Bob Lasseter, 91.
He ran his own grocery store
and gin for many years and was
also a very active member of
the city and coanty commis
sion.
The second oldest living resi
dent of Riverdale was also in
the grocery business, Mr. Sta
cey Hemperly.
Another senior citizen of Riv
erdale is Mrs. James Rivers
Martin. The city of Riverdale
was named after this Lady’s
father, Mr. Spratlin Rivers.
No community is complete
without its retired schoolteach
ers. A true asset to River
dale are Mrs. Bertha Hosale
and Mrs. Olive Turner.
The assets of Riverdale, both
present and planned, are im
pressive even for a city with
more than 2,200 population.
Since January Ist, tire city has
purchased a 10 acre tract of
land. Under contract is an ad
joining 12 acres. This 22
acre tract of land, when devel
oped, should be the largest park
in Clayton County. The county
Commissioners have indicated
their Interest in and willingness
to cooperate with Riverdale In
the development of the park.
When completed, the park will
have tennis courts, a football
field, 3 ball diamonds, horse
shoe facilities, shuffleboard,
basketball courts , swimming
pool, playground, a Multi-pur
pose civic auditorium, picnic
grills and a neighborhood fac
ilities building. This park will
be an Invaluable asset to not
only Riverdale but to the en
tire Clayton County area.
Plans such as the above are
vital to the growth of any rap
idly expanding city. By the end
of 1969 Riverdale willhaveadd
ed 150 more families. By the
end of 1970 an additional 350
families will be residents of
Riverdale. Many of these fu
ture residents will live in a
276 unit apartment complex lo
cated on Church Street. Ap
proximately 28 units are al
ready completed. Also under
construction are approximately
250 private dwellings. An add
itional 144 private homes are
planned.
To accomodate tills surge in
population a private firm has
made preliminary plans for a
disposal plant west of River
dale. The cost will be approx
imately $200,000 and should be
completed in 12 to 18 months.
The tax digest of any city is
a good indication of its finan
cial growth.
The tax digest of Riverdale
for 1967 totaled $2,431,621.00.
For 1968 the total was $3,-
548,642.82. This increase of
over a million dollars in one
year says a lot in itself in re
lation to the growth of River
dale. One million dollars seems
to be the magic figures for the
new Citizens Bank of Riverdale
also. After only three weeks
of business, assets of the new
bank exceeded one million dol
lars, reports Mr. Pierce Neece,
President.
Riverdale is in the heart of
Federal Census Tract Five. The
population of tills area is now
approximately 9,500. Tills fig
ure is predicted to be 28,300
by 1980, or triple its present
population.
Riverdale’s growing popula
tion requires two elementary
schools for the city. They are
the Riverdale Elementary
School and Church Street
School. A new school, River
dale Jr. High, Is expected to
open Sept. 2nd tills year. Tills
new school will probably be
come a senior high school In
a few years to accommodate
Rlver Lie’s growing high school
population.
No community can achieve
success or expect to grow with
out concerned citizens. River
dale is proud of its various civ
ic groups. Among thesearethe
Lions Club, Masonic Lodge,and
the Jaycees. These groups
sponsor various sport activities
for youth and also engage in
countless civic activities.
The Riverdale Jaycees are
also fortunate to have as one
of their members Mr. Frank
Bailey, State Jaycee Presi
dent. A new civic asset to
the city of Riverdale Is the
Riverdale Jr. Women’s Club,
formed in March of this year.
They have approximately 30
members.
Riverdale has all major rel
igious demoninations represen
ted and enjoys an active church
community.
We take pleasure this week in
saluting RIVERDALE, our
growing and progressive neigh
bor to the South West.
Church Plans
Anniversary
The Bethsaida Baptistchurch
of Riverdale, Georgia, located
in South Fulton County, is cele
brating its 140th Anniversary
next Sunday, \ugust 10.
To commemorate the occa
sion, the church is dedicating
a newly completed two-story
Educational Building that will
care for 350 students. The Rev.
Herbert F. Woodyard, Pastor
since 1965, announces the Dedi
cation Service will feature Mr.
Bob Zwald, Assistant Adminis
trator, Georgia Baptist Hospi
tal, as guest speaker. Mr.
Zwald Is a Layman and will
give emphasis to the Impor
tance of laymen activities in
the church of the future. Al
so, a brief history compiled by
senior deacon, Emory L. Tra
vis, will be presented.
The public Is cordially in
vited to attend the Open House
on Sunday afternoon from 3;00-
5:00 o’clock. The Deacons and
their wives will host the Open
House. Mr. Al Richards, Sun
day School Superintendent, has
served as Building Committee
Chairman.
Riverdale Sporting Goods
FISHING TACKLE
CAMPING SUPPLIES
CAMPING RENTALS 1
ARCHERY SUPPLIES ]
MOVING IN WITH ,
JIM JOLLY AT
Jolly's Spur Station
On August 15
Blankenship Motors
HEADQUARTERS FOR
ONE-OWN ER CARS
RANK FINANCING
Owner
R. L. BLANKENSHIP
Highway 85
Riverdale
Plaza
Barber Shop
Plaza Shopping Center
Riverdale
OWNER Phone
GERALD MATTHEWS 478-9061
Riverdale Hardware Co.
778 Main Street
RIVERDALE
U TILI TIES PA ID HERE
CHECK FOR FALL SPORTING GOOD
PHONE 478-4242
The pioneers who lived in and around what is now the city of
Riverdale, settled here long before the Civil War.
Os course, their descendants, and others who moved in later, had
a great deal to do with meeting problems, and solving them in a
manner which was conducive to progress, even though it was very
slow for some time.
These pioneers (their names are listed on the last pages of this
history ( were loyal dependable citizens and good neighbors. It’s need
less to say they suffered many hardships and inconveniences.
Dr. John Thomas Dodd, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Ephraim
Rountree, 11, and a pioneer of Bethsaida Community, was the only
physician available to this section. The people here loved him and
had confidence in bis ability, but it would take fully two hours to get
him to a home when he was needed.
Due to having no way of communication, some one would have
to go for him, then the rough road made his traveling slow. (Those
were the horse and buggy days, you remember.)
Shortly after the Civil War, an epidimic of diptheria struck, not
only this community, but others around, and aside from its being im
possible for one doctor to care for so many people, at that time there
was no cure for this disease. The hypodermic needle had not then come
into use, so death claimed one or more children from practically every
family.
There was no real wealth among these pioneers. Some of them had
owned slaves, (see last page) but sold them. But the money received
was Confederate and soon became worthless. Consequently, these for
mer slave owners, like every one else, became solely dependent on
their farms for a livelihood.
Most of the pioneers owned their homes and some acreage, part of
which was wooded. Quite a few owned large plantations on w hich were
several tenant houses.
The tenants usually worked their crops on shares. The landlord
furnished the stock, then signed for the fertilizer and food supplies
until the crops were harvested.
Farming was practically the only occupation at this time. There
were a few who followed the carpenter's trade, or did blacksmith
work, made syrup, did some trucking, ran a saw mill, also a grist mill,
in addition to their farm work.
Some of these farmers were very thrifty, and in addition to raising
their own livestock, viz., horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, chickens, ducks,
geese and turkeys, they also grew the following foods for their fami
lies and animals: vegetables, com, potatoes, oats, wheat, peas and
even popcorn and peanuts for the children to enjoy. Most of them had
planted peach and apple orchards.
For a long time the wheat and peas had to be threshed by flailing
with a stick.
Later the "Roving Threshing Machine" owned and operated by Mr.
Ephraim Rountree, I, and his sons, went to the various homes and
threshed the wheat, and in like manner, Mr. Nathan Rosser, who also
owned a machine, threshed the peas.
But cotton was the leading money crop, so everybody grew some
cotton.
Jonah Toland, a negro, made practically all the cotton baskets used
in this entire section. Jonah was married to Liza Hanes, the daughter
of Aunt Ann Hanes. Aunt Ann was a former slave, and the only Black
Mammy left in this community. She loved the white people, and was
never happier than when working in their homes, or when caring for
their children.
Aunt Ann's grandson, Inman Toland, who was Jonah's son, was a
Riverdale
Church
Plans Meeting
Paul Matthews, evangelist
from Shelbyville, Tenn, will
conduct a gospel meeting at
the Riverdale Church of Christ
August 11 through 17. Ser
vices will be at 8 p.m. and
Sunday at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Mr. Matthews has attended
six colleges, written two books,
and served for three years as
professor of church history at
David Lipscomb College, Nash
ville, Tenn.
He has served as minister
for congregations in Arkansas,
Texas, and Tennessee. For the
past 11 years he has worked
with the Shelbyville congrega
tion.
Jay cette s To Meet
Riverdale Jaycetteswill meet
Monday, August 11, 8 p.m. at the
West Branch of the Clayton Co
unty Library. There will be two
guest speakers at the meeting.
Mrs. Sally Warren, district
manager of Hazel Keller Cos
metics, will speak
THE CITIZENS BANK
OF RIVERDALE
Is Proud To Have Become A Part
Os The Growing And Progressive
Riverdale Community.
The Officers And Staff Would Like
To Take This Opportunity To Salute
Riverdale’s Merchants And Citizens
And To Thank Them For Helping
Us To Be A Success
World War I veteran. He now lives in the lower part of Riverdale and
owns a considerable tract of land there.
During this period, the price of cotton was very low, even less
than five cents a pound some years, so when the crops were harvested,
the farmers considered themselves lucky if, after paying their indebted
ness, they had enough left to buy clothing for their families.
Many of the women wove the cloth from which their clothing was
made. As there were very few sewing machines at that time, most of
the clothing was made by hand. They bought the men's best suits, but
no one considered buying ready made clothing for the entire family.
The majority of the people wore home knit socks, stockings, and
gloves. Some if the men even made shoes for the family. The children
were taught to card bats from both cotton and wool for quilt and com
forter padding.
During the war, all the best stock had been taken, and most of
the food stuff either taken or destroyed by the Federalists. In spite of
the hardships suffered, these pioneers showed their courage, deter
mination. adaptability and stickability, thus setting an example which
is a challenge to all their descendants.
Their sons and daughters followed in their footsteps. They pulled
together and shared each others’ joys and sorrows, and kept pushing
forward as opportunities presented themselves.
In 1887 a railroad track was run from Atlanta to Fort Valley. It
ran through this section, and Selina was supposed to have been the
main stop in this vicinity. A depot and telegraph office were set up
there, but the following situation brought about a change in the plans.
The railroad was badly in.need of loads and loads of cord wood, for
coal was not used at that time. Some of the farmers here were badly*
in need of some ready cash. Mr. Monroe Huie, being one of that
number, conceived the idea and promoted a deal to furnish wood to
the railroad for the cash. The farmers who wished to take advantage
of this opportunity, cut and hauled cord wood to a spur which extended
from the track at what was known as Rape's Crossing—that’s about
where Cargile and Camp Streets cross.
The train picked up the wood here, at this spur, then the return
trips, brought fertilizer. Before this time, fertilizer was hauled in
wagons from Jonesboro, and this required much time and labor.
Mr. Monroe Huie became salesman for this fertilizer which was
brought by the train. Thus began the first business venture of this
vicinity (this was not yet a town) and was carried on by him success
fully for many years.
The railroad was having difficulty in securing enough land for its
needs, viz., side tracks, a depot, houses for the foreman and section
workers etc., so gladly accepted a very liberal donation from Mr. and
Mrs. W. S. Rivers. Consequently, this became the main stop.
Then of course a post office was needed and that post office must
have a name. Since Mr. and Mrs. Rivers had made this donation, also
owned all the business section of what is now Riverdale, it seemed
fitting that this post office should bear their name hence Riverdale.
The first post office was in a comer of the France Roberts General
Merchandise Store, located about where Camp's Grocery Store now*
Continued on Next Page
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CARE AND MAKE-UP. CALL FOR
APPOINTMENT
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Cosmetic Studio
t
i Riverdale Plaza
t
t DORIS ALEXANDER, OWNER
478-1477
1
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347 Riverdale Plaza
‘ Junior Sizes 3-13
Misses Sizes 8-18
Full Line Os Ladies
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478-9472