Mr. and Mrs. JL Jordon
Mrs. Annie C. Waters describes Sardine as "The northeastern area of Township 2N, Range 7E and has at different times been known as Sardine, Magnolia, and Stanley Cross Roads." Yet beyond the legal description of an area, a rich, deep history runs in the undercurrents which flow through time.
Sizemore Creek, as mentioned in earlier articles, has witnessed history flowing beneath its bridges for generations. Yet Sizemore Creek covers a long stretch which extends from its intersection with Big Escambia Creek to its beginning points near Poarch.
It was in the area near the Highway 21 crossing of Sizemore Creek that the disappearance of Mr. J. H. Hutto, a well-known resident of Martinville, left the community shaken.
Hutto, in his eighties, disappeared on April 4, 1939 after "thumbing" a ride from a Mr. Sims. The driver stated that Hutto asked him to stop the car after a ride of 200 yards and that he last saw Hutto walking back towards Martinville.
Local law enforcement, and twenty young men from the Civilian Conservation Corps, searched the woods and swamps of Sizemore Creek relentlessly for the elderly man. Many, such as Deputy Wise, suspected foul play.
More than a year later, The Atmore Advance reported on May 16, 1940 that the skeleton of Hutto had been found in Sizemore swamp about a mile from his home. Mr. Allen McClain of Freemanville made the gruesome discovery while on a fishing trip.
Hutto was known to carry a leather satchel which was found near the remains. Two pocketbooks, a pair of eye glasses and a pipe were also recovered. In one of the pocketbooks were statements bearing Hutto's name for purchases made on March 20, 1939. A small valise and cane, known to have been carried by Hutto, was also recovered. Hutto was also known to carry a "good watch" but it was not to be found in the foot of muck which concealed the body. With the discovery of his remains perhaps his family found closure as to their loss.
Further to the east, the area between Sardine and Sizemore, along with the community of Little Rock, has been known to many generations of young people as a creek side place to hang out and a place of hunting camps and rolling hills. Mr. Dave Bethea, a native of Canoe, commented via Facebook, "We used to go to Sardine Bridge for Sunday afternoon family swims."
Local newspapers of the 1920s-1950s recount get togethers at the Graham Lodge, and as it was later known, as the Graham Summer House.
The Atmore Advance of September 24, 1925 noted, "The regular Friday night dance was held at the Graham Lodge on Sardine Creek. In the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. T.A. Graham motored out to the Lodge with some of their friends. A delightful swim was enjoyed and later a delicious picnic supper was served to the guests. About eight o'clock a band arrived from Brewton and dancing was enjoyed until twelve. Many Atmore folks attended the dance, also many from Flomaton and McCuilough (sp.) and Monroeville. Although it was a hot night, everyone seemed to enjoy the dancing."
Other newspaper stories recount Girl Scout camp outs and high school picnics at the Graham Summer House but no indication as to the exact location except that it existed along "Sardine Creek." Graham owned a turpentine still and camp along the creek and one source refers to him and his brother owning up to two sections of land in the area.
Another Sardine local of note was James L. Jordon (see last week). He was born in South Carolina around 1847 and married Sarah A. Jordon on September 4, 1892. As a young man Jordon served in the Confederate States Army in the 1st Florida regiment. Jordon was proud of his Confederate service and returned from the war to live in the newly minted Escambia County Alabama where he would held rebuild his state from the ravages of war.
Jordon was appointed Postmaster at Sardine, Alabama on April 7, 1902. He was also a county commissioner. Jordon resided near the Sardine Post Office. Jordon's farm was described as, "160 acres near Sardine Post Office, known as the J. L. Jordon place, eight miles west of Wallace, Alabama, thirty five acres in cultivation, fifty acres in pasture, in good neighborhood, near good school and church, one 6 room house and one 2 room tenant house, between seventy-five and one hundred acres are tillable land," Atmore Record, Thursday May 21, 1908.
Jordon passed away November 22, 1920, full of years, and wisdom, from having seen his community change from virgin pine forests to farm land to a landscape familiar to the modern resident.
Sardine was at one time considered a difficult travel for some, yet by the early 1920s the area could boast better roads, a new bridge and easier travel for locals and visitors. Around 1958, Escambia County extended Butler Street to a point near the bridge. Today, history whispers along the creek banks and from the quite cemeteries of Magnolia Baptist Church and other resting places of those early settlers.
Quote of the week: "It's good to know who hates you and it is good to be hated by the right people." Johnny Cash
Shadows and Dust Volume III: Legacies is available for purchase in the amount of $30.00+$5.00 shipping and handling to PO Box 579 Atmore, AL 36502 or visit Lulu Publishing.com; Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles.com OR at the Monroe County Heritage Museum in Monroeville, Alabama.
The Canoe Civic Club is proud to announce the date of the upcoming Canoe Homecoming in beautiful downtown Canoe from 8:30am-2:30pm on Saturday November 23, 2019. Email at the above address for free vendor info.
