Look Back ... to a major 'get' for the Knox Music Club, 1948

Nov. 9—Nov. 9, 1948, in The Star: Helen Jepson, one of the loveliest of the nation's concert sopranos, will perform tomorrow night at Anniston High School under the auspices of the Knox Music Club. But even before she sings a note, she'll be assured of a warm reception. When she arrives from Atlanta on the noon train, she'll be given a "royal welcome" by music lovers of Anniston and regional counties, including Jefferson. The city's junior high school level students will meet Miss Jepson personally for a very special musical program. (Knox Music Club members are offering a notable program of concert artists during the 1948-49 season. The club last year enjoyed a considerable reputational boost by making its efforts available to school children, particularly when all were treated to a special concert by the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra.) Also this date: In state news, Mortimer Jordan, appointed less than a year ago to be Alabama's collector of internal revenue, said today he had been fired from the post because he refused to abolish segregation in his office. The U.S. Secretary of the Treasury informed Mr. Jordan of his loss of position. An executive order by President Truman has demanded elimination of segregation in offices such as Mr. Jordan's, but the latter replied, "I cannot in good conscience administer any rule or regulation which will destroy our peaceful race relations." Therefore, Jordan said, it would be impossible for him to fulfill the instructions of Executive Order 9980.

Nov. 9, 1998, in The Star: The plan by the Anniston school board that includes closing and selling Anniston Middle School as part of a general restructuring will apparently face strong opposition from some parents, albeit equally strong support from others, according to a sampling of opinion from PTO presidents and others. Also this date: Forward Calhoun County, the marketing arm of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, has traditionally had the mission of bringing outside businesses into the area or helping current businesses to expand. Now it will turn its attention to finding and improving the workforce. "Our number one push for the next four years is workforce development. We have a shortage of workers," said campaign co-chairman Curtis Simpson.