UTILITIES COME TO MONTICELLO

UTILITIES COME TO MONTICELLO

By John Harvey

Probably the most important events for the city in the late 1890's were the letting of contracts to a number of companies in the business of constructing utilities.

Contracts were let for gas, water, and telephone companies. The gas company did not follow through with its contract, but the telephone company and later the water company did complete theirs. Even the shade trees of which the town was very proud were not saved as permission was given to remove anything that obstructed the phone, gas and water lines within twelve feet of the curb of the street.

Gas and water lines were to be put at lest five and one half feet under the ground and telephone lines were to be at least twelve feet above the street. Poles and lines were to be kept within an area measuring six feet from the curb edge of the street through as stated, the companies could remove anything up to twelve feet.

The last of the utilities was electricity, brought to town by Bonner Jordan in the early 1900's.

In June 1892, the city council set aside funds to buy uniforms for the town marshals. T. R. Penn, Senior Chief, E. A. Greene, Asst. Chief, Walter Roby and T. C. Pope were marshals. The council also passed an ordinance to prohibit the throwing, batting or playing of baseball in the streets of Monticello or in any way hindering the traffic on the streets of the town.

Note from the council minutes of Feb. 5, 1895; The Town mule and wagon shall be boarded with Mr. J. R. Tolleson temporarily and not more than three months at a rte of 25 cents a day. In the meantime, council will seek a permanent arrangement which will cost the city less.

On Sept 5, 1897,the council approved the petition of the southern Cotton Oil Company of Macon to build a railroad siding and cotton seed oil processing plant on the south side of the town.

On October 25, 1897, the council approved an ordinance and license for the operation of an opera house to be temporarily carried in a large tent. this program widely known as "the Chataugua" was widely supported throughout the U.S.

Additional Comments:
Transcribed by Suzanne Forte (suzanneforte@bellsouth.net) April 2005, from copies of articles contained in the Monticello News. There articles were prepared by Mr.
John Harvey and published in this newspaper during the 1970's and 1980's time frame. Some were under the title "Jasper Reflections", others "Bicentennial Bits".
Permission has been granted by Mr. Harvey for use of these very valuable and informative articles.

Copies of articles provided by Benny Hawthorne.