It’s again time to look back at the news from The Baldwin Times of yesteryear.

This week in 1896 produced quite a newsworthy edition, especially on the international front. This is evidenced by an article reporting that Sir William McGregor discovered a village in New Guinea in which the entire village was built into trees.

“The explorer who discovered them last year says the natives are the poorest and most wretched people he has seen in Africa,” the article stated.

Russia made headlines, as well, with an article reporting a massive tragedy.

“A terrible panic, resulting from the great crush of people at the popular feast in Moscow in honor of the coronation of the czar, caused the trampling to death of over 2,000 people,” the Victorian article stated.

Tragedy hit domestic soil, as well, as the 19th-century newspaper reported a natural disaster in the Midwest.

“The number of lives lost in the St. Louis cyclone of last Wednesday night is known to be over 500,” the article stated, “and the property loss is estimated at $25 million.”

But tragedy wasn’t the only national news to reach Baldwin County this week in 1896. Instead, an article reported that in Kentucky’s county elections, the state declared free silver.

“It was a great day for the friends of silver,” the weathered newspaper stated, “and means that the South and West will follow suit with Kentucky.”

The Times also reported on the state political scene, with an article recanting a Birmingham debate between gubernatorial candidates Albert T. Goodwyn, of the Populist Party, and  statewide favorite Capt. Joseph Johnston, of the Democratic Party, who would go on to win.

“Mr. Goodwyn, in his opening campaign speech in Birmingham, took occasion to vilify everybody and everything that did not agree with the policy of the mongrel party of which he is leader,” the article stated, revealing a clear bias of the late 19th century reporter.

Much closer to home, an announcement reported momentum in historic political movements, within Baldwin County.

“There is some talk of the Prohibition Party putting out a ticket for county offices,” Times Editor Abner J. Smith wrote. “The Woman’s Rights Party will be heard from later on.”

The weathered newspaper also provides insight into daily life of the time. For example, Bay Minette correspondent, known as “H —x,” painted a positive picture of the North Baldwin city by reporting new construction and commerce. He also touted a health spring in the city that had two doctors at the time.

Dolive Station correspondent, “Edgar,” also had positive news, reporting improvements to the town mill.

Edgar’s report also provides insight into the tongue-in-cheek mentality of the time, with a list of attendees at an ice cream social including Handsome Connrou, Ugly Charley and Awkward Jim.

He doesn’t stop there. In reporting the recovery of a then-recently ailing Capt. Harris, Edgar wrote, “The captain was too fat, and the sun got away with him.”

That’s it for this edition. Check back next week for more news from The Baldwin Times of yesteryear.