It’s once again time to peruse the news from The Baldwin Times of yesteryear.

This week in 1896 marks the seventh anniversary of The Times, which began in 1889.

“We have endeavored to give to the public a paper worthy of our people and section,” Times Editor and founder Abner J. Smith wrote about the anniversary. “We have met with many drawbacks and had many disadvantages to contend with. But no adverse fortune has prevailed, and we have safely weathered the storms so far encountered on the uncertain sea of journalism, and The Times now stands firmly planted on the rock of success.”

That celebratory feeling must have continued, as a society column piece reported “a party of merry young people gathered at the residence of Mr. W.L. Schieffelin last Friday night, and a few hours were very pleasantly spent in dancing and playing games.”

But merry making wasn’t the only focus of the weathered newspaper. The Times continued to follow the upcoming county and state elections. This is evidenced by the publication of the state Democratic ticket, which included Joseph F. Johnston, who would go on to win the office of governor later that year.

While Baldwin County seemed to lean toward that party, others wanted to be heard, as well. This is indicated by the publication of a Populist party meeting to form a ticket for county offices.

While politics seemed to be heating up, so did the areas economy. So much so that the increasing building industry was creating a demand for the area’s timber.

“The best prices were reported at 11 1/3 cents,” an article stated.

These topics provide a glimpse into the political and economic frame of North Baldwin’s Victorian era. But another article gives a glimpse into the era’s fascination with the occult.

The piece is a narrative by Dick Wood, who details his time as a professional subject to a hypnotist. It seems that night after night, town after town, he traveled with a man who referred to himself as “Professor,” and volunteered to be hypnotized. He would then do a variety of strange things, such as dance like a chicken or eat a raw potato.

“The professor says I am the best subject he ever had,” Wood wrote. “So I guess I’ve got a steady job.”

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