It’s once again time to turn back the clock and revisit the news from The Baldwin Times of the Gilded Age.

This week’s edition provides a vignette of daily life in Victorian Baldwin County. For instance, a report from the correspondent known as Obido in Swift shows that the school year was much different than it is today.

“School opened Monday at the Poll Road schoolhouse,” Obido wrote. “It is taught by Professor Patterson.”

According to the correspondent, Zeus, commerce in Bay Minette was on the rise.

“Mr. Joe Thompson is going into the mercantile business and is erecting a new store,” Zeuss wrote.

He also commented on the community’s agricultural outlook.

“Some of the farmers will plant corn next week,” Zeuss wrote.

While that might not be newsworthy today. It seems to be a different story in 1896. So much so, that The Times posted an announcement promising $1.66 worth of free seeds to subscribers paying their bill by April. The reward included seeds for wax beans, cabbage, squash, peas, watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, lettuce and 200 annual flowers.

Another piece provides a reminder that traveling throughout Baldwin and Mobile counties, even for official business, took more effort in the late 19th century.

“The Steamer Carney will leave Mobile at 11 o’clock Monday for the accommodations of those wishing to attend circuit court,” an announcement stated.

Travel isn’t the only difference between the eras. The publication of a verdict from county court reveals that today’s crimes are much different than they once were.

“The case against Duncan Ard, charged with unlawful use of a cow and calf, was dismissed,” the verdict stated.

Then Times Editor Abner Smith also commented on new, but now bygone, business elsewhere in North Baldwin.

“Messrs. J.C. Campbell, W.B. Thomley and Lewis Thomley will open their new turpentine distillery at Perdido on the first of the month,” Smith wrote. “They have already cut six new ropes of turpentine boxes and will do an intensive business.”

In Baldwin County’s political scene, several announcements were made of candidacy for the 1896 election. Among them were, John Young tossing in his hat for county commissioner.

“He is a Democrat without blot or blemish and, if elected, will make an excellent officer,” Smith endorsed.

Another endorsement the editor made was for Weeks Dolive, who announced his candidacy for county tax collector.

“He is very popular —- has a large list of friends to which he is constantly adding and is fully competent to fill the position to which he aspires,” Smith wrote of the announcement.

Also announcing candidacy in the four-page publication were John W. Lea for county commission and C.H. Dreisback for legislative representative.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the writing of memoirs. This is evidenced in an announcement that Gen. William T. Sherman would publish his memoirs of serving in the Union Army during the Civil War in Washington, D.C.’s National Tribune.

“It will be of the greatest interest to all veterans and to all others who are interested in any degree in the history of the Rebellion,” the announcement stated.

Check back next week for a perusal of The Baldwin Times of yesteryear and to see that the more things change, the more they remain the same.