Yet once again, it’s time to step back into the 19th century and revisit the early days of The Baldwin Times.

   This week in 1895 was quite an issue for the four-page publication as the entire front page was dedicated to the upcoming Cotton States Exposition in Atlanta. The page-long article deemed the Sept. 18-Dec. 31 1895 event “the South’s greatest fair.”

   “It promises to be one of the finest expositions ever held,” the subheadline boasts.

   With a rendering of what the Exposition grounds would look like gracing the front page, the article explains that the event would spotlight the latest advances of the South at that time, with exhibits representing all facets of the Southern states, as well as exhibits from throughout the nation and the world.

   “At the point where Sherman thundered on Atlanta 31 years ago, the Cotton States and International Exposition to fast taking shape, and by the 18th of September will have assured proportions second to none in international enterprise of this character, excepting only the World Columbian Exposition of 1895,” the article touts. “This enterprise makes a turning point in the history of the Southern states.”

   Located on what is now Atlanta’s Piedmont Park, a number of buildings were created for the 100-day event, including a government building with “architectury far more handsome than the Chicago structure,” the article states.

   The Times goes on to explain that the structure was a 180-foot by 260-foot frame construction with pavilions projecting from all four sides, with a total floor area of 50,000 square feet in the Romanesque designed building that sported shingles and clapboards.

   To fund the building and exhibit, the Times reported that Congress appropriated $900,000.

   “The Exposition has also received the endorsement of the Legislatures and principal commercial bodies of all of the Southern states, and reasonable assurance has been given that many of them will be represented by state buildings and exhibits.”

   According to the 19th century edition of The Times, several additional buildings sporting classical Romanesque or Tuscan designs were raised to house exhibits, including one for manufacturers and the liberal arts, machinery, minerals and forestry, agriculture, electricity, transportation, fine arts, fire and police, and tobacco.

   Additionally, a women’s building was also erected for the occasion.

   “The building will be arranged for the work of women, including a library for the books by women, their musical compositions and magazines,” The Times article states. “Patents and inventions by women will have prominent position in the women’s building with all notable exhibits of women’s genius and skill. The artistic work of women is especially deserved.”

   The article goes on to state that paintings, architectural designs, sculptures by women from throughout the world were sought for the display.

   Another notable structure would be the negro building, the article announced, which would spotlight the accomplishments of black citizens.

   “The mutual benefit to the negro and the white people of the country of this feature to the Exposition will be apparent to everyone,” the article stated.

   In addition, the 1895 edition reported the commitment of two exhibits from Africa.

   The spectacle would also include musical features, according to the 1895 article.

   “No expense will be spared to make them perfect,” The Times article stated. “The finest orchestras of America have already been engaged for the Exposition. Gilmore, Souse and Inute have been engaged.”

   Additional news from this week in 1895 includes an editorial by Troy Messenger about the poor state of education in Alabama, citing a 54-percent illiteracy rate and teachers’ average monthly pay of $20.80.

   An additional editorial decries the idea of implementing international currency.

   “It may be desirable in theory, but there is no hope of it ever being accomplished,” the editorial states.

   Local news of the day reported that a vacancy at the Daphne Post office was filled by John A Green, who was appointed by Congressman J. T. Stallings. In addition, Jas. Gibson, Duncan McArthur and John McBride were held on $10 bond for assault with intent to murder. Also, bridges across Styx River and Hollinger Creek were reported to have been completed, but a road connecting them was yet to be opened.

   The Times also reported a silver conference in Washington, D.C. to discuss whether to implement silver coinage or remain with the gold standard, and the intention by the government to erect a monument to the memory of German Emperor William the Great.

   Check back next week for another glimpse of The Baldwin Times of yesteryear.