Rome’s white light night was literally a shining success. The long anticipated White Way became a reality Thursday night at 8:30 o’clock fifty years ago. In the presence of thousands of enthusiastic Romans, Mayor Ben C. Yancey pushed the button that caused the long chain of glittering lights to leap into life and beauty.

Appropriate speeches were made by J.N. King, president of the Manufacturers and Merchants Association, Sheriff W.G. Dunehoo and Mayor Yancey. Red fire, gorgeous Roman candles, whirling pinwheels, music by the band, cheers by the crowd, and the spirit of Christmas revelry made the night a memorable one. A feature of the evening was the parade of the fire department, each fireman carrying a red fusee.

Crowds began to gather shortly after dark and were amused by the moving pictures being shown in front of the Bonita Theatre.

The light was all that was anticipated and more. Broad Street from Second to Fifth Avenue was a blaze of brilliance. Each post was topped with a cluster of five lights.

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A contract was awarded a Birmingham firm for paving of Fourth Avenue from East First to East Fourth streets, from Second Avenue to Fourth Avenue and on Avenue A from Fifth Avenue to West 11th Street, the total cost $38,401. …City Council refused to enter into a viaduct agreement with the Southern Railway for a new viaduct over the Southern tracks in East Rome, saying it was impossible for the city to spare the sum of $4,000 as its share. … Moving pictures taken in the past couple of weeks in Rome a half century ago were drawing overflow houses at the Elite Theatre. … The big saw mill, planning mill and cotton gin belonging to Jeff H. Scoggins & Son at Armuchee was destroyed by fire, with a loss of $10,000 partially covered with insurance. The residence of J.F. Ruff and Salmon & Anderson store caught fire but were saved by a bucket brigade. …

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A difficulty between Bailiff A.P. Duncan and Leonard Neal over a fight with the Duncan boys in Lindale, almost resulted in the former being shot. It was reported that Neal shot a gun concealed in a coat pocket and when it fired.

It set fire to his clothing and passed close to Duncan, making a hole through his coat. … Romans were contributing to the Open Stocking Fund, which was started three years before at the suggestion of Dr. D.W. Curry, and supported by the Tribune-Herald. … The local post office was flooded with whiskey advertisements, which were being sent to prospective Christmas customers. … Fred Vaissiere was elected to head the Oostanaula Lodge of Masons. … “12-12-12” – this was the way the businessmen wrote December 12, 1912. That was the last time the generation could ever date a letter or any other paper with the number of the month, day and year, the same figure, wrote the Tribune-Herald. On October 10, 2010, November 11, 2011, and December 12, 2012, the triple figures will be the same again.

However, the newspaper noted that will be 98 years hence and improbable that anyone able to write in 1912 would be here then. …