It was announced at the April 29 meeting of the Covington Historical Society that a very generous donation had been received from Livingfield and Agnes More of Nashville, Tenn., longtime members and supporters of the Three-Notch Museum.
This gift was made in honor of CHS members Polly W. and G. Sidney Waits. Mr. More’s father came to this county in 1897 as president of the A & F Division of the L & N Railroad. His responsibility was to construct the railroad from Georgiana to Graceville, Fla. While completing this task, he noticed all the beautiful Long Leaf pines covering the area. He purchased a small sawmill from Capt. Frierson and Cyrus O’Neal, which was the beginning of the Horseshoe Lumber Company, the largest and most progressive of its time. More also organized the River Falls Power Company and built both dams on the Conecuh River. This power company supplied electricity to nine counties across South Alabama enabling industry to move into our area.
In a message from Mr. More to the historical society, More acknowledged the “unflagging and stalwart interest and excellent work over a period of many years” accomplished by the Waits on behalf of River Falls, Andalusia and the Covington Historical Society.
In response to the More’s contribution, CHS president Sue Wilson stated words of appreciation that were sent to the Mores.
“Words cannot express how grateful we are for your generosity to the Covington Historical Society in honor of the Waits. We have worked since about 1983 to collect artifacts and preserve the history of Covington County at the historic Central of Georgia depot property, which was restored and converted to the museum,” Wilson said. “Our last program meeting was the 350th one since the society was established around 1976. We have collected information about families, businesses, schools, churches, individuals and events relating to our county’s history. In the early days, your family was certainly a significant part of making this county what it is today. We are proud to display items in the museum on the Horseshoe Lumber Company and Mr. and Mrs. E. L. More. That story and that part of our history can be told for many years to come. Each time we cross the E. L. More bridge, we will think of your family, the Horseshoe Lumber Co. and the thriving business that operated there and that helped spark our community’s growth.”