July 26, 1912 — Soda-drinking and tobacco-smoking residents in Hartwell could no longer find their “mornin’s dope” on Sundays.
The town council in 1912 decided to enforce an ordinance banning soda and tobacco sales on Sundays in Hartwell.
“Those of the Hartwell people who imagine they are addicted to the habit and must have their mornin’s ‘dope’ in the shape of a coca cola came down town Sunday morning to find the lid screwed down good and tight on the soda founts and cigar stands,” The Sun reported.
“It’s either lay in a supply of bottled dope and smokes on Saturday night or make out on ice tea and grape vines through Sunday,” The Sun wrote.
July 22, 1938 — A brand new “modern in every detail” stadium capable of seating 1,500 to 2,000 people got the go-ahead to be built in Hartwell after approval from the Works Progress Administration, an American New Deal agency.
The project was then awaiting final approval from U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt before the actual work began.
The “Hart County Auditorium” was to be equipped for all public gatherings, including indoor athletic events, and was said to cost more than $31,000.
The new building, which was set to be constructed of brick and steel, was to be located on Hartwell school grounds.
A large stage, shower baths, public address system, modern heating plant and many other features were to be incorporated in the project.
July 27, 1961 — Construction of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facilities on Lake Hartwell was set to begin.
The first phase of construction was to provide 46 public boat ramps, six beaches and four causeways at the Hartwell reservoir.
The total cost of the work was reported to be $165,000.
The reservoir wasn’t open to the public yet, but it was set to be open by the next year.
Despite the lake being closed and repeated warnings about hazards existing at the reservoir in its stage then, a number of people were endangering their lives and property by boating, water-skiing and other unauthorized activities, The Sun reported.