The Magnet

The Magnet, originally uploaded by JB @ Shelby Iron.

Above is the masthead and some content from the February 19, 1892 issue of "the Magnet". This was a newspaper devoted, in their words, to the "Magnetic City" of Shelby.
The paper's business office was located four miles north of Shelby in Columbiana, Alabama. Manager of the paper was C.C. Dubose, and it was edited by H. C. Hornady, Jr.
The Town and County News section included items such as a call for an amateur dramatic club to be organized. The article states, "Shelby has first-class material for an amateur dramatic club. Would it not be a good idea to organize one?"
Also from this section of the paper, " J.H. Johnson has placed a new counter in the rear of his store and added some more shelving. The improvement is great."
A meeting of the literary club is noted,
and then there is this:
     "The loafers' club met Saturday, having found somebody away from home, thereby affording them a place to hold their meeting. It was a decided success. Thorough questions propounded by the president to oathbound members failed to show that any member had been guilty of working. This was so encouraging that they decided to borrow a dollar for somebody and have something. A man was found who wanted to give away a dollar, so the meeting panned out a howling success, every member full of enthusiasm. The next meeting will be held when an opportunity offers itself."
     Among advertisers in this issue of "the Magnet" were C. P. McLane & Co. Grocers, and Ayeryt & Averyt, located on the corner of 4th St. and 6th Avenue who advertises "you can get anything you want from a paper of needles to a hogshead of meat, at the lowest prices."
In the late 1800's, Shelby Iron Works and the "company town" of Shelby were collectively a hub of activity fueled by charcoal, iron, and the anticipation of many bright days ahead.