Next Tues., Feb. 2, 2016, is Groundhog Day. If the legend is to be believed, cloudy skies when the groundhog comes out of his burrow in six days mean an early spring. On the other hand, sunny skies will frighten the creature when he sees his shadow and thus he goes back into his burrow. Winter weather will last for six additional weeks. The biggest Groundhog Day observance is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where an elaborate set of events honors the most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. These items either confirm or refute the legend of Groundhog Day.

Feb. 2, 1896–A number of families are here from the north and several have located in this county, the majority of whom are farmers. They are attracted by our significantly milder climate, spring frequently beginning in fact if not officially at about this time each year.

Feb. 2, 1902–Local hunting dog owners are currently headed for Athens for the beginning of the Alabama field trials. The preserves are located about 3 miles south of town and are among the best in the region. Given the sunny weather recently they are in excellent shape. Events will include Derby races and the all-age stakes.

Feb. 2, 1911–After being confined to his home at Hartselle the past month with a severe case of the miserable grippe, the weather was sufficiently good today to permit T. R. Ryan, county treasurer of this county, to once again travel to his office in the courthouse attending to the duties the people elected him to perform. Regardless of the fact that Mr. Ryan is a cripple and is unable to walk, he is one of the most business-like officials at the Morgan County courthouse.

Feb. 2, 1913–Yesterday was the last day on which poll taxes could be paid in order that a voter might vote in all elections held this year. About 1,900 polls in all were paid. This was something like 300 less than paid last year. The weather was much better today and more people would have been able to make the long trip to the courthouse to pay their poll taxes.

Feb. 2, 1922—The weather was sufficiently good to permit J. T. Borden, who lives on Moulton Route 4, to come to Hartselle today and do some trading with business proprietor Ed Stewart. Mr. Borden went home with a bay mare mule which is about ten years old.

Feb. 2, 1928—The Keller Memorial Bridge across the Tennessee River at Decatur will be formally opened March 15. It is hoped that the weather will be much improved by that time in order that this auspicious occasion may be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

Feb. 2, 1938--R. H. (Bob) Burleson of Hartselle, a widely known Morgan County citizen, has qualified for reelection to the Morgan County Board of Revenue in district 2. Mr. Burleson expressed particular interest in the proposed Hartselle-Danville road. At present the road is very treacherous in bad weather.

Feb. 2, 2014—The groundhog here definitely did not see his shadow today as it was cloudy all day. (In fact, the longest spell of cloudy weather this year was from February 2 to February 13, constituting 12 consecutive days that were more cloudy than clear.)