Look Back ... to the passing of a beloved managing editor, 1949

Apr. 27—April 27, 1949, in The Star: Edwin Turner Brinkley, age 44, beloved managing editor of The Anniston Star and widely known Southern newspaperman, died unexpectedly early this morning at his home, 721 Highland Avenue, of a heart attack. Mr. Brinkley's death came as a shock to his family and to colleagues at The Anniston Star. He was at his desk until late yesterday and seemed in apparent good health, but he died around 4 o'clock this morning. A native of Portsmouth, Va., and a graduate of William and Mary, Mr. Brinkley became managing editor of The Star in February 1944. Survivors include his wife, Idalea, two sons, Edwin Jr. and Lloyd, and a daughter, Barbara Lea. Also this date: In a follow-up article about the first triplets born at Anniston Memorial Hospital, we learn that the names of the new children of Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Green are James Truman Green, John Harry Green and Margaret Jane Green. And the three presidential namesakes are stealing the show at the hospital — everyone wants to come see them. Fortunately for the mother and father, many folks and at least one business are willing to help them out in their unexpected financial and logistical plight.

April 27, 1999, in The Star: A car-train accident that killed the car's driver yesterday afternoon has residents in Choccolocco wishing once again that the crossing on Milligan Street had any kind of train-approach warning. On impact, the vehicle was knocked into the air, and the lap-only belt of the 1966 Plymouth the victim was driving wasn't enough to hold him in the car. But the intersection only has faded paint on the road — not even stop signs. It would cost about $70,000 to install electronic warning gates at the intersection. The exact reason for the accident isn't known; the crossing is at a long straight section of track, where daytime visibility should be good. Also this date: The Anniston City Council yesterday passed without opposition a zoning amendment that defines the "restaurant lounge" and the "pub" definitions. The new rules allow businesses fitting the criteria to locate anywhere in the central business district downtown. "This [change] will limit bars while encouraging restaurants in downtown. With the addition of food, you get more activity downtown," said Scott Barksdale, executive director of the Spirit of Anniston Development Authority.

Assistant Metro Editor Bill Edwards: 256-236-1551. On Twitter @bedwards_star.