Wednesday, 30th July 1913 Frank Jurors Idle Away Long Hours With Song

Atlanta Journal
July 30th, 1913

They Sing Ballads and Tell Irish Tales During the "Recess" Hours

Jurors in the Frank trial have organized a singing club. Their purpose is not to give diversity to the trial with a note of song, but to while away the time between sessions of court.

When Judge L. S. Roan gives word that the trial has proce[e]ded far enough for the day, jurors are taken for a brief, brisk walk, and then to their residence for the nonce, which consists in three rooms thrown together at the Kimball house.

There the twelve take up their quarters for the night, and remain until the beginning of the court session upon the next day. Twelve cots have been placed in the three connecting rooms, and there the twelve jurors sleep. Until the trial is ended they will have no opportunity of seeing home folks, but they are permitted to send messages through deputy sheriffs.

Still, this routine: court room throughout the day, and three rooms at the Kimball as a bedroom for the night, grows uncomfortable.

Yet, song is a comfort for most of life's distress; so, the jury has taken to singing. They sing ballads and tell Irish stories. Deputies in attendance on jury report that the song club has all but reconciled the twelve men to the prospect of another week of jury duty.