The following clipping is further evidence to support the hypothesis that much of the author of DEVIL MAKE A THIRD's inspiration came from old copies of Dothan newspapers. Two important images used in the book are found in this single December 21, 1916 newspaper clipping from THE DOTHAN HOME JOURNAL : "THE PUDDIN' HOUSE" and the toy glass pistol filled with candy.
In Dothan, "THE TENNESSEE PUDDING HOUSE" was probably located somewhere around the intersection of East Burdeshaw and North Range. In Aven, "The Puddin' House" was in Baptist Bottom (In Dothan, that's the area around Chickasaw and North Alice). Early in the story (page 39), a drunken Buck is walking through Baptist Bottom when he encounters a Black preacher in front of the Puddin' House. They strike up a conversation and Buck ends up buying two billy goats from the preacher which will spell disaster when he arrives at his destination: a house of prostitution. The second image of the toy glass pistol filled with candy occurs at the beginning of Buck and his mother's rail trip to New York City(page 181). Unknown to Buck, before they embark from Aven, his mother telegraphs his ex-wife in Waycross and asks her to meet them at the station as they pass through. This would be Buck's first opportunity to see his son. During the ride to Waycross, a boy selling novelties comes by and Buck's Mama buys the toy gun filled with candy for the grandson she hopes to see for the first time. Buck's ex-wife doesn't show up with the boy so as they leave the station heading for New York City, Buck gives the toy glass pistol to the shine boy who polished his shoes while they were waiting in Waycross.