Looking back on Dec. 22

1923

The Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan held a banquet at Municipal Hall, in honor of the wives, sisters and sweethearts of local Knights. The food was served by the ladies of the Baptist Church. T. H. Self was the toastmaster. Speakers were Knights J.T. Marshall, P.S. Ford and Rev. C.M. Wales.

Two copper distilleries of 150 gallons each were cut up near the Franklin county line by prohibition offers B.A. Anthony and agent H.CG. Stulz and deputy sheriff F.C. Minter. No one was caught, but 10,000 gallons of beer were destroyed.

1948

Judge Kennan D. Whittle entered a 7-page opinion Dec. 21 in Pittsylvania County Circuit Court which may set a new precedent in Virginia, the Martinsville Bulletin reported on Dec. 22. In a robbery case, he ruled that in the case of an absolute divorce a woman may testify to certain facts against her former husband.

1973

The Salvation Army’s Commander was Ronald E. Smith.

More than $3 million in bonuses were being paid to employees of eight major industries, the Martinsville Bulletin reported. Employees of Martinsville Novelty, Pannill Knitting and Sale Knitting got the longest vacations, from Dec. 21 through Jan. 2.

1998

Henry County Parks and Recreation held its first Family Christmas in the Park, with hot chocolate, treats, hayrides, Santa Claus, a 12-foot lighted Christmas tree and entertainment by Teresa’s School of Baton and Dance. The event was held at King’s Mountain Park behind the county administration building.

2023

In his 2024-26 budget draft, Gov. Glenn Youngkin proposes eliminating funding for New College Institute, the Martinsville Bulletin reports. It proposes $4.69 million in FY2025-26 but nothing in 2025-26, though it would require NCI to submit a budget plan to state leaders by Oct. 1, 2024.

Information from records at the museum and the Henry/Martinsville Bulletin