Feb. 14
By Holly Kozelsky and Pat Pion
1924
Health Officer E.M. Wilson showed Health Movies at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, 1924, in the auditorium of the school in Axton. The same movies were shown at 7:30 p.m. in the Ridgeway school auditorium. Mr. George S. Bote made a short talk at each. Young and old were invited, and admission was free.
1949
Paul Zimmerman American Legion sponsored a Valentine’s Day Dance at Club Martinique. and his orchestra provided music and a floor show. Mrs. William T. Turner sang several songs including “I Can’t Help Loving that Man of Mine” and “The Man I Love.” Ernestine Stultz singing novelty renditions; Philip Mays with Al Jolson imitations; Jeannie Marie “Jitterbug” Spencer and her accordion; and tap dancing by Martha Holton. Mrs. Paul Zimmerman was the emcee.
1960
The deepest snow in memory blanketed the area, causing most folks to stay at home. The brave souls who ventured out have broken out their chains and safe driving skills. Snow was forecast to turn to sleet by the end of the day. A high of 20-25 was expected, with a low of 16. Not a single police arrest was made the day before in the city or the county. How’s that for nature’s way of preventing crime?
John W. Yeaman, Broker, advertised the estate sale of 12,000 shares of American Furniture Company as a matter of record.
Citizens were urged to attend one of the public hearings designed to inform the public about the $2,300,000 bond issue coming up for vote on March 1. City Manager Julian F. Hirst conducted those meetings slated to occur throughout the city. It was the single largest undertaking the city had ever proposed.
The State Conference of the Children of the American Revolution met. More than 200 members attended. The Fort Trial Society of the CAR enjoyed a presentation about the conference at their monthly meeting in Martinsville. In addition they enjoyed a presentation on the importance of patriotic education.
The Patrick Henry Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution held their monthly meeting at “The Hut”, where they learned that the Fort Trial Society, Children of the American Revolution brought back the Society’s certificate award: the silver Patriots Cup. This award recognizes the affiliate who obtains the largest number of new of patriots during the year. They have won the cup for three consecutive years, thereby obtaining permanent possession of the cup.
1974
Linda Reynolds gave the presentation “Meals to Fit the Budget” to the Shannon Hills Homemakers who met at the home of Mrs. W.W. Cooper of Shamrock Drive. Reynolds is the wife of Roscoe Reynolds, who at the time was the Henry County Commonwealth’s Attorney.
1999
On Valentine’s Day 1999, 200 teenagers committed to remain virgins until marriage – during the True Love Waits Rally at First United Methodist Church. They signed True Love Waits Commitment Cards and taped them together, and the string of cards was held up from the ladder of the Martinsville Fire Department’s truck. The string of cards was as tall as the Piedmont Trust Bank building, about 70 feet.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin accessed on microfilm at the Martinsville Branch Library.