Jan. 4 through the years …

1924

Piedmont Trust Bank of Martinsville advertised its Christmas Clubs. For Increasing Clubs, in 50 weeks, 1 cent a week pays $12.75, up to 10 cents a week pays $127.50. For Decreasing Clubs, “You can begin with the largest deposit and decrease your deposit each week.” With Even Amount Clubs, 25 cents a week pays $12.50, up to $20 a week pays $1,000. 4% interest paid on Clubs.

1949

Chairman D. Hurd Goode will be the chair of a committee of more than 100 Martinsville citizens for the election of a city-manager form of government. The special election on whether or not to adopt a city-manager form will be held Jan. 25. Other committee members: John H. Hartley, secretary-treasurer, John W. Richardson and W.B. Muse, Precinct 1; T.J. Burch, Precinct 2; Charles E. Reed, Precinct 3; and Victor Tucker, Precinct 4.

1974

The Henry County Planning Commission recommended Wednesday that aerial photographs be made for use in preparing topographical maps of Henry County, the Bulletin reported on Jan. 4. Under the county’s proposed subdivision ordinance, land developers will be required to use them or contour maps. The low bid is from Photo Science Laboratories in Gaithersburg, Md., for maps scaled on 1 inch to 1,000 feet.

Gas prices locally went over 50 cents, the Bulletin reported.. Lee Sigmon, operator of American Oil Stations on River Hill and Church Street, issued black and white cards to his regular customers, to allow them to purchase gas. Those without cards would be limited to $1 purchases. Sigmon’s gas costs 50.9 cents a gallon, up from 44.1 a week ago.

1999

Bob Hetzel was the executive director of the Southern Virginia Economic Development Partnership. In the Henry County Board of Supervisors, Collinsville District Supervisor Jack Dalton was elected as chairman and Reed Creek District Supervisor Mike Seidle was elected as vice chair.