Looking Back for Dec. 30

1923

Prices: Percolators, $12 to 15; toasters, $5 to $10; curling irons, $5 to $6.50; irons, $5 to $6.50; medicine cabinets, bevel plate mirror, $20; cozy Glow heaters, $10.50; bathroom stools, $4; broilers, $21; ranges, installed: $200; royal sweepers, $55; floor lamps, $30 to $42.50; waffle irons, $15 – Richardson Electric Co., Bridge Street

1948

Local furniture manufacturers attend the first day of the two-week furniture market in Chicago.

The bodies of three servicemen who died during World War II were returned to the Martinsville area: Pfc. James T. Joyce, son of William F. Joyce, 410 College St.; Pfc. John J. Dillon, son of Arnold G. Dillon of Woolwine; and Pfc. Lester W. Terrell, son of Lacy Terrell, Cascade.

1973

Answering machines were new, and there was debate over whether or not people could connect their own answering machines or only the telephone company could do it. According to the Stroller column in the Martinsville Bulletin, the Federal Communications Commission ruled in 1968 that it was against internal rules, which required that a safety coupling device be installed to protect the telephone equipment. This topic of discussion came up from an alert by William T. Green of Oak Level.

1998

Larry & Alley of Main Street advertised sofas as low as $499.95; Serta mattresses and box springs at ½ off; a dishwasher for $168; a dryer for $239; a glass-door stove for $399.95.

Rangeley Ruritan Club officers installed: Clinton Luther, president, plus Beverly Padgett, Shorty Severance, Bill Young. Robert Huff and Severance were co-Ruritans of the Year.