March 15
100 Years ago – 1925
Two airplanes from Winston, one driven by “Charles” of Henry County Fair fame, thrilled the crowds. Hundreds of people went to where the planes landed in Dillard Fields, and several people took rides. At one point one of the drivers drove the other one up on the plane, and that one jumped from the plane at a height of 3,000 feet, using a parachute and landing near Hairston Springs. The airplanes were touring several towns in an advertising campaign.
75 years ago – 1950
The home of ABC agent Harry Wyland in Rocky Mount was damaged by a blast of dynomite, and owners of illicit stills were suspected to be the culprits. He, his wife and two children were not injured in the blast, which shattered 12 of the house’s windows and slightly damaged his car. The agent said that over the past several years houses and barns in Franklin County had been destroyed by fires, and it was suspected that moonshiners did that to get back on people who had turned them in.
It was opening day for the sale of Virginia and City motor vehicle license plates. W.R. Shumate sold 550 state strips and 227 city tags.
50 years ago – 1975
Members of the area’s Bicentennial Commission were Dr. Paul H. Jones, schools superintendent; Branch Rives, past superintendent; Mrs. Roy L. Adams of Bassett; O.E. Pilson, retired Drewy Mason High School Principal, and attorney Cary Randolph, all from Henry County; and Mrs. Virginia Hobson, high school guidance counselor, Mrs. Betty Ragsdale, librarian and Richard P. Gravely Jr., all of Martinsville. Gravely was the chairman. They were planning to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the nation and also of Henry County, which in 1776 was split off from Pittsylvania County.
25 years ago – 2000
The State Corporation Commission recommended that Richard Anthony, the former owner of Sanville Utilities, be fined $1,000 a day, going back to Oct. 1, 1999, for failing to obey its order to turn over all documents dealing with the operation of his utility.
Paul Elsenheimer, aka “Mr. E,” was given a schoolwide surprise honor at Sanville Elementary School, where the 76-year-old spent countless hours volunteering. Debbie Doss was the school’s principal.