March 27

100 Years ago – 1925

Martinsville police officer Harrison M. Dudley was building a new automobile service station on West Main Street, just below the American Café. It would be the ninth service station within the city limits, all within a period of 4 years. The first one was built by A.D. Beckner on Church Street.

75 years ago – 1950

Attorneys trying to help the Martinsville Seven get their cases appealed and avoid execution turned down the help of the Progressive Party of Virginia. NAACP attorney Martin A. Martin said that the NAACP would do all they could to help the seven defendants without advice from any left-wing organization.

50 years ago – 1975

American Furniture Co. officials asked the State Air Pollution Control Board for an extra 18 months to meet state and federal emission standards which would take effect in July. Originally, the company had asked for a 3-year extension, to May 1978, but its attorney, Jackson Kiser, said the installation could go much faster now since the plants were on short time.

Janet Terry Venable, 29, of 102 Pony Place, was shot to death, allegedly by the man she lived with. Her three children, ages 4, 6 and 8, were taken to their grandmother’s house on Roundabout Road. They had not been injured.

25 years ago - 2000

Fitness Connection was at 31-33 E. Church St. New members could join with a 3-month membership for $100.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors told County Administrator Sid Clower to consider funding to join with Martinsville in starting a new dental clinic for low-income residents. He said the County’s part would be about $30,000.