Feb. 11 through 100 years

100 Years ago – 1925

The Red Cross Nurse and School Principal in the Fieldale Health League started an Anti-Spitting campaign, to help prevent the spread of tuberculosis (consumption). Its announcement read, in part: “Don’t Spit! In the streets, upon the sidewalk, in public conveyances or in rooms, hall or corridors – in fact, anywhere other people have to be. We respectfully request your cooperation as a public spirited citizen to this extent, to help us rid Virginia of a communicable disease, tuberculosis (consumption). You are probably free from any communicable disease yourself, but remember that when you spit promiscuously, you are setting a bad example for the consumptive who has to spit somewhere.” The notice also reminded people that spitting in public is against Virginia law punishable by fines of from $1 to $5.

75 years ago – 1950

The Martinsville Public Library began being open two nights a week: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. Regular weekdays hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays closing at 1 p.m. would remain.

50 years ago – 1975

Rest rooms had been built at the new Chatham Heights Park, which had (and still has) swings, a slide, tennis court, a ballfield, picnic tables and outdoor grills.

25 years ago - 2000                                                                                             

The House Labor and Commerce Committee killed off the Textile Workers Relief Act of 2000 with a 12-10 vote. Also, the Senate Finance Committee voted 9-6 against the Senate Textile Workers Relief Act of 2000.

O. Randolph “Randy” Rollins resigned as president and CEO of Tultex, a clothing company and former major local employer which had gone bankrupt, after 63 years of operation.

— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.