Nov. 2
100 Years ago – 1924
About 35 members of Jim Bob Bondurant Klan visited the white Protestant churches of the city at 8 p.m. Sunday, during the regular worship services; the usher of the Presbyterian church denied them entry. At the other churches, presented each with a large silk American flag. At each of the other churches, a group of seven Klansmen presented a short ceremony while presenting the gift of a silk American flag. The Henry Bulletin reported that all of the churches were full, some to the point that latecomers had to be denied entry. A Klan member gave to each preacher a letter, the text of which was reproduced in the Nov. 4, 1924, edition of the Henry Bulletin: “Reverend Sir: The robed figures standing before you have entered the House of God, in which you are His Priest, to convey to you and your church their appreciation of your noble work in which you are engaged, and to present to this church this beautiful banner, symbolizing as it does much that is sacred to the heart of every true American Citizen. This action on our part in no way commits your church to the movement represented by these men, but it is purely for the [one line illegible] America, in keeping alive that Spirit of Patriotism, born when our Forefathers brought this republic into existence, and the preservation of which is so vitally important in these days, when the very foundation of a great Nation is being undermined by teachers and teachings inimical to our Country’s welfare. You will please accept the flag around, which cluster so many sacred memories, giving it a suitable place in the church; and may its presence always have that enlightening and sobering influence on all who behold it while worshipping here, out of which is born that genuine Patriotism, the flower of an enlightened people, and the Hope of Universal Peace. Yours Most Respectfully, Jim Bob Bondurant Klan No. 29, Realm of Va.”
75 years ago – 1949
Maynard West of Axton won the Henry County Corn Contest with a yield of 120.94 bushes per acre. His prize was $50 from the Martinsville and Bassett Kiwanis clubs. Second place was Anderson Starling of Ridgeway with 92.23 bushels ($30), and third was G.W. Grogan of Horsepasture, 86.7 bushels ($20). West would be able to go on to compete in a contest by the Danville Chamber of Commerce to award the grower in six counties who has the highest yield. Meanwhile, a radio station in Danville was awarding a purebred bull to the 4-H or FFA club member who has the highest yield per acre in the state of Virginia.
1960
More than 100 people across three states were arrested in a bust on federal liquor violations by the federal ATTU, state ABC and local authorities. Five men from this area were arrested, a 52-year-old from Leatherwood, one from Route 5 Martinsville, a 38-year-old mechanic from Bassett, a grocery store operator from Bassett and a 36-year-old Bassett woodworker. Agents said the 3 a.m. raid caught all the men at home in bed. The next day, a 22-year-old service station employee from Mountain Valley was arrested on the same.
50 years ago – 1974
The MHC Voters League recommended that its members in the city vote against the passage of a referendum asking to allow mixed drinks in the city. It was the first civic organization to take a stance on the matter. Joseph W. Pritchett was the president of the league.
25 years ago - 1999
More than 60% of registered voters went to the polls in Henry and Patrick counties. Results: Henry County Board of Supervisors, incumbent Debra Buchanan got 2,085 votes to Simon Spencer’s 982, and Frances Zehr slipped past incumbent H.G. Vaughn at 1,313 to 1,303. For sheriff, incumbent Frank Cassell won with 10,808, and Barry Stowe got 4,858; clerk of court, Vickie Helmstutler beat seven opponents; treasurer, Scott Grindstaff beat three opponents. In Patrick County, Sheriff David E. Hubbard beat challenger Jay Gregory; Commonwealth’s Attorney, Christopher Corbett; Supervisors: Riger L. Martin, Michael W. Hudson and James D. East won; and Commissioner of Revenue, C. Jerry Love won. Incumbent Barnie Day won 10th District House of Delegates.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.