Nov. 28 through the years
100 Years ago – 1924
Another look at more of the Martinsville High School students’ list of manners, compiled for Best Manners Week Nov. 19-27: Introduction – Gentlemen are always introduced to ladies, but never without the ladies’ permission; a gentleman bows, but doesn’t offer his hand unless a lady first offers hers. This she may do or not, just as she wishes, unless she is the hostess, then she shakes hand with every guest; a lady may also offer her hand to anyone whom she desires to especially notice, such as a brother’s or friend’s friend; Cars – a gentlemen need not be told that ‘racing trains’ or fast driving when he has ladies in his car is one of the crudest forms of discourtesy, because of the almost inevitable danger it entails; the following things should always be avoided: loud talking, a bored tone of voice, whispering, nudging, patting or fingering others, holding hands or hanging on, don’t do anything that will attract attention of passers by.” The list was submitted by Mattie Rogers Smith and Helen Nance.
75 years ago – 1949
J.E. Bassett and Glenn Covington were appointed to a committee to study 2-way radios for county officers. Bassett said he favored the installation of the equipment but it should be done only in county-owned cars – at the time, officers drove their own vehicles. It was suggested that the county buy one car each for Fieldale and Bassett and two cars for Martinsville deputies. It also was suggested that a mobile unit be purchased for the sheriff’s automobile. The cost of the four cars equipped with the radios would be $9,000.
Ad for Lloyd’s Jewelers, 27 Church St.: “No one can have too many CoasTrays. Solid Sterling Silver permanently mated to fine heavy glass – Goblet size $2.50, Decanter $6 – ‘I use them as ASHTRAYS. They’re so good-looking I use them everywhere in the house.’ ‘I use them as COASTERS. I’m always so proud when I use them to serve.’ ‘I give them as GIFTS. They’re so wonderful – I never have to worry about duplication.’”
1960
Letter to Santa: “My name is Buddy and I have been a good boy this year too. Tony and I play together all the time. For Christmas I would like for you to bring me a steam shovel, a toy rifle, a trailer truck, a ferry boat with cars on it, a toy train and a service station. We will be in Princeton at Pop’s House on Christmas, but you can bring my toys to Owens Road and we will be back the day after Christmas. I have a baby brother too and please bring him some nice toys too. Love, Buddy Gregory”
50 years ago – 1974
Consultants Wiley and Watson, who prepared a comprehensive plan for Martinsville, recommended the City encourage diversification of its economic base. Martinsville should move away from manufacturing as the dominant element to provide “a broader base against economic fluctuations.”
25 years ago – 1999
JCPenney Outlet Store was a great place to go Christmas shopping and get something for yourself while you were at it: men’s solid-color crewneck sweater, $9.99; tape player or walkie-talkie, $9.99; 2-piece English Garden floral tapestry luggage set, $49.99; Capezio watches, $19.99; men’s embroidered NBA jacket, $29.99; women’s Mickey Mouse sweatshirt, $6.99; ladies Christie & Jill tuxedo blouse, $12.99; misses short-sleeve knit sportshirts, $1.99; ladies Worthington cardigan sweater, $12.99.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.