Nov. 15
100 Years ago – 1924
The new machinery of the new Hooker-Bassett Furniture Company were set moving and the initiatory work of manufacturing began [this was on a Saturday]. Management predicted that within 10 days the plant would have a full force of workmen. Plans to make this furniture plan only began that spring. J. Clyde Hooker and Associates owned the plant, and Mr. Whitener was the construction supervisor. The building was described as a modern industrial structure of concrete, brick and steel with ample lighting and ventilation, 750 feet long and 200 feet wide. The machinery was operated by electric current supplied by its own power plant, and connection also would be made with the town system for emergency or standby purposes.
75 years ago – 1949
Martinsville druggist Maynard H. Shelton of Kearfott’s Drug Store was elected president of the Retail Merchants Association. The meeting was held at Henry Hotel. Herman Fusfeld was vice-president and Jack W. Townes was secretary and treasurer, both reelected. Miss Ursie Davis, who had been the office secretary for more than 25, was reappointed. The RMA talked about how Santa Claus would arrive to Martinsville by plane Dec. 1, which would open the start of the Christmas shopping season.
1960
The Chamber of Commerce released a 12-page detailed report of consumers’ opinions of shopping in Martinsville, based on a survey. It revealed that customers of Martinsville stores did most of their shopping in Martinsville because of convenience, but they shopped outside Henry County because of price, variety, quality and efficient service. The report would be discussed by the Chamber’s Trade Promotion Committee the following day at Henry Hotel. The survey had 1,750 returns. It said that the highest percentage of shoppers who went out of Martinsville to shop, 14.4%, did so for women’s clothes. Desires of consumers were: more parking, prices more in line with neighboring communities, one night opening per week for stores; additional banking hours; reliable and prompt servicing of appliances; additional dining and banquet facilities; creative selling; and courteous and efficient service to “all” customers.
50 years ago – 1974
Bassett taxicab driver John William Futrell, 38 was shot to death, discovered in his cab in the Early Hollow section of Bassett. Eugene Curtis Martin of Martinsville had his cab and $120 stolen from him.
25 years ago – 1999
Miscellaneous items you could get from the classified ads: Christmas trees for wholesale – white & scotch pine, $4-$8, and Douglas fir, $15; Curtis Mathes floor model TV; exercise bike & Skimaster; fireplace insert with blower for $100; Nintendo with games for $100; Fisher 25-inch color TV and entertainment center, $200 for both.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.