Recap: January 1924, 1949, 1974, 1999
January 1924, 1949, 1975, 1999, presented in 2024
Jan. 1
1924
You could get your Dodge Brothers Type-B Sedan at O.D. Ford Motor Co. in Martinsville, Bassett Motor Service Co. in Bassett, Central Garage in Rocky Mount or Stuart Motor Co. in Stuart. “When winter intensifies your desire for closed car warmth and protection, remember that Dodge Brothers Type-B Sedan is almost as inexpensive to own and operate as an open touring car.”
1949
Edith Doyle’s Millinery was at 24 ½ E. Main St. It offered fall and winter hats, hand-beaded, feather trimmed, on sale from $4 to $6
Bettie’s Beauty Shop (Bettie Gilbert) opened on Jan. 3 at 909 Starling Avenue, tel. 2717. Bettie Gilbert was from Miller & Rhoads in Richmond.
Ad: What’s Cookin’ – Why the Most *Snappy *Fast *Cheerful Service in Town. Eanes Atlantic Service. 624 Bridge St., Phone 5214.
1974
Ad for Globman’s Basement Store Wednesday Bargains: Mary Proctor All Steel Ironing Boards, $4.96; Ladies Nylon Slips, regular 2 for $7.98 and $9, 2 for $6.44; Men’s Nylon Umbrellas, save 40%, $2.99, limit two; Boys’ Never-Iron Shirts (picture shows long sleeved, buttoned shirt, worn with large bow tie), $1.96; Automatic Toaster Oven, Proctor-Silex, $18.96; Hoover Dial-A-Matic vacuum cleaner, regular $169.95, $139.95
1999
The Martinsville, Henry and Patrick unemployment rate was at 6%, up from the 5.1% of October 1998.
Jan. 2
1924
By E.G. Saunders, L.H.D.A.: Nine girls and one boy (William Simmons) of the West Martinsville Club sang plantation melodies for the Emancipation Celebration Jan. 1, 1924, at High Street Baptist Church. Three clubs agreed to have old-fashioned candy parties: Preston, Ridgeway and Chestnut Knob. … “We hope that all club members will take up the 5 H’s for 1924 with double interest.”
On Jan. 2, 1924, a 40-year-old old leaf tobacco factory on Lester street, across from the Danville & Western railroad, burned down. It had been built by the late Henry C. Lester and in 1924 was owned by his nephew, R.S. Brown. Its value was estimated at $200. The owner had cancelled insurance on it the previous spring because he was planning to raze it. A neighboring storage warehouse owned by R.S. Brown and used by A.L. Tuggle caught fire too, but that fire was put out.
1949
Ad: Carter’s Frozen Foods Inc., Roanoke Highway between Collinsville and Martinsville: “Bring Us Your Whole Hog for Processing. Kill your hog any day of the year except Sunday. We will: Chill body heat out of carcass; cut your hog up; cure ham, shoulders and bacon; render your lard; grind and season your sausage; wrap in family size packages; quick freeze fresh meat – put in your locker. Cost only 5 cents per pound dressed weight of hog.”
1974
Food prices locally rose 5.6% from July to December, the Martinsville Bulletin reported on July 2, 1974, but 13% nationwide.
Congress had voted to return to daylight saving time returning “at 2 p.m. Sunday,” the Martinsville Bulletin reported on July 1, 1974, as a measure to save energy. Two local school systems decided to operate on “sun” time so students don’t have to leave for school in the dark. In Franklin County, school runs from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m, and on March 16, the schedule would revert back to 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. In Patrick County, schools would run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of March. The Henry County system was planning to meet to discuss it.
1999
The owner of the Virginia Home in Fieldale has leased the former boarding house and restaurant to Eastern Shepherd Drug Rehabilitation Center Inc., of which Virginia Barker was the president, the Bulletin reported. The corporation bought the building in April 1993 for $30,000, but there were problems with zoning and neighborhood opposition, the Bulletin reported on Dec. 29. So the center was leased in November to New Life Worship Center of 116 Ellsworth St., to fix food boxes for the needy.
Jan. 3
1924
Three banks of Martinsville held their regular stockholders meetings this week: First National and People’s on Jan. 8 and Piedmont Trust Bank on Jan. 9.
· At First National: resources, $1,750,000; deposits, $1,290,000; capital, surplus, undivided profits and reserves amounting to $202,766.52; net earnings $22,598.15 (15%). H.C. Clanton presided, Dr J.P. McCabe secretary; board of directors E.L. Williamson, J.M. Shackleford, R.S. Brown, A.J. Lester, J.C. Greer and H.N. Dyer.
· Peoples: Net earnings $24,047.53 (24%); capital, surplus, undivided profits and reserve $193,111.24; just over $1 million in deposits and resources of $1.5 million. Directors and officers: C.B. Keesee, president; J.A. Brown, vice president and cashier; directors, C.B. Keesee, T.G. Burch, A.D. Whitten, J.H. Stanley, Harden Hairston, J.B. Sparrow, S.G. Whittle, J.C. Kearfott, J.A. Brown.
· Piedmont Trust: Resources, $312,000; capital stock, $150,000; reserve fund, $8,175.93; capital, surplus and undivided profits, $170,389.14; net earnings, $8,623,80. Dr. C.T. Womack, president; I.M. Groves Jr., secretary; directors, T.G. Burch, A.D. Witten, B.M. Townes, I.M. Groves Jr., C.C. Bassett, H.N. Dyer, O.D. Ford, H.A. Ford, N.S. Goode, H. C. Gravely, R.P. Gravely, Samuel Hairston, J.E. Howard, C.B. Keesee, H.V. Price, S.S. Stephens, A. Tuggle, C.A. Whaling, S.G. Whittle Jr., A.D. Witten.
1949
At the Roxy: Roy Rogers and Trigger: “Grand Canyon Trail”; Leo Gorcey and the Bowery Boys in “Jinx Money”; Rita Haysworth and Glenn Ford, “The Loves of Carmen,” / At the National: “Robert Young, Marguerite Chapman in “Relentless”; “Angel in Exile.” / At the Rives: Joan Leslie and J. Craig, “Northwest Stampede”; Scott Brady “In This Corner.”
1974
Congress had voted to return to daylight saving time returning “at 2 p.m. Sunday,” the Martinsville Bulletin reported on July 1, 1974, as a measure to save energy. Two local school systems decided to operate on “sun” time so students don’t have to leave for school in the dark. In Franklin County, school runs from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m, and on March 16, the schedule would revert back to 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. In Patrick County, schools would run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of March. The Henry County system was planning to meet to discuss it.
1999
Laurel Park Bingo was giving away over $10,600 in prizes every weekend. Games were held Friday and Saturday nights.
Jan. 4
1924
Piedmont Trust Bank of Martinsville advertised its Christmas Clubs. For Increasing Clubs, in 50 weeks, 1 cent a week pays $12.75, up to 10 cents a week pays $127.50. For Decreasing Clubs, “You can begin with the largest deposit and decrease your deposit each week.” With Even Amount Clubs, 25 cents a week pays $12.50, up to $20 a week pays $1,000. 4% interest paid on Clubs.
1949
Chairman D. Hurd Goode will be the chair of a committee of more than 100 Martinsville citizens for the election of a city-manager form of government. The special election on whether or not to adopt a city-manager form will be held Jan. 25. Other committee members: John H. Hartley, secretary-treasurer, John W. Richardson and W.B. Muse, Precinct 1; T.J. Burch, Precinct 2; Charles E. Reed, Precinct 3; and Victor Tucker, Precinct 4.
1974
The Henry County Planning Commission recommended Wednesday that aerial photographs be made for use in preparing topographical maps of Henry County, the Bulletin reported on Jan. 4. Under the county’s proposed subdivision ordinance, land developers will be required to use them or contour maps. The low bid is from Photo Science Laboratories in Gaithersburg, Md., for maps scaled on 1 inch to 1,000 feet.
Gas prices locally went over 50 cents, the Bulletin reported.. Lee Sigmon, operator of American Oil Stations on River Hill and Church Street, issued black and white cards to his regular customers, to allow them to purchase gas. Those without cards would be limited to $1 purchases. Sigmon’s gas costs 50.9 cents a gallon, up from 44.1 a week ago.
1999
Bob Hetzel was the executive director of the Southern Virginia Economic Development Partnership. In the Henry County Board of Supervisors, Collinsville District Supervisor Jack Dalton was elected as chairman and Reed Creek District Supervisor Mike Seidle was elected as vice chair.
Jan. 5
1924
Martinsville Bakery made Quality Bread and Cake, phones 28 and 95. Its advertisement recommends slicing through the loaf as much bread as you’d want for the meal, “press the slices closely together. Pop in on hot oven until heated through. Then pop out. You’ll enjoy it so much you’ll want to eat twice your regular Bread portion. And not a crumb wasted.”
Ad for Schilbes’s Bakery, Martinsville: “It is rumored that a certain fastidious young lady of town kneads bread with gloves on. This incident may be peculiar, but there are others. NOW, we NEED bread our showed on. We need bread with our shirts on. We need bread with our pants on, and unless we can corral more of the business of this vicinity, we will soon need bread without a d------- thing on, and this town will be a Garden of Eden. – Get Busy and Send Your Orders for Home-Made Bread to Schilbe’s Bakery, Martinsville, Virginia.
1949
City Building and Plumbing Inspector Jimmy B. Jones reported that in December, about $30,000 was spent or authorized on construction in the city. Sixteen permits were issued. Two houses were authorized, for Ike L. Anderson on Keel Street ($7,509) and a parsonage ($6,530) on Lavinder Steet for the Church of God.
1974
Mr. and Mrs. Robert V. Steagall of Martinsville and Mr. and Mrs. Newton Day of Roxboro, N.C., sued the Howard Johnson’s Hotel in New Orleans and the Howard Johnson’s chain. Their children, Mrs. Elizabeth Day Steagall and Dr. Robert V. Steagall Jr., were killed in the hotel on their honeymoon by Mark James Essex during a 24-hour siege of the hotel by a band of snipers. Eight people were killed and 21 were wounded. The suing parents asked for $3.1 million each, charging the hotel management and corporation for neglect in failing to protect its guests.
1999
Pluma Inc. cut up to 450 jobs, closed two plants and six outlet stores. The cut would be 21% of the workforce. Workers from the Eden, N.C. plant, which would be closed, would work in the Martinsville and Chatham plants. The Rocky Mount sewing plant, where 225 people worked, would close. Pluma’s six outlet stores would close; they were in Martinsville (at the Patrick Henry Mall), Eden, Rocky Mount, Vesta and Chatham.
Jan. 6
1924
Martinsville reached 5 degrees below zero on Jan. 6, thought to be the lowest temperature in 30 years. Henry Clay Preston of Chestnut Knob was found dead on the side of the road leading from the state highway to his home. He had been to Martinsville with a load of wood. It was presumed that on returning home Saturday night the team became unmanageable and Preston was thrown out of the wagon. One of his ankles had been broken.
1949
All six schools high schools in the county have been accredited for 1948-49. They are: Spencer-Penn, Fieldale, Axton, Bassett, Ridgeway, Henry County Training School (for black students). The division superintendent of schools was J.F. Hollifield.
1974
The MHC Chamber of Commerce joined the national Chamber of Commerce’s drive “Save America, Save 25 per cent to conserve fuel, as a measure to try to avoid the nation to actually go to fuel rationing, the Bulletin reported.
The Henry County School Board voted to keep the schools on the regular schedule, though Patrick and Franklin schools are going on “sun” time (roughly 10-4) through March. Superintendent Dr. Paul H. Jones called the matter “one of the biggest issues” of the year.
1999
Norman Mills of Axton, a Tultex employee, was on The Price is Right. He won various prizes including Ray Ban sunglasses and a trip to Brazil.
Jan. 7
1924
The City Pressing Club on Fayette Street promised “pleating of all kinds – box, knife, accordion.” W.R. Stultz was the manager, and the phone number was 323.
1949
At a Jan. 7 meeting of about 60 farmers at the courthouse, Virginia Farm Bureau Vice President A.F. Mahan urged farmers to grow more cigarette-type tobacco. Figures obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture showed that the carry-over of Old Belt tobacco is greater than the unsold leave produces in other sections of the flue-cured belt. Too much heavy tobacco is grown, he said.
1974
Henry County Commonwealth’s Attorney Roscoe Reynolds said that special officers are required by law to cooperate with, and are subject to being directed by, the county’s chief law enforcement official, C.P. Witt, the Bulletin reported on Jan. 6, 1074. Witt said when he has asked for help from the Bassett Special Police (the county pays part of their salary), he had been denied. One such instance was during the strike at HCA Martin Processing. The Board of Supervisors was planning to bring up the matter.
AP: Most of the nation’s clocks moved ahead an hour on Sunday for 22 straight months of Daylight Saving Time. The switch, the first time the nation has gone on year-round Daylight Saving Time since World War II, was proposed by President Nixon and approved by Congress to help ease the energy crisis.
1999
The MHC Chamber of Commerce decided to cancel the 1999 Trade Show because they decided the building in which they were going to hold it was not safe enough. The Trade Show, which had been scheduled for March 8-12, was going to be held at F&L on Cleveland Avenue, the former Sara Lee Knit Products Plant, used at the time for Fred Martin Sr. and his family’s offices. One hundred and twenty-two businesses had signed up; Larry Aydlett was the Chamber president then.
Jan. 8
1924: Jan. 8, 1924, Town Council meeting: Present, Hon. G.A. Brown, mayor; J.H. Stanley, J.D. Sparrow, Whitley Shumate, F.P. Turner, C.A. Whaling and J.W. Booker Jr., councilmen. Some topics discussed: Some citizens who had put in “frigid air machines” have applied for a special rate of electric current for them, but Council deemed there was not enough consumption by those machines to warrant it. / Seven colored families living on Third Street, south of Fayette, applied for electric lights, and the council furnished those lights on the same terms that other parties living outside the corporate limit get electric current. / Henry B. Hairston was proposed, and Council accepted, that the Town build a sidewalk in front of his store on Fayette Street and he would provide the materials.
1949: This day 75 years ago was the start of the Martinsville Seven incident: On the night of Jan. 8, city and county police investigated an alleged criminal assault on a woman by 13 men, in East Martinsville, the Martinsville Bulletin reported on Jan. 9, 1949. Police searched a wide area around the Lee Telephone Co. garage off the Old Danville Road for the suspects. After the attack, the woman walked several hundred yards to the office of the Prillaman Paint Co., operated by Mayor Nick Prillaman, to call police. The woman had been going to collect for some clothing she had sold to families, and she was accompanied by a 12-year-old black boy, of the Cherrytown section, when the alleged attack happened. The boy confirmed the woman’s story but said he didn’t think it was as many as 13 attackers.
1974: The Martinsville Bulletin and the Southwest Virginia Enterprise of Copeland won the W.S. Copeland Memorial Awards by the Virginia Press Association. The Bulletin was honored for: a successful campaign to retain a planning district commission for its circulation area; an in-depth study which overcame complacency by educational and government officials and resulted in a vigorous campaign against drug abuse; and for a campaign to force the Henry County Board of Supervisors to open their closed meetings in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
1999: The price of a stamp went up by 1 cent, to 33 cents.
Jan. 9
1924: During the January term of the Henry County Circuit Court, the Henry Bulletin of that time reported, Pearl Martin was found guilty of keeping a house of ill fame. The case was settled out of court by Martin entering a pleas of guilty, paying $50 and costs with a jail sentence of two months. The jail sentence was suspended on the condition of good behavior and also on the condition that Martin leave town for two years. Also, 24 cars were seized in connection with the transport of illegal liquor.
1949: Seven black men were arrested with criminally assaulting the wife of a white Martinsville store manager early Saturday night, Jan. 8: Frank Hairston Jr., 18; Joe Henry Hampton, 19; James Luther Hairston, 20; John Clabon Taylor, 21; Francis DeSale Grayson, 37; Howard Lee Hairston, 18; Booker T. Millner, 19, the Martinsville Bulletin reported. At first it was said 13 men were involved, but those who confessed said only seven. The accused assaults took place 150 yards east of the Lee Telephone Co. garage in East Martinsville. Two of the men were arrested by state, county and city police officers late Saturday night near the site, and four were arrested in their homes around 4 a.m. Sunday. The woman assaulted had been walking with 12-year-old Charlie Martin. He told police that Millner gave him a quarter and sent him on his way, telling him not to tell anyone about what happened. Officers said the boy could not identify all those at the scene but after two arrests were made, all seven were implicated.
On Jan. 9, Mr. and Mrs. William M. Bassett of Bassett announced the engagement of their daughter, Mary Elizabeth, to Spencer Wood Morten Jr. of Martinsville, son of Mrs. Theodore Chester Hagood of Santa Monica, Calif., and Spencer Wood Morten, or St. Louis, Mo., with a wedding planned for early summer.
1974: Martinsville’s electoral board decided to consolidate the city’s ten vote precincts into five. Precincts No. 1 West End and No. 6 Albert Harris would be moved into a new precinct No. 1, with 2,111 voters for Albert Harris High School; Precinct No. 2 Downtown Fire Station and No. 4 Patrick Henry could be merged into No. 2 with 2,175 citizens to vote at Martinsville Junior High School; Precinct No. 3 Southside Fire Station and No. 9 Joseph Martin School would merge into No. 3 with 1,237 voters at Southside Fire Station; Precinct No. 7 Clearview School and No. 10 Martinsville High School would be merged into Precinct No. 4 with 1,694 to vote at MHS; and Precinct 5 Druid Hills and No. 8 Lake Lanier would merge into Precinct 5 with 2,204 voters at Druid Hills School.
Also on this date in 1974: State Sen. Virgil H. Goode Jr., elected as an independent in the Nov. 6 special election, was admitted to the Senate Democratic Caucus on the eve of the opening of the 1974 General Assembly.
1999: Saturday was a big day in 1999. It started with a pancake breakfast by the Bassett Ruritan Club, for $4. Brunswick stew cost $4 – at the Horsepasture Fire Department Brunswick stew sale. Willard Arnold was the cook. The Rangeley Ruritan Club held a country music show with the Dan River Bluegrass Band on Saturday night, Jan. 9. Over in Patrick County, American Legion Post 105 held a Variety Dance with music by Stagecoach.
2024: The Dutch Inn once again has a restaurant, now run by Austin Boyd and Justin Haley, the owners of Chopstix, the Martinsville Bulletin reports. It’s the first time the popular eatery will be open since the pandemic.
Jan. 10
1924, Here’s what J.W. Booker & Co. of Martinsville (Phone 70) was selling as Feedstuff in 1924: Daisy, Shipstuff, Bran, Sweet Feed, Cotton Seed Meal, Corn, Oats, Hay, Straw, Cow Chow Dairy Feed, Butter Ball Dairy Feed, Scratch Feed, Baby Chick Feed, Beef Scraps, Oyster Shells, Laying Mash, Grow Mash for baby chicks.
1949, The E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) ranked 16th among industrial enterprises in Virginia for employment during 1948, an issue of “The Commonwealth,” The Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s magazine, reported. DuPont at that time employed more than 2,200 people. However, that paled in comparison with the Dan River Mills in Danville, with 12,500 workers, making it top on the list. Next was the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock company, with 12,000, then Norfolk Navy Yard, at Portsmouth, with 10,000.
1974, Thelma Craig offered Drapery Making Classes. Interested parties were to fill out a coupon with name, address and phone number and send it to her post office box to receive information.
Also in 1974, City Council called for tougher enforcement of trash ordinances; Councilman W.D. Hartford described alleys as “disgusting,” “in real bad shape” and “too dirty for rats,” the Bulletin reported on Jan. 9, 1974.
1999, Martinsville and Henry County had below average results on Standards of Learning testing. Henry County schools were in “Effective Schools Program” started in 1996 to change curriculum to match the changed state standards that were imposed by former Gov. George Allen’s administration. In the city, Druid Hills Elementary School was one of only 39 of the 1,800+ public schools in Virginia that met accreditation standards – if the state’s new accreditation standards were to be in effect. Bill Vickers was the principal there. David Martin was the superintendent of Henry County Public Schools.
2024, Eric Phillips wins the special election to fill the delegate seat vacated by Les Adams; also, the Martinsville Bulletin reports that Republican headquarters had been vandalized over the weekend.
Jan. 11
1924: A front-page article in the Jan. 11, 1924, Henry Bulletin states that H.M. Land, “one of Irisburg’s progressive farmers,” was “well pleased” with the prices his tobacco commanded at Banner Warehouse. He made $999.74 from his 14,000 plants. “He deposited the money for his crops in one of the banks in town and says he much prefers to sell on the open market, and get the cash all down when sold.”
1949: A Stuart taxi driver was fined $125 and handed a 90-day suspended jail sentence in Patrick Trial Justice Court on charges he bought a pint of whiskey for two high-school boys after driving them to a place it could be bought. Investigation began when Stuart high school teachers noticed the boys were under the influence, while in school.
Also 1949: Bruce Cox was appointed the newly formed Fieldale district of Appalachian Electric Power.
1974: Ad: H&M Shoes, Downtown Martinsville – Special Sale Converse “Coach” $9.97, regular $12; green, purple, red, blue, black, white & gold, light blue, orange
1999: Bassett Ruritan Club officers for 1999 were Burley Hooker, president; Clifford Adkins, vice president; Joe Varner, treasurer; Inez Adkins, secretary and 3-year director; Nancy Hooker, entertainment director. The late James Adkins was named 199’8s Outstanding Ruritan of the Year.
2024: Supporters are practicing their dance routines as they prepare for Piedmont Arts’ major every-two-year fundraiser, Dancing For the Arts. Two of those are Pres Garrett and Tekela Redd. Piedmont Arts’ other major fundraiser is Savory September.
Jan. 12
1924: The Tubise Artificial Silk Co. of Hopewell was advertising as far as Martinsville in the Henry Bulletin for “all members of the family” to come work. Young men and women who “have been thrown out of employment” as well as farmers “are bringing their families to Hopewell. … The Turbise plant makes artificial silk from a cotton base, and a large number of boys, girls and women are employed in the various processes. The work is light and pleasant, and workers quickly become expert. … The company still has a limited number of positions for girls and boys, but entire families having several workers are especially need.”
1949: Ad from Rhodes in Bassett and Martinsville: How do you like your shirts? Rhodes offers shirts the way you like them! Without Starch – If you are one of the many men who insist on NO STARCH in your shirts – you will be pleased with RHODES NO STARCH SHIRT SERVICE – or With Starch – Light, medium or heavy. For those of you who like starch, RHODES offers shirt finishing at its best. Crisp and satin smooth. All shirts returned in the No Crush Pax, which insures you a perfect shirt anytime it is desired!
1974: Va. Senator Virgil Goode Jr., 27, of Franklin County, was named to committees on General Laws, Local Government and Social Services and Rehabilitation.
1999: Car prices at Jim Mills: 1998 Lincoln Town Car, $27,900; 1997 Lincoln Town Car Signature, $26,900; 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood, $14,995; 1998 Mercury Tracer GS, $10,900; 1993 Ford Taurus station wagon, $4,995; 1989 Mercury Sable, $2,495
2024: City Council changes City Charter to require that the reversion process begin with an election, the Martinsville Bulletin reported on Jan. 12.
Jan. 13
1924: The bakeries Schilbe and Martinsville had dueling ad campaigns, each week with different sales pitches for their breads. An ad by Martinsville Bakery says making Hot Bread is “Like Waving a Magic Wand.” “Slice your Bread in good generous slices, cutting only part way through. Press the slices closely together as to retain the loaf formation. Place in a Bread-pan and slip into a hot oven. In a few minutes you will take out Hot Bread that is tender, crisp and rich in delicious Bread-flavor.
1949: Construction on the Philpott Dam was expected to begin in late spring or early summer under funds provided for the year beginning July 1, 1949. The House Appropriations Committee was asking for $2,800,000 for the project.
Also in 1949, Ad from Bondurant Furniture Corp., located on Main & Clay (Phone 3397): Trade-In Your Old Living Room Suite! We will allow $25 for the purchase of a smart new 2 or 3 piece living room suite.
1974: Mrs. Mae Leake Chunging celebrated her 106th birthday on Jan. 13. She stayed at the Martinsville Convalescent Home.
1999: The 100-foot-tall old water towner near the former American Furniture Co. plant on Broad Street was torn down by the property’s then-owners, Pulaski Furniture. It weighed 50,000 pounds and was said to have become a safety hazard.
2024: Fire destroys Chatmoss home.
Jan. 14
1924: Officers of the Boosters Club of Fieldale were: Mr. E.H. Goode, Mr. W.J. Mehoffey and Mr. J.H. Ripple.
1949: The Collinsville Community Association was formed, with officers Rex Snapp (chairman), Robert E. Turner, Robbert Morris, Oscar Cannaday, Sam Gusler and A.L. Philpott. The discussed establishing a voting precinct in the community and getting better bus service, that by a street-naming and house-numbering committee.
1974: Mrs. Datie Chitwood of Collinsville ran a beauty shop on John Redd Boulevard. She told the Bulletin’s Stroller that about eight sparrows fought furiously over a birdhouse outside the shop window (yes, at this time of year!).
1999: Barker’s Auto Salvage at 374 Centreville Road was destroyed by fire, but owner Rosie Lee Barker said they’d rebuild.
2024: Martin Luther King Day commemoration services were held at Mt. Sinai Apostle Church, host pastor Bishop J.C. Richardson, with guest speaker Pastor Alan Preston of Refuge Temple Church, and at First Baptist Church East Martinsville, with host pastor Rev. Charles Whitfield speaking.
Jan. 15
1924: American Dining Room Furniture began its operations on Jan. 15, 1924, with about 35 employees, with a goal of having 250 employees.
1949: At the annual meeting of stockholders and directors of Burch-Hodges-Stone Inc., all old officers were re-elected: P.R. Stone, president; L.J. Hodges and R.S. Hodnett, vice presidents; J.S. Scales; Miss Ruby Morris H. Ray Stinnett.
1974: City School Board at a meeting talked about personnel changes: Ralph E. Shank, principal of Martinsville Senior High School on Northside Drive for 5 years, asked to be reassigned; Dr. N. Grant Tubbs, director of instruction for the school system, will replace Shank at MSHS; Joseph E. Finley, associate principal at MSHS, will become director of instruction, replacing Dr. Tubbs; Clyde L. Williams, assistant principal at Martinsville Junior High School, will become assistant principal of the senior high school.
1999: 5B’s Inc. laid off most of its 107 employees due to what the embroidery company said was part of normal seasonal slowdown but said it expected to start calling workers back in February. Six to eight employees would remain in the plant.
2024: Eleven startup businesses are expanding thanks to more than $62,000 awarded by the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s Partnership for Economic Growth (C-PEG), the Henry County Enterprise reported.
Jan. 16
1924: On Jan. 16, 1924, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union held a celebration of the fourth anniversary of the Eighteenth Amendment to the constitution – Prohibition – at the Presbyterian Church. Speakers included Rev. C.H. Phipps, and Rev. W.B. Jett of the Methodist church. The slogan of the W.C.T.U. became “a saloonless America by 1920.” Before Prohibition, Jett said in his talk, 24 states had passed prohibition acts, and in Virginia a vote of 40,000 majority had been polled for prohibition. The National Prohibition law went into effect on Jan. 16, 1920.
1949: Two-year-old Billy Harris received a gunshot wound in the abdomen. He was treated at Martinsville General Hospital, where he was said to be in fair condition. He was shot with a .22-calibre rifle while he and his brother were waiting in a car outside the hospital while his father and an aunt visited their mother inside the hospital. In another car, two 4-year-old boys were waiting as well. One of them found a rifle that his father had left in the back of the rear seat.
1974: A new $660,000 vocational shop facility was built at Martinsville High School and got its final inspection by W.K. Putney, school board chair; Conrad Knight, architect; and Chester Lane, director of industrial arts and vocational education.
1999: The Mary Anna Jackson Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy was still active. Members then included Louise Noble, Margaret DeHart, Susan Critz, Nancy Doyle, Mary Virginia Kyle, Jessie Martin, Carolyn Tush and Jean Gray.
2024: A metal fraternity dog tag, found in the waters of the Roanoke River in North Carolina, has been connected to a burglary that occurred in Martinsville almost 73 years ago, the Martinsville Bulletin reported. That dog tag belonged to Kent Mathewson, Martinsville’s first city manager. The City voted to change to a city manager type of government in the last week of January 1949 (which you’ll read about in next week’s “Looking Back” columns, and Mathewson was hired for that role within the week. The house robbery this article references happened just two years later.
Jan. 17
1924: The following were topics of Classified Ads in the Jan. 15, 1924 edition of the Henry Bulletin (which published on Tuesdays and Fridays):
· Virginia Furniture Co. pays 5 cent per pound for clean white and colored rags delivered to the factory.
· Rough & Ready Mills buys your corn delivered to the mill.
· J.F. Merriman of Edgewood was selling a pair of 7-year-old work mules, who were gentle, would work anywhere and weighed about 100 pounds each.
· A “practically good as new” Thomas Electric Washing Machine was for sale; the buyer would write into Box 435, Martinsville, for more information.
1949: Construction of a concrete skating area, a wading pool and a bathroom at North Martinsville playground began on this day. The costs were: skating area, $2,447.75; bathroom, $1,425.75; wading pool, $812. The City also bought 500 cross ties from Norfolk and Western to reinforce the embankment.
1974: Del. Garry G. DeBruhl of Patrick County, 37, was named to head the Committee on Militia and Police; Del. Randall Reynolds of Chatham, 68, was named to head the House Agriculture committee.
1999: The Lonesome River Band played in a fundraising concert for Piedmont Arts. Members were Sammy Shelor, Ronnie Bowman, Kenny Smith and Don Rigsby.
Jan. 18
1924
Front page article in the Jan. 18 edition of the Henry Bulletin, with the headline “Elks Enjoy Morris Prager’s apples”: “One of the pleasant incidents of the holiday season that deserve notice, was the present of a barrel of fine apples from Morris Prager, of Martinsville, to a member of the Danville Lodge, who sent the fruit to Dodd and Shelton, members of that lodge, who are residents here. The last named gentleman dealt them out and they were received as an evidence of the kindly spirit of the donors.”
1949
John E. Shumate, clerk of Henry County, reported one of the largest, or perhaps the largest, transaction for the purchase of timber: $175,000 paid by Craig Brothers Lumber Co. of Spencer to all the standing timber on the lands of the late H.C. Gravely of Leatherwood. That was an estimated 10 to 15 million board feet of pine, oak and poplar, much of it considered to be virgin growth, over 2,400 acres. The Craig Brothers had 5 years in which to cut it. The minimum circumference to cut was 8 inches on pine and 10 on other species.
1974
Mrs. Richard Berkhead of Fieldale told the Stroller that sparrows have built a nest in her kitchen-window air-conditioning unit, and eggs have hatched and birds are chirping, as if it were springtime.
Also 1974, James E. Covington Jr., formerly of Beaver Creek in Henry County, bought the Patrick Henry Mall from Commercial Properties of N.C. for $1,849,111.47.
1999
Teach-Ins to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day were held Jan. 18 at First Baptist East Martinsville, where Rev. Charles Whitfield led the program and Carl Johnson, Jackie Devon, Youtha Carter, Barbara Jackson, Ophelia Griggs and Katherine Hairston taught classes; Mt. Olive Holiness Church, with Rev. Roer Morrison; and High Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, led by Alice Stockton.
2024
Melinda and Michael Ward are bringing a branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to Martinsville and Henry County; MHS junior Rickyah Mitchell-Hairston was presented a state championship ring for state track finals.
Jan. 19
1924
The Social Welfare Committee was composed of one representative from each of the area churches. The board was Rev. C.H. Phipps, chair, Mrs. S.S. Stephens, secretary; Mrs. J.W.S. Robins, Mrs. E.J. Davis, Mrs. F.P. Turner and Mrs. A.S. Gravely. The committee, part of the Henry County Red Cross, investigated “cases of need and suffering and to render assistance where it is needed, and the public is urged to report such cases”. On this day in 1924, the committee was sorting through donations after its Jan. 17 canvass through the town for worn clothing and bed clothes to give to the needy.
1949
Seventeen Martinsville and Henry County furniture manufacturing officials were at the Southern Furniture Manufacturers show which opened on this day in High Point, N.C. – from American Furniture Co., W.M. Bassett Furniture Co., Gravely Novelty Furniture Co., Hooker-Bassett Furniture Co., Martinsville Novelty Co., Morris Novelty Furniture Col, Bassett Furniture Co., Stanley Furniture Co.
Martinsville’s new $500,000 filtration water plant went into operation on this day in 1949. Water was filtered at the new plant on Jones Creek. It has five 1-million-gallons per day filters. The city’s plant was built in 1926, and eight years later a steel reservoir of one and a half million gallon capacity was built. In 1940 to more half-million-gallons per day filters were added.
1974
James E. Covington Jr., formerly of Beaver Creek in Henry County, bought the Patrick Henry Mall from Commercial Properties of N.C. for $1,849,111.47.
1999
The Harlem Globetrotters performed Jan. 19 at Bassett High School, where more than 2,500 watched. Among them were Noel Chitwood and his sons, Will and Alex. Children Brandon Martin and Rebecca Byrd were pulled onto the court to join in the play.
2024
American Legion Homer Dillard Post #78 seeks help in paving its parking lot, estimated at $45,000, the Henry County Enterprise reports. Formed in 1931, the Post has 182 members. It was founded on 4 Pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation; National Security; Americanism, and Children & Youth. Members make up about 70% of the MHC Honor Guard, which conducts 250 burial ceremonies a year.
Jan. 20
1924
A new Post Office Department was moving into a portion of the new $25,000 building of the Stuart Developing Company. The building was steam-heated. The post office had more than 200 locked boxes.
1949
One hundred eight people enrolled in the adult education program at Martinsville High School on the program’s first night. The largest enrollment was for driver training, with 39. Other courses offered included woodwork, blueprint reading, sewing, Bible literature, shorthand, English, typing and office practices. Classes were held Monday and Wednesday nights.
1974
Construction was going on for the Collinsville Jaycees’ Henry County Recreational Park in Collinsville. The Jaycees were scheduling a radiothon for Feb. 3 to raise $50,000 to complete what would be the county’s first public park. It is located on 28 acres at the start of the Parkwood Court subdivision on Colonial Drive. Construction began on Dec. 1, 1973, on the $200,000 park, after a five-year effort.
1999
Prices at Taylor’s Supermarket, at Northside & Clearview: Tomatoes, 79 cents per pound; bananas, 29 cents per pound; cabbage, 19 cents per pound; Valleydale sausage, $1.09 for 1 pound; Red & Golden Delicious apples, 69 cents per pound; half a gallon of buttermilk, $1.09.
2024
The Martinsville Bulletin reports that a crash sent a police officer to the hospital after a teenager drove a car head-on into it near the intersection of Jefferson Circle and Finley Street.
Jan. 21
1924
Reports from Banner Warehouse tobacco sales:
· H.G. Foley of Axton sold 938 pounds at $325.56, with prices ranging from 70 pounds at 13 ½ cents to 22 pounds at 73 cents.
· G.W. McDonald of Axton sold 1,096 pounds at $368.57, with prices ranging from 62 pounds at 17 ½ cents to 484 pounds at 40 cents.
1949
Construction has begun behind the J.D. Bryant store in preparation for the erection of a hydro-electric substation to be built in the city, at an estimated cost of $140,000. When finished, the city’s electric system would be divided into four circuits.
1974
The Supreme Court struck down regulations that forced school teachers off the job in the early months of pregnancy regardless of individual ability to continue work. City Schools Superintendent John Richmond said the “doctor makes the decision” in the case of a city teacher. Mrs. Irene Martin, personnel director of Henry County, said there is no written policy; the school system works with the family doctor on the best time for the teacher to leave. Franklin County Supt. C.I. Dillon Jr. said his system’s “five-month policy” was abandoned about two years ago and presently the doctor’s advice carries a good dela of weight on deciding when to begin maternity leave.
1999
The Lonesome River Band played in a fundraising concert for Piedmont Arts. Members were Samy Shelor, Ronnie Bowman, Kenny Smith, Don Rigsby.
Oak Level Ruritan Club officers for 1999: Lee Howell, president; Bob Ramsey, vice president; R.J. Fisher, secretary; Jesse Frith, treasurer; and Stacy Seay, Ira Seay and Ray Frith, directors; and past president Jesse Cannaday. Ira Sea was names Ruritan of the Year for 1998.
Jan. 22
1924
Headline in the Jan. 22, 1924, Henry Bulletin: “Does Growing Tobacco in Henry County Pay? See What Mr. McDonald Has to Say Regarding It.” The story reports that George W. McDonald sold his entire crop at Banner Warehouse, a total of 9,436 pounds for $2,688.53. He “made thirteen curings with the help of his boys, not hiring any outside help. He also made his farm produce enough corn, wheat and meat to take care of his family and stock.”
1949
Attorney Clarence P. Kearfott was elected president of Martinsville Community Chest.
1974
Paul Gilley and Burton Taylor of the Bassett Special Police Department were dismissed from their jobs, the Bulletin reported; they said that Bassett Furniture Industries had ordered the Bassett police not to cooperate with the Henry County Sheriff’s Department and that they should not arrest Bassett Industries employees, so as not to hurt production. BFI released a statement saying that starting Jan. 21, 1974, or sooner, it would pay in full the salaries of a reduced Bassett police force and cover all its costs, so that the police would provide police protection for Bassett and control industrial traffic. School traffic control would be turned over to the county.
1999
Stanley Furniture Co. announced that it would spend $10 million to expand its plants in Stanleytown and Lexington, N.C., and add 200 to 250 jobs, most of them in Stanleytown. Albert Prillaman was the company president at the time. That move was to increase production of its bedroom and Young America youth lines.
Tultex had been a “partner in excellence” with Carver Middle School, and some Tultex employees would go to the schools to spend an hour every other week with a specific student.
The U.S. Department of Labor ruled that Fieldcrest-Cannon Inc. would have to pay nearly $200,000 to 204 women who were denied entry-level jobs in 1996 at the Fieldale plant because of their gender. The company also had to hire 15 of the women and give them seniority as of the day they first applied for the jobs.
2024
VF Corp. announces data breach on 35.5 million customers; a survey by the Center for Effective Philanthropy shows Harvest grantees are satisfied; both reported by the Martinsville Bulletin.
Jan. 23
1924
Gerald W. King, distributor, (Phones 17 & 454) of Martinsville sold the Anderson Aluminum Six car, with optional Balloon Tires, described as 32x6 tires inflated to only 20 pounds pressure. “These tires ride over stones, holes, cobbles, railroad tracks and almost every form of obstruction as though on an asphalt boulevard. They will revolutionize motoring. … You have never experienced anything like the sensation of riding in the Anderson equipped with these balloon tires. Everyone will be talking about it soon.” King’s slogan was “A Southern Car for southern People.”
1949
Counsel appointed for the Martinsville Seven: Frank Hairston Jr., 18, was assigned attorney William F. Carter of Martinsville; Joe Henry Hampton, 19, Joseph H. Whitehead of Chatham; James Luther Hairston, 20, Clarence P. Kearfott of Martinsville; Booker T. Millner, 19, Claude E. Taylor Jr.; Howard Lee Hairston, 18, S.D. Martin; Francis De Sales Grayson, 37, W.L. Joyce of Stuart; John Clabon Taylor, 20, Frank P. Burton of Stuart. Prosecution would be by Commonwealth’s Attorney Cubine and W.R. Broaddas Jr., former Commonwealth’s attorney for Henry County.
The following day would be election day, with the matter to be decided whether or not Martinsville should move to a city-manager form of government. Two cab companies, Virginia Cab Company and Southside Cab Company, offered free rides to the polls, but asked that only people with no other way to get to the polls take advantage of the offer. Arrangements were made through the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Citizens Committee for City Manager.
1974
Martinsville and Henry County officials signed a regional sewage treatment contract, ending nearly 10 months of controversy, the Bulletin reported. It provides for treatment along U.S. 220 south to Ridgeway, along U.S. 58 east and the Beaver Creek watershed. The City and County are to cooperate and share the expense of the present and any future facilities. Melvin Brown was the chair of the Henry County Board of Supervisors and Francis T. West was the Martinsville mayor. John G. Adkins was the Public Service Authority chairman.
1999
At the Flying Dutchman Lounge, Tuesday Night was Ladies Night, starting at 9 p.m., while Wednesday night was Karaoke America. Movies playing at the Rives Theatre were “You’ve Got Mail” and “Thin Red Line.”
The 1998 Martinsville-Henry County Association of REALTORS Diamond Sales Award winners, who had $4 million in sales for that year, were Doris Berry, Dee DeHart, Mary Rives Brown, Alice Elmore, Anne Marks and Cathy Spencer. Platinum Award Winners, with between $3 million and $3.99 million, were Vern Berry, Hilda Cockram, Brenda Vaughn and Jan K. Wright. Wanda Green was the REALTOR of the Year; Liz Leach was Affiliate of the Year; Dee Dehart was winner of the Unit Production Award for the year and V. Rod Berry was the Rookie of the Year.
2024
Aaroa Hairston is Teacher of the Year for Martinsville.
Jan. 24
1924
The Bank of Fieldale’s Statement of Financial Condition for Dec. 31, 1923, was announced:
Total Resources, $85,123.79 (including $63,978.31 in loans); Liabilities, $85,123.31 (including $67,818.85 in deposits). The report was presented by cashier H.A. Sigmond and attested by J.F. Wilson, R.M. Joyce and S.B. May.
1949
Mayor Nick Prillaman and the eight members of city council – J.R. Walker, Rieves S. Hodnett, C.P. Craig, W.T. Turner, E.A. Sale, O.V. Hukey and Rives S. Brown Jr., issued a statement urging voters to choose the city manager form of government, which would be decided this day at the polls.
1974
Robin Largen, a freshman at Drewry Mason High School, offered baton twirling lessons at the school at 50 cents per lesson, with proceeds to be donated to the band. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alvis E. Largen who then lived in Shannon Hills, Ridgeway.
1999
Officials were worried and planning ahead for any potential problems caused by Y2K – the worry that computer systems would not be compliant with the arrival of the year 2000. Many computer systems used only a 2-digit method of noting the year, meaning that 1999 would be noted as “99,” so when the year changed to 2000, people thought the system would input that date as “00” and recognize it as 1900. Bob Tuggle was the information services manager for Henry County, working on getting the computers compliant.
2024
The closed Patrick County hospital will not reopen after all, the Martinsville Bulletin reported. In August 2020, it had been announced that it would open as Foresight Hospital. It had closed in 2017 after owners Pioneer Health Services out of Mississippi filed for bankruptcy in 2016 due to financial hardships.
Jan. 25
1924
This ad by Roy Prillaman of Martinsville: Choice Cuts – Fresh – Tasty. Come in and see for yourself what splendid fresh Meats we carry and at what reasonable prices. Whenever in need, ’phone us 157-12 for some nice, juicy, fresh Meat and see what fine quality and service we give.”
1949
The city manager style of government passed by Martinsville voters.
1974
Classified ads in the Martinsville Bulletin: Rents at Northview Gardens on Stultz Road start at: 2 bedroom, $115; 3 bedroom, $129. All rents include gas, electricity, water and AIR CONDITIONING. For more information, call agent Executive Management & Realty. / Rock Forest Apartments, featuring: wall to wall carpet, balcony, swimming pool, cable TV hookup, dishwasher, disposal, range, refrigerator; from 1 to 3 bedrooms; small pets allowed; Rockford Road off Colonial Drive. $140 to $180.
1999
Sixty-one-year-old Geraldine Lawson Gillispie of Bassett and her granddaughter, Emily Clara Strugill, died in a crash when a rollback wrecker failed to stop and crushed her car into a school bus. Emily’s 11-year-old brother, Andrew Christian Sturgill, crawled out the back window of the car with help from a man who lived nearby.
2024
Joel Barnes of Horsepasture is the winner of the 2023 Jack Dalton Community Service Award. Barnes owned and operated the Old Country Store for 35 years and for 46 years has served the Horsepasture Volunteer Fire Department and Horsepasture Volunteer Rescue Squad.
Jan. 26
1924
In 1924, if you wanted to raise a hog within the corporate limits of the town of Martinsville, you first had to get a permit from the Health Officer. They could be gotten on Saturdays, Jan. 19 and 26. The Town Councilor had passed this ordnance which requires: (1) hogs had to be kept at least 50 feet away from any building, street or public alley; and (2) each hog had to be kept in a pen with at least 48 square feet of floor space or in an enclosed lot with at least 100 square feet of ground space, at least 12 inches from the ground, built of good material and clean and sanitary at all times.
1949
Groups counted up proceeds from the previous night’s fundraisers for the March of Dimes campaigns: a benefit card party at Club Martinique, $150, chair Jo DeShazo; from spectators at a DuPont-Fontaine basketball game, $77.
1974
Patrick Henry Community College, with the cooperation of Martinsville Singing Men and other interested men and women from the area, will present Hayden’s choral work “The Creation” March 31 at First Presbyterian Church. The nucleus of the proposed 80-member choir will be provide by the Martinsville Singing Men, with Mrs. Katherine C. Tuggle as director of both.
1999
Henry County Attorney Robert Haley was drafting an ordinance that would not allow mobile homes built before 1976 to be placed in the county, though ones that were here already could remain. That was on the recommendation from county Director of Building Inspection Randolph Lester, after two children died earlier in the month in a fire at a 1972-model mobile home.
2024
Martinsville Circuit Judge G. Carter Greer has denied West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, his family and related businesses a request to set aside a demand for repayment of $302 million in defaulted loans, the Martinsville Bulletin reports.
2024
A drug bust in Koehler resulted in the seizure of narcotics and firearms by a SWAT team, the Martinsville Bulletin reported.
Jan. 27
1924
The Danville Register reported that the Whitmell Farm Life School near Danville has been named one of the four best schools in the U.S. by the Pierre DuPont foundation and “is now being held up as an ideal rural institution and one which the people of Delaware might well emulate.”
1949
Attorney Joseph H. Whitehead of Chatham, representing Joe Henry Hampton of the Martinsville Seven, notified Commonwealth’s Attorney Irvin W. Cubine that he would waive a preliminary hearing for his client.
1974
In the Bulletin’s Stroller column: Pfc. Allen Custer of 1006 Adell St. was stationed overseas, watching the movie “The Last American Hero” when he was happy to see scenes filmed in Martinsville, such as the Speedway and the lakes and ducks at the speedway.
1999
Stanley Furniture reported net sales of $247.4 million, a 16.7 increase over the previous year.
The City was making improvements to Hooker Field and facilities in expectation that the Houston Astros’ Appalachian League would play out of it. The City had lost the Martinsville Phillies, operated by the Philadelphia Phillies, earlier in the year.
Jan. 28
1924
C.P. Kearfott & Son of The Square, Martinsville, had for sale the New Columbia: Everything that goes to make up the New Columbia is a distinct achievement in phonograph construction. The new motor is a perfect piece of mechanism. The automatic start and stop device and the one control leaves are exclusive features … The New Columbia has amazed thousands with its wonderful purity of tone and its fidelity of reproduction.
1949
1948 was a record-making year in new construction in Martinsville, officials announced. A total of 347 permits marked $2,257,279 in new construction. Nineteen plumbing and heating permits totaled an additional outlay of $183,284.
1974
Ad in the Bulletin: “New Disposable Wigs – Costs less than a trip to the beauty shop. Manufactured to sell for $24.80; The sensational wig idea for the girl on the go, only $4.99. Trans World introduces the new throw-away wig you can wear a week, a month or keep permanently. The set stays on and on. This wig will give you more than a month’s wear for less than it costs to fix your hair. Trans-World Wig Imports, Patrick Henry Mall.
1999
State Sen. Roscoe Reynolds, D-Ridgeway, and Del Ward Armstrong, D-Collinsville, introduced budget amendments to give the Virginia Museum of Natural History $9 million to go along with the $1 million the state already and authorized it for construction. The state also had given VMNH $650,000 for planning and design.
In Richmond, Cari Zimmer was honored by the Virginia Museum of Natural History with the William Barton Rogers Individual Award for her volunteer work, and Crestar Bank won the William Barton Rogers Corporate Award; bank president Joe Philpott accepted the award.
Jan. 29
1924
On Jan. 29, 1924, a front-page article in the Henry Bulletin announced that C.W. Holt & Co. is developing into into “a large department store and, for that purpose, its change of location” by March 1. It would “occupy the new Burch Building on Church Street facing Walnut, next door to Piedmont Trust Bank.” It would take up both the ground floor and the basement.
1974
The county’s three special police forces (Bassett, Stanleytown, Fieldale) were supported partially by industries and partially by the county. There had been allegations that the industries did not allow the officers to assist the county when requested to do so, so the county Board of Supervisors met to vote on the matter. It tied, so the matter holds up to 30 days for tie-breaker William F. Franck to vote. However, the board did vote to approve a study by Sheriff C.P. Witt, Commonwealth’s Attorney Roscoe Reynolds and the Henry County School Board on the feasibility of using women as school guards to free up the men deputies for other purposes.
The Collinsville Volunteer Fire Department got a new fully equipped fire truck for $29,700. The department spent about $5,000 on its building at First Street and John Redd Boulevard to accommodate it. Reggie Fulcher was the fire chief, William D. Gusler was the assistant chief and G.W. Gusler was the chairman of the truck committee.
1999
Henry County Sheriff Frank Cassell announced on Jan. 29 that he would seek a third four-year term in the November general election, but when that term expires he would not run again. (Yet run again he would, in 2003, against challenger Mike McPeek; he won that race by nearly 2,000 votes – but on Nov. 2, 2006, he was arrested by the FBI in connection with an alleged racketeering conspiracy within the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. He went on unpaid administrative leave a week later, retired a week after that; and in September 2007, he was sentenced to 8 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and a $15,000 fine for making a false statement to a federal agent.)
2024
Gov. Glenn Youngkin visited New College Institute Friday, touring the institution of higher learning and meeting with the NCI staff and board. He visited with the students and staff in programs, classes and events throughout the building.
Jan. 30
1924
Ad for C.W. Holt & Co., “Style of the Times”: Kerchiefs, new, crisp and clean – dainty effects in plain and fancy designs, 19 cents; Dainty Philipine Gowns, Fresh from the makers, $2.25; One Lot Boy’s Union Suits, Very good quality, Wilson Bros. make, sizes 10 to 16 years, 85 cents. Suits and overcoats on clearance sales, with prices ranging from $50 suits re-marked to $39, to $30 suits re-marked to $24.
1949
Kent Mathewson of Asheboro is named first city manager, effective March 1. He was the president of the N.C. City Managers Association.
1960
Livestock within Martinsville city limits was a controversial issue. There were still pens and stables housing the community livestock. However, the City Council was considering barring hogs from city limits. Cows, chickens and horses were still welcome, as long as they did not constitute a nuisance and kept mostly out of public view.
1974
In the Stroller: “Chief Grady Ratliff of the Patrick Henry Volunteer Fire Department says his firemen are being roused from sleep at odd hours by patrons who apparently don’t know how the phone-alarm system in that area operates … Home telephones of 10 members have a dual connection with a special fire department number. When that number is dialed, all 10 telephones sound a special intermittent ring until answered. In case a phone is busy, the users will be alerted by a special signal that someone is trying to get a fire alarm through. The 10 firemen (9 actually, because one is at the station) the special calls as they can, and not in any special order, Chief Ratliff cautions fire department patrons to exercise care in dialing the special alarm number. If it is misused too often, it will diminish the firemen’s efficiency. They might react like the man did in the story about the little boy who cried wolf too often.
1999
Country Cookin’ at Liberty Fair Mall served up your choice of chopped sirloin, mesquite salmon, liver & onions, steak & gravy or grilled tuna for $3.99. Side dishes were choice of baked potato, french fries or onion rings; each meal also included a salad, vegetable, soup, bread, soft serve and desserts.
2024
DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a school-based drug use prevention program taught by police officers for middle and high school students. It was started in 1983 in Los Angeles and spread rapidly after the U.S. Congress passed the Schools and Communities Act to promote drug abuse education, according to the National Institute of Justice. Its initial curriculum was used through 2009. In recent years Henry County Public Schools has been using the “Too Good for Drugs” program by Piedmont Community Services, but the school system decided to switch back to DARE, the Martinsville Bulletin reported. PCS, established in 1972, is one of 40 community service boards in Virginia, operated under regulations by the Virginia Department of Health and Developmental Services.
Jan. 31
1924
Sale at Sam Kolodny store, Brown’s Corner: 35 Canton Crepe and Flat Crepe dresses, sizes 16 to 42, all colors, “Wonderful values at $32.50, Special for Mill End Sale at $13.75.” Sheets, 81x90 inches, $1.39; pillow tubing, 32 cents per yard; ladies’ waterproof coats and capes, “made of silk rubberized material, in all colors,” $7.95 and $12.95.
1949
Jere Watkins of 224 Pine Street, a freshman at the University of Richmond, was among 11 passengers injured the night before when a Greyhound bus slide from the snowy highway and overturned down an embankment.
1960
Mrs. Roy K Hodnett was the president of Patrick Henry Garden Club, which in January met in the home of Mrs. Morton Lester. They enjoyed a presentation by County Agent George Pelland. Mrs. Carl Gunter was the president of Busy Bee Garden Club. Artificial Hogarth flower arrangements were the competition du jour. Mrs. Sam O. Fowler was president of the Martinsville Garden Club Auxiliary, which was hosted by Mrs. R. Turner Weaver at her home in Martinsville. They enjoyed a presentation of slides from Mrs. Robert Haskell, Jr.’s recent trip to Spain.
1974
Martin Stables is the host site of a “Stanley Party” to raise money for the Dyer Store Fire Department. Stanley was a company of products sold door to door.
1999
NAFTA – the North American Free Trade Agreement – just had its fifth anniversary. NAFTA at the time was reducing and ultimately would lift tariffs on items bought and sold among the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Local industry leaders, Chamber officials, workers and residents were debating on whether NAFTA was helping or hurting the area.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.