May 11
By Holly Kozelsky and Pat Pion
100 Years ago – 1924
The Danville & Western Railway Company decided, if allowed by the State Corporation Commission, to discontinue stations at Aiken Summitt, Burnt Chimneys, Preston and Stella.
A major evangelical revival meeting at Farmers Warehouse by the Rev. Dr. E.E. Dudley came to a close. Area businesses closed during the time of his revival, as he had requested they do. More than 200 people “gave public expression of faith or renewal of their faith in Christ,” the Henry Bulletin reported on May 13, 1924. Dudley received $745 in offerings. That included: “Representatives of the Jim Bob Bondurant Ku Klux Klan N. 29 robed in their ghostly uniforms, with mask, entered quietly and sedately, and marched up the aisle to the platform. The chief carried the firy cross, lighted with small electric lamps, and with him marched an attendant bearing the stars and stripes. Dr. Dudley was presented by the klan with a $50 note, intended to express the Klan’s approval of the splendid work being done in this meeting, and which was accompanied by a letter to the evangelist. Mr. Dudley expressed his appreciation and accepted it from the Klan, he said upon the statement of its principles contained in the letter as purely American in all ideals and standing for the preiminence of the White race in America, the separation of church and state, and justice for all.”
75 years ago – 1949
Axton tobacco farmer Reuben Davis reported that a few of the growers in that area had transplanted tobacco. Most of the growers in the area reported damage by blue mold, and more damage was expected due to a rainy spell.
1960
Fritz Mann, pro at Forest Park Country Club, announced that the club would not stage an invitational golf tournament in 1960, to accommodate construction of the nine-hole addition to the course. The new course in Chatmoss was also well under way. By the end of the golfing season Martinsville and Henry County would have two 18-hole golf courses.
Boys desiring to play Midget League Baseball gathered at Brown Street Field to fill out registration blanks. With 13 teams in the Martinsville Recreation Department sponsored circuit, more boys than ever would play. The season would begin on June 6 and end on July 29. The teams were sponsored by various businesses and professional groups in the area.
50 years ago – 1974
The U.S. 220-58 Martinsville bypass was under construction at a cost of $30 million. Albert Brothers Contractors had the $8.6 million contract for the first section of the bypass from Bassett Forks to Rought 609 west of Fieldale; it was scheduled to be open in October 1975. Bids on the second section, to be named William F. Stone Highway, were to open May 15, 1974; it would cover from Route 609 to U.S. 58 West. The third section, from 58 West to 220 South, would be advertised for bids June 5, 1974.
25 years ago - 1999
It was Career Day at Figsboro Elementary School. Kindergartener Hunter Wells, son of William and Sandra Wells, dressed up as a veterinarian; Tiffany Smith, daughter of Dennis and Deborah Smith, was a hairdresser; and Benjamin Compson-Lawson, son of Mary Compson, was a chef. Speakers included R.E. Mike Seidle, Henry County supervisor; Donald “Jay Scott” Fields of WMVA; Charles Roark of Star News; and Patricia Kroger of Henry County Public Schools (talking about newspapers and public relations).
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin accessed on microfilm at the Martinsville Branch Library.