Oct. 15
100 Years ago – 1924
In an open letter published on the front page of the Oct. 14, 1924, Henry Bulletin, Owen Easley resigned as secretary-treasurer and director of the Henry County Fair Inc. He wrote that he was resigning because the other directors permitted the operation of merchandise wheels, which recently had been outlawed by the state. “I do not disapprove of legitimate merchandise wheels and did all in my power to oppose the passage of the State law prohibiting them,” the letter states. “Now, however, that the law is on the statute books, my conscience will not permit me to be a party – even a reluctant and protesting party – to an action which, however, it may seem to the Directors, seems to me a deliberately planned acquiescence in a total disregard and violation of a State law, a State law which, I repeat, I most heartily disapprove …”
75 years ago – 1949
Underwood Insulation on Clift Street (Phone 9559) advertised Gold Bond Rock Wool insulation for sale, promising that it would save families 40% in fuel costs.
1960
“The Fieldcrest” yearbook at Fieldale High School won first place in its size class in the 26th annual contest and critique of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The contest was for books of all educational levels, elementary through university.
50 years ago – 1974
There was some talk that the Joseph Martin Elementary School, the oldest school in the City’s system, was being considered for closing. The school had an enrollment of 356. PTA members at the school had a petition with more than 1,600 signatures protesting a closure. The matter would be discussed at a Nov. 5 meeting of the School Board.
25 years ago - 1999
Textile firm Pluma closed its sewing plants in Martinsville and Vesta and held a going-out-of-business merchandise sale over the weekend, moving toward a December shutdown. It was the last day of work for 220 employees in Martinsville and 80 in Vesta. That left the distribution center in Martinsville with 75 people and 50 employees in the office and support staff, which was headquartered in the former Beaver Creek Plantation on King’s Mountain Road, now the headquarters of Carter Bank & Trust.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.