April 18

By Holly Kozelsky and Pat Pion

100 Years ago – 1924

Judge William Harrison of Chicago gave one of his famous lectures at the Farmers Warehouse to a large crowd. Admission was 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for schoolchildren. Prof. J.H. Thomas was master of ceremonies and Wm. R. Stultz was the committee chair. Harrison, a member of the Illinois Bar, addressed a large crowed at Farmers Warehouse. Harrison, a black attorney, was here on behalf of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; his topic was “an appeal for racial adjustment in this country through the establishment of a race-relationship based squarely on justice and righteousness for all,” the April 22 Henry Bulletin reported.

75 years ago – 1949

It was Easter Monday, and offices and most stores were closed, and all was unusually quiet, the Bulletin reported. It sounds like a good rest for John Matthews – who, the newspaper reported, had recently sold 988 state license tags in one hectic day.

1960

The area expected a quiet few days as most area workers and school children enjoyed the first long weekend holiday of the year. Twelve Easter Sunrise services were planned throughout the area, all state offices were closed and all city and county offices were closed, except essential services. All factories and banks also closed for the day, as well as most businesses. The weatherman promised balmy 85-degree weather.

50 years ago – 1974

Martinsville High School students beat the world bed-pushing record at Dan Greene Memorial Stadium, but they still kept pushing in their unique fundraiser that had earned them about $300. They succeeded in breaking the record of 725 miles set by British students. The dozen, led by Danny Turner, were members of the MHC Youth Council, which had been appointed by Martinsville City Council and the Henry County Board of Supervisors to serve as a liaison between kids and governing officials. The were to recommend youth-oriented projects for the community. The boys, in teams of four, were pushing the bed in shifts 24 hours a day, wearing sweatsuits donated by Pannill Knitting Co.

25 years ago - 1999

Martinsville native William F. Stone Jr. was selected as the new U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge for the Western District of Virginia.

— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin accessed on microfilm at the Martinsville Branch Library.