June 19

By Holly Kozelsky and Pat Pion

100 Years ago – 1924

Ad in the Henry Bulletin:  “Phospho-Lithia Springs Hotel – Now Open for the Season – This well-known health resort near Ridgeway, Va., in a delightful woodland valley, about 500 yards from the main road to Martinsville and directly on the N.&W. Railway, affords those seeking rest and recreation to a delightful spot to while away the hot summer months, as well as enjoy the benefit derived from drinking this well-known water. Large dancing floor, bowling alley. Good bath, etc. Frequent subscription dances will be given. Music conducted by the well-known Piedmont Serenaders. Write for rates and Particulars to – Mrs. C.V. Ferguson, Manager, Ridgeway, Va.”       

75 years ago – 1949

Merchants reported heavy buying for Father’s Day during the two-day shopping period of Friday and Saturday, a sign that the holiday was increasing in importance. Father’s Day became a recognized holiday in 1910, but it was not such a big deal until after World War II, when the practice of honoring fathers really picked up.

1960

James E. Cox Jr., 11, of Martinsville, was hospitalized after his right hand was badly maimed in an explosion. He lost three middle fingers, and the little finger and thumb were partially injured. He and a friend were playing with a carbon dioxide cartridge. They had filled the egg-shaped metal cartridge with match heads from three books of matches, then James placed a pen into the cartridge to force the release of compressed air. Those cartridges, normally used by servicemen to inflate life belts when they are forced into water, commonly also were used to provide power or force to fly motor-driven toy planes.

[Regular readers of this column will notice that 1974 and 1999 have been left off. We’ve gotten behind and will add those in on June 20.]

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