The Role the Jewish Community Played in Martinsville By Virginia R. King Many of us old-timers remember the Globman’s department store on Church Street.  It was a favorite place to get everything from shoes to china.  It was established by Abe Globman in 1915 on the courthouse square.  He was a Jewish immigrant from Russia. ... Read More

“Patrick Henry: His Life and Times in This Area”                                                             By Dr. Barry M. Dorsey An oil portrait of Patrick Henry hangs in the courtroom of... Read More

The Great Road Came Through Henry County                                           By Dr. Barry Dorsey                                              Transportation has always... Read More

A Story About a Boy Going to Town Doug Frith was an attorney who lived most of his life in Martinsville and Henry County. After retiring he wrote a book about his life to share with his family.  Upon visiting the Heritage Center and Museum one day, he showed me his book and allowed me... Read More

Martinsville and Henry County:  Three Major Job Transitions and the Future of Jobs By Dr. Barry M. Dorsey From its inception in October 1776, Henry County—and the entire region–have undergone at least three major job transitions, along with several “lesser” changes.  The region is still adjusting to the last of the changes. The Early Years... Read More

The Tobacco Industry in the City of Martinsville and Henry County By Steve Rucker In Henry County, tobacco was the chief agricultural crop for nearly two centuries and was the backbone of the economy for almost 150 years.  Henry County also gained worldwide distinction for its plug tobacco manufacturing. Tobacco was considered the same as... Read More

The Building of a Unique Mill Town; Fieldale, Virginia By Bea Bullard In the early 1900s, Marshall Field and Company wanted to expand their textile operations from North Carolina to another location.  So they chose this beautiful valley of over 1,800 acres of corn fields with the Smith River, the railroad tracks of the Norfolk... Read More

Rodman and the Courthouse Cannons By Johnny E. Nolen                In the year 1841, Thomas Jackson Rodman graduated from West Point Military Academy; number 7 in his class of 52. His first assignment from West Point was ordinance Corps officer at the U.S. Army Allegheny Arsenal in Pittsburg, PA. In 1844 he began working on... Read More

Early Education and Schools in Henry County by Virginia King, Martinsville   Free public education was not available in colonial days.  Wealthy planters in Colonial Virginia either hired a tutor, sent them to a private school or sent them to England or Scotland for their education.  Prior to the establishment of public schools, privately-operated community... Read More