Here is the daily history column for the last week of December (1925, 1950, 1975 and 2000). These fell behind because we at the museum were working around the clock on two new exhibits. If you love history, you must visit the MHC Heritage Museum at 1 E. Main St. We are waiting for you! (PHOTO: 1930s birds eye view of Liberty Street showing airplane hanger at left bottom)

The Time Out bar - Christmas shopping wars - electric transformer in Fieldale expanded. (PHOTO: 1922, Jones Street by the old courthouse)

1925, Confederate Memorial Appreciation Contest - 1950, Jaycees annual Christmas decorating contest - and a week’s worth of more! (PHOTO: 1890 balloonist at Oakwood Cemetery fell to his death)

We’re back! We got behind — not in reading the newspapers and writing this column, because it’s the hobby I do at night after all the chores are done, but in getting it all on the website, which is another step that takes a different amount of time. I was a month behind, so instead of listing them by the day, I’m grouping these by the week, just to get this done! To those who like to read these as much as I like to write them - thanks for your patience. - Holly (Photo: 220 north business coming into Martinsville 1940s. The old Tavern is on the left. The Tavern was below what is now the Riverhill Flea Market)

1925, “The Half-Way Girl”’ 1950, Santa leaves Chuckle Cabin headed for Martinsville; 1975, Axton F.D. officers; 2000, Lester signs to buy former Tultex property. PHOTO: Henry County Training School's Smith Hall with 18 rooms, from 1906-1943; started by Fayette St. Christian Church as Mts. Christian Institute.

1925, repairman J.A. Carter; 1950, free sausage-meat grinding; 1975, First National Bank of Bassett; 2000, Bruce Dallas leaves Democrats to go independent. PHOTO: Broad Street Baptist Church

1925, non-segregated hospital; 1950, Korean War heats up; 1975, rumors this was the last Christmas parade; 2000, work at J.D. Bassett Plant to stop. PHOTO: Bridge Street looking toward courthouse, R.P. Gravely photo

1925, “Surprise ‘her’” with your new Buick; 1950, Christmas Cheer’s first day; 1975, refugee families, 2000, Taylor’s Supermarket. PHOTO: corner of Bridge and Walnut

1925, annual Thanksgiving service; 1975, parking penalties lessened; 2000, black metal bunkbeds at Collinsville Furniture Market. PHOTO: A and P and Globmans

1925, dolls and stockings at C.W. Holt; 1950, Christmas clubs boost local economy; 1975, stamps go up to 13 cents; 2000, “A Millennium Christmas: A Christmas to Remember” parade with grand marshal Jack Rosemund. PHOTO: Billy Roger “Cowboy” Penn riding his horse in Bassett

1925, the thraldom of Marihuana; 1950, Fieldcrest workers stranded after snowstorm; 1975, Virgil Goode Sr. passes away; 2000, Black Friday at Liberty Fair Mall. PHOTO: old Bassett train depot

1925, Santa Claus Headquarters; 1950, killed by bird hunter; 1975, Bill Lynch warns that TV was hurting the movie industry; 2000, poultry farmers the Gregory family. PHOTO: Camp Branch School 1928

1925, Farris Bus Lines; 1950, Anderson Memorial Presbyterian Churhc, which was demolished in 1959, votes to build addition; 1975, Collinsville Alcohol Treatment Center; 2000, diamonds at Jacques Jewelers. PHOTO: Bassett Swinging Bridge

1925, Roanoke Road finished; 1950, Sgt. Harry Doss first one home from Korean War; 1975, Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy at Globman’s; 2000, cell phones $30 for 300 minutes. PHOTO: Barrow Mill northeast of Martinsville. Sawmill and gristmill. Gus Dyer and Miss Jessie Turner.

1925, Booster club motorcade; 1950, Good Samaritan Jimmy Moore; 1975, highway contractor goes bankrupt; 2000, Rich Acres first graders build teepees in their classroom. PHOTO: alley beside Globmans

1925, new Commandery of Knights Templar; 1950, Christmas Cheer officially formed; 1975, Angographic X-ray machine at hospital; 2000, Town and Country Garden Club of Bassett (PHOTO: 1917 Spencer Train Station Frank Perry)

1925, Booster Club evolves into Chamber of Commerce; 1950, Lester family offers land for bypass; 1975, the bearded and sandal-wearing Rev. James Harry Bonomo; 2000, plane wreckage found on Bull Mountain. PHOTO:

A.M. Dudleys ice house on South Bridge Street near railroad underpass, 1910, CA Richardson photo.

1925, Cross laundry truck upgraded; 1950, local men in Western Virginia Military Manpower Committee; 1975, Kroger opens in Druid Hills'; 2000, local scenes blanket by Carolina Designs of Cherokee Trail. PHOTO: Banner Warehouse, operated by E.J. Davis, burned down in 1951 after more than 40 years service

1925, prohibition advocates; 1950, 435 members in Pannill Post; 1975, not enough black city employees; 2000, Helen Richman back in town with concert. PHOTO: Ayers Sandwich Shop

1925, Magnavox Radios at Kearfott; 1950, Patrick HEnry Music Ass’n; 1975, “1776” musical; 2000, landlord charged with involuntary manslaughter. (PHOTO: Oct. 29, 1909, Glidden Tour along the National Highway from NY to Atlanta, eight gas buggies and 20 people showing that cars were safe and reliable.)