May 25 through the years

100 Years ago – 1925

Closing exercises of the 25th session of Piedmont Christian Institute, a school for black students, lasted all week long: Sunday, the annual sermon preached by Prof. R.A. Gooden; Monday, a musical recital by the Musical Department, under the direction of Miss Cora M. Hairston. That program featured some Spanish language by third-year high school students, assisted by Prof. Robert M. Hooker. Tuesday, the Elementary Department gave a program under the directions of Mesdames Willis, Gooden and Cothran. Wednesday and Thursday evening the Grammar Grades, coached by Mrs. G.A. Mebane, furnished entertainment. Friday, the exercises closed with a rendition of “Ten Nights in a Bar-room” by the High School Department, directed by Miss O.L. Howard who was assisted by Miss C.M. Hairston and others. The entire public was invited to attend all the programs and see the exhibits in Serving, Manual Training and Domestic Science.

75 years ago – 1950

A “Citizens Committee” which said it was from Martinsville asked Attorney General McGrath in Washington to help the Martinsville Seven. The Associated Press reported that the delegation was composed of both White and Negro Martinsville residents, but locally, their names were not known. The six were received by attorneys in the Civil Rights section of McGrath’s office, requesting a reduction of the death penalty.

50 years ago – 1975

Mrs. Frances Ramsey of 1100 Cherokee Trail was named Foster Parent of the Year. Over a 2 ½ - year span she had taken in nine children ranging in age from babies to teenagers.

25 years ago - 2000

Larry Aydlett, who had been the vice president of the MHC Chamber of Commerce for 32 years, received the Heck Ford Award, at the Chamber’s 41st Annual Meeting and Leadership Recognition Dinner at the Dutch Inn. It was the chamber’s highest honor.

— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.