June 27 through the years
100 Years ago – 1925
The First National Bank of Martinsville moved into its new building, and visitors came in all day long on opening day to see the extravagant building. They were greeted by Mr. E.L. Williams, president; Mr. J.C. Greer, cashier; and Messers. H.N. Dyer and A.J. Lester, directors. Mesdames E.L. Williamson and Mrs. J.C. Greer presided over the punch bowl serving refreshing punch. Miss Martha Conway Greer and Miss Nina Gravely gave each lady guest a pretty rosebud and each gentleman a high grade cigar. The First National Bank opened to great fanfare, including a prayer service led by the ministers of the local churches: Rev. W.E. Roach, of Christ Church; Rev. W.B. Jet of First United Methodist; Rev. A.V. Shaw of Anderson Memorial Presbyterian; Rev. Charles M. Wales of Broad Street Christian; Dr. J.P. McCabe of First Baptist; and Rev. G.P. Watkins of the Presbyterian Church (a black church).
75 years ago – 1950
This large, 3-line headline ran at the very top of the newspaper page, above even the masthead: “Truman Orders Planes, Warships Into Action Against Red Forces – Power To Call Reserves Passes Test.” The Korean War started, with President Truman sending American forces to aid South Korean forces against Communist rule in the Far Pacific.
In Martinsville, the revised plumbing code was approved by City Council. The approved code did not contain the controversial provision requiring master plumbers to have a physical presence in a business-zoned area. In the city 22 plumbers worked from home, and the Martinsville Plumbers Association rallied against the proposed requirement.
50 years ago – 1975
Shumate & Jessie Furniture at 106-108 East Main St. had “Balloon Day’s Sale” in which the customer would pop a balloon to reveal a discount coupon inside for between 5% and 40% off. The sale include an “Extra Special Auction! New Sharp Micro Wave Oven sold to highest bidder over $10 – retail $299.95 – only one!” (That microwave oven’s price in today’s dollars would be $1,771.)
25 years ago – 2000
Habitat for Humanity finished its 16th house in the area, on Pine Street in Fieldale. The home’s new owner was Veronica Hairston, a mother of two who worked at Hardee’s as an assistant manager. She would repay Habitat $30,000, with payments between $200 and $250 each month. She and her family also volunteered a total of at least 500 hours in the construction of the house. Eighteen people were members of the local Habitat chapter, and Bill Adkins was its president. Nancy Philpott, a mortgage loan officer, was one of the members. The group met on the second Monday of every month at Starling Avenue Baptist Church.
When Elizabeth Haskell had her last meeting as a City Council member, she was given several gifts: a key to the city, a clock and a proclamation announcing June 27-30 as Elizabeth Haskell Week in the city. She had not run for re-election in the last elections. Ron Ferrill was elected then, and Bruce Dallas and Gene Teague were re-elected.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.