Oct. 2 through the years
100 Years ago – 1925
The Henry Bulletin on this day reported on the growth of New Bassett. The new plant there “has increased so tremendously in its output, as to require a large influx of new employees. Some months ago a splendid bridge was built across the river, and the growing white population made it necessary to lay out virtually a new town on the site formerly occupied by the colored laborers. It was necessary to provide for the colored people, so a road leading from the old bridge in the town, near the Baptist Church is being built around the bluff overlooking the town, and running for several miles will connect with the sand clay road near the George Craig home. Along this road suitable houses will be built for the negro employees of the two plants. The arrangement is much the same as that at Fieldale. … Bassett will have broadened out many miles, and will look like a great big city,” reads “Bassett Will Make Great Improvement.”
William W. Wright of Du Pont and Harry C. Gravely of the Gravely Novelty Company were the co-chairmen of the annual Community Chest campaign.
75 years ago – 1950
Area farmers brought heavy deliveries of tobacco to Martinsville markets. The more-than-usual amount was due to light rainfall two days before. Damp weather brings tobacco to the proper moister and texture for improved sales.
50 years ago – 1975
Renovation work was being done on the courthouse grounds. Henderson Inc., a general contracting firm based in Martinsville, laid brick for new sidewalks. The renovation and beautification project came after 5 years of planning by the MHC Chamber of Commerce, sponsors of the project, with the Henry County Board of Supervisors.
25 years ago - 2000
Kim Adkins, the executive director of the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, was recommending that the area join in on regional tourism marketing efforts. Statistics showed that the city received $300,000 in tax revenue each year thanks to tourism, and the county received about $680,000.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.